Patrick Oconnell
The length of time bagged cheese stays good depends on several factors, including the type of cheese, how it's stored, and whether it has been opened. Hard cheeses like Parmesan and Swiss will typically last longer than softer cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella. Proper storage is crucial, as cheese should be kept dry, cold, and away from new bacteria to maximize its shelf life. In a food service environment, cheese is generally considered good for 5 days after opening, but it may still be edible after this period if properly stored and handled. Freezing can also extend the lifespan of bagged cheese, but the quality may deteriorate over time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage conditions | Bagged cheese should be kept in the refrigerator at all times. |
| Packaging | Bagged cheese should be tightly sealed in its original packaging or placed in resealable plastic bags or airtight containers. |
| Expiration dates | Expiration dates on bagged cheese are not required by law and are the manufacturer's estimate of when the food will taste its best. Cheese can usually be eaten after its expiration date as long as it has been stored properly. |
| Shelf life | Hard cheeses like Parmesan and Swiss should be eaten within a month of purchase. Soft cheeses like Cheddar and Mozzarella will only be good for one to two weeks after purchase. |
| Freezing | If you freeze bagged cheese, it is recommended to eat it within six months of purchase. Properly stored, shredded cheese will maintain its best quality for about eight months in the freezer but will remain safe beyond that time. |
| Food safety | Bacteria grow rapidly at temperatures between 40 °F and 140 °F; bagged cheese should be discarded if left out for more than two hours at room temperature. |
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Freezing bagged cheese
Bagged cheese can be frozen to extend its shelf life. However, some types of cheese freeze better than others. Hard cheeses like parmesan and Swiss freeze decently, while soft cheeses like mozzarella and gouda should be avoided unless they are going to be used for sauces or dips. The consistency of soft cheeses can become crumbly and their taste can be affected.
To freeze bagged cheese, it is important to prevent freezer burn by squeezing out as much air as possible before sealing the bag. It is also recommended to wrap the cheese as airtight as possible, ensuring there is no moisture on it before wrapping. Additionally, cheese should be frozen in the shape that it will be used; for example, if you plan to shred the cheese, it is best to shred it before freezing.
Frozen bagged cheese can last for up to six months without significantly affecting its taste or quality. However, it is important to note that the texture of the cheese may change, and it is best to reserve frozen cheese for cooking rather than serving it as a table cheese.
Some people prefer to freeze blocks of cheese and grate them as needed, as this can help the cheese last longer. However, pre-shredded cheese can also be frozen and used as needed, making it a convenient option for those who want to extend the shelf life of their bagged cheese.
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Expiration dates
The expiration dates printed on bags of shredded cheese are not mandated by law but are instead placed there voluntarily by the manufacturer. According to food scientist Janilyn Hutchings, these dates are "merely the manufacturer's estimate of when food will taste its best". She goes on to say that "all foods, including shredded cheese, can usually still be used or eaten after their expiration dates—as long as they've been stored properly".
Once a bag of shredded cheese is opened, the type of cheese will determine how long it lasts. Hard cheeses like Parmesan and Swiss should be eaten within a month of purchase. In contrast, soft cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella will only be good for one to two weeks after the bag is opened. If you intend to freeze your bag of shredded cheese, it is recommended to eat it within six months from the date of purchase.
When it comes to shredded cheddar cheese specifically, it is important to keep it refrigerated at all times to maximise its shelf life. To maintain freshness, seal the original packaging tightly or transfer the cheese to resealable plastic bags or airtight containers. Once opened, an average package of shredded cheddar cheese will last for about five to seven days in the refrigerator. If you plan to freeze shredded cheddar cheese, seal the original packaging tightly and place it in the freezer. For freezing periods longer than two months, use a heavy-duty freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. Properly stored, shredded cheddar cheese will maintain its best quality for about eight months, but it will remain safe to consume beyond that timeframe.
In a food service environment, cheese is generally considered good for five days after it is opened, provided that basic food safety practices are followed, such as avoiding cross-contamination and maintaining proper hand hygiene. Additionally, it is worth noting that hard cheeses will generally take longer to develop mould than soft cheeses.
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Storage conditions
The longevity of bagged cheese depends on the type of cheese and how it is stored. Bagged cheese can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
Refrigerator Storage
To maximise the shelf life of bagged cheese in the refrigerator, it is important to seal the cheese tightly. Seal the original packaging tightly or place the cheese in resealable plastic bags or airtight containers. Hard cheeses like parmesan and Swiss should be eaten within a month of purchase when stored in the refrigerator. Soft cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella will only be good for one to two weeks after purchase when stored in the refrigerator.
Freezer Storage
To store shredded cheese in the freezer, seal the original packaging tightly and place it in the freezer. If freezing for longer than two months, place the package inside a heavy-duty freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. When stored in the freezer, shredded cheese will maintain the best quality for about eight months but will remain safe beyond that time. It is recommended to eat the cheese within six months of purchase for the best quality.
General Storage Tips
To ensure the longevity of bagged cheese, it is important to keep the cheese dry and away from new bacteria. Avoid touching the cheese with your hands to prevent contamination.
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Soft cheese
Once opened, soft cheeses will typically last around one to two weeks in the refrigerator when wrapped properly. To prevent soft cheese from drying out and risking contamination from other food items in the fridge, avoid using plastic wrap, as this traps moisture and accelerates oxidation. Instead, use packaging that allows the cheese to breathe, such as wax paper, parchment paper, or cheese paper, and then store the wrapped cheese in an airtight container. If you want to store the cheese in its original plastic packaging, seal it in an airtight container like a Ziploc bag or Tupperware. Fresh cheeses like mozzarella and feta should be kept in brine between uses.
Always throw away soft cheese if you see mould. Unlike hard cheeses, where it is safe to cut off the mouldy part, soft cheeses should be discarded entirely if mould appears, as it is no longer safe to eat. This includes spreadable cheeses, tubs of cheese like ricotta, and bags of shredded cheese. Additionally, always throw out any cheese with red or black mould, regardless of the type of cheese.
It is important to familiarise yourself with the smell of fresh cheese to help determine when it has gone bad. For example, mozzarella should not smell yeasty, while blue cheeses like Roquefort should never have a sour smell, like that of ammonia.
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Hard cheese
To extend the shelf life of hard cheese, proper storage is crucial. Avoid wrapping hard cheese in tight, non-porous materials like plastic wrap, as it can dry out the cheese. Instead, wrap it in porous materials like wax, parchment, or cheese paper to maintain moisture. Keep the cheese in an airtight container, such as a Ziploc bag or Tupperware, and store it in the fridge below 40°F (4°C). With proper storage, some hard cheeses like Parmesan can last for 6-8 months without issues.
It is important to familiarize yourself with the smell, texture, and taste of your hard cheese when it is fresh. These senses can be good indicators of cheese quality. If the hard cheese is weeping moisture or has turned brittle and dry, it has likely gone bad. Additionally, a significant change in flavor, such as from mild to sharp or nutty to sour, indicates spoilage.
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Frequently asked questions
Bagged shredded cheese will stay good for about 5 to 7 days in the refrigerator after being opened. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Frozen shredded cheese will maintain its best quality for about 8 months but will remain safe to eat beyond that time.
Bacteria grow rapidly at temperatures between 40 °F and 140 °F. Bagged shredded cheese should be discarded if left out for more than 2 hours at room temperature.
Yes, the type of cheese matters. Hard cheeses like Parmesan and Swiss should be eaten within a month of purchase. Soft cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella will only be good for one to two weeks after purchase.
