Chao Cheese: How Long Does It Last?

Vegan cheese is prone to spoilage and can go mouldy, just like regular cheese. The shelf life of vegan cheese depends on several factors, including the brand, type of cheese, and how it is stored. Chao Creamery dairy-free cheese slices are one of the most popular alternatives to dairy cheese. They are made with fermented chao tofu, which adds an umami factor to each flavour. While the product is usually refrigerated, one source describes how they kept the cheese unrefrigerated for 5 days, and it remained edible.

Unrefrigerated Chao cheese slices can be left out for up to 5 days

It is important to note that this review is based on the experience of a single user and may not be indicative of the typical shelf life of unrefrigerated Chao cheese slices. Additionally, the cheese in this review was stored in a ziploc bag, which may have provided some protection from the elements.

In general, vegan cheese is similar to regular cheese in that it can go mouldy and spoil. The shelf life of vegan cheese can vary depending on the brand, type of cheese, and storage conditions. Most vegan cheese products recommend consuming the cheese within 7 days of opening, but some can last for a few weeks to a month.

To extend the shelf life of Chao cheese slices, it is recommended to store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to prevent exposure to air, moisture, and other contaminants. Proper storage can help keep the cheese fresh and edible for a longer period of time.

Refrigerated Chao cheese typically has a shelf life of 2-3 months

Chao cheese is a popular dairy-free cheese alternative produced by Field Roast's Chao Creamery division. It is one of the few cheese alternative brands that produces in its own dedicated dairy-free facility. Chao Creamery uses fermented chao tofu to set their dairy-free cheese apart, adding an "umami" factor to each flavor.

Chao cheese can be purchased in bulk quantities at Costco, and is also sold at Target, Safeway, Albertsons, and Sprouts stores in the U.S., and in select Costco regions in the U.S. and Canada. It can be found in the refrigerated section.

Chao cheese can be kept unrefrigerated for at least 5 days, according to one source who reported that it tasted fine after this period, although it did become greasy and floppy during the day when the temperature rose.

Homemade vegan cheese will last for around 3 months when frozen

Vegan cheese is just like regular cheese in that it can go mouldy and spoil. However, there are a few things you can do to make it last longer.

Firstly, it's important to note that homemade vegan cheese will last for around 3 months when frozen. This is a great option if you batch-make cheese or buy in bulk. To get the maximum amount of time in your freezer, be sure to wrap the cheese 2-3 times in plastic wrap, beeswax paper, or greaseproof paper to create a barrier that will stop freezer burn from damaging the cheese. Then, place the cheese deep in the freezer where it will be safe from fluctuating temperatures when the freezer door is opened.

If you're storing your vegan cheese in the fridge, it's best to keep it in an airtight container or wrap it carefully in cling film or beeswax wraps, excluding as much air as possible. Most commercial vegan cheeses can last for a few weeks to a month, but your homemade cheese may not. Firm or semi-firm cheeses can last for a couple of weeks, and hard cheeses can last for a month. Soft cheeses like ricotta or cream cheese should be consumed within 3 days, regardless of whether they're commercial or homemade.

Vegan cheese can also be left out at room temperature but will only be good for 3-4 hours before bacteria will start to form and spoil the cheese.

Opened vegan cheese typically lasts a maximum of 7 days

Vegan cheese is no different from regular cheese in that it can go mouldy and spoil. It is important to check the label as all brands have slightly different guidelines, but most shred cheese, soft cheese, vegan cream cheese, and plant-based cheese tend to last a maximum of 7 days.

However, this does depend on the type of cheese. For example, an opened pack of plant-based cheddar or parmesan can last up to four weeks. The same goes for cashew-based cheese, which will last around a week when opened. Hard cheese like plant-based cheddar can also last longer if kept in a sealed airtight sandwich bag, which can extend its life by up to an extra 3-7 days.

If you are hiking or otherwise unable to refrigerate your vegan cheese, it can be left unrefrigerated for up to 5 days. During the day when the cheese gets hot, its texture will become greasy and floppy, but it will still taste good and will firm up again overnight when the temperature drops.

Hard vegan cheese lasts longer than soft vegan cheese

Vegan cheese is made from plant-based ingredients such as nuts, seeds, or soy, and just like regular cheese, it can go mouldy and show signs of spoilage. It's important to note that different types of vegan cheese have varying shelf lives. For example, unopened plant-based cheese can last for up to three months, but once opened, it should be consumed within a week.

To maximise the shelf life of vegan cheese, it's important to store it properly. This involves keeping it in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer. When stored in the fridge, most commercial vegan cheeses can last for a few weeks to a month, but homemade cheese may only last for a couple of weeks. Freezing vegan cheese can extend its shelf life to 1–3 months, but the texture may change due to freezing temperatures.

It's worth noting that vegan cheese can also be stored at room temperature for a short period. However, it is not recommended to leave it out for more than 3–4 hours, as bacteria can start to form and spoil the cheese.

Proper storage methods are crucial to preserving the freshness and longevity of vegan cheese. When in doubt, always refer to the directions on the packaging, as different brands may have specific guidelines. Additionally, always use your senses to inspect the cheese before consumption. If it has a weird smell, feels slimy, or shows signs of discolouration or mould, it's best to discard it.

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