Cheese Shreds: How Long Do They Last?

Whether you're topping chilli or baking nachos, shredded cheese is a convenient option for easy meals. But how long does it last?

According to food scientist Janilyn Hutchings, the labels on shredded cheese are merely the manufacturer's estimate of when food will taste its best. She adds 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 opened, the type of shredded cheese will determine how long it lasts. Hutchings says that hard cheeses like parmesan and Swiss should be eaten within a month of purchase, while soft cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella will only be good for one to two weeks. If you freeze your bag of shredded cheese, it's best to eat it within six months.

However, always use your best judgement. If you notice any strange odours, discolouring, or spots of mould, don't eat it!

Hard cheeses last longer than soft cheeses

Hard cheeses like Parmesan and Swiss should be eaten within a month of purchase. On the other hand, soft cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella will only be good for one to two weeks after purchase.

If you're freezing your cheese, hard cheeses like sealed cheddar, gouda, and parmesan can last up to a year. Soft cheeses, meanwhile, are only good for six months.

Regardless of the type of cheese, always use your best judgment before eating it. If you notice any off odors, discolouring, or spots of mold, don't eat the cheese! These signs mean that the cheese has likely spoiled.

Shredded cheese can be frozen

Freezing shredded cheese is a straightforward process. If you have bought pre-shredded cheese, you can freeze it in its original packaging or bag. If you shredded the cheese yourself, place it in a resealable plastic bag, removing as much air from the bag as possible. You can also use a vacuum sealer to eliminate air and help the cheese last longer.

When you are ready to use your frozen shredded cheese, simply take it out of the freezer and place it in the fridge to defrost. This will preserve the texture of the cheese. You can also use the cheese frozen—for example, shredded cheese can go straight onto a pizza and will melt in the oven.

It is important to note that freezing will affect the texture of the cheese. Frozen cheese is best used as an ingredient in cooked dishes, such as pizza, grilled cheese sandwiches, casseroles, or lasagne. It may not be as suitable for eating fresh or uncooked.

The length of time you can freeze shredded cheese depends on how it is packaged. Vacuum-sealed shredded cheese can be preserved for up to two months, while using the parchment paper and aluminium foil method will keep the cheese for one month. If using a freezer bag, it is recommended to thaw the cheese after two weeks of storage.

Freshly grated cheese tastes better

Freshly grated cheese does taste better, and there are several reasons why. Firstly, pre-shredded cheese often contains preservatives and additives to prevent it from clumping together in the bag, such as cellulose, potato starch, and natamycin. These additives can affect the flavour of the cheese, making it taste drier and less creamy. Freshly grated cheese melts better and has a smoother, less clumpy texture when cooked.

Secondly, the increased surface area of grated cheese means that more of it is exposed to oxygen, which enhances its flavour. Grated cheese also warms up faster, allowing the fatty oils to reach their peak flavour more quickly.

Finally, freshly grated cheese is often simply fresher. Pre-shredded cheese has often been sitting in the bag for a while, and soft cheese only lasts a few weeks after shredding.

For the best flavour, it is recommended to grate your own cheese as needed, rather than buying pre-shredded cheese or grating a large batch in advance and freezing it.

Pre-shredded cheese has additives

Now, onto the additives. Pre-shredded cheese contains preservatives like potato starch and natamycin, meant to keep the shreds from clumping together in the bag. These additives also mean that the cheese doesn't melt together as well when cooking. One of the most common additives is cellulose, which is used as an anti-caking agent so the cheese doesn’t stick together. It’s made of wood (sometimes cotton) and is largely indigestible. Potato starch and calcium sulfate are also added to pre-shredded cheese to prevent caking and absorb moisture in the bag.

Some people may be sensitive to these additives, so it's important to be aware of what's in your food and make informed choices. Additionally, these additives can negatively impact the culinary uses of shredded cheese, such as sauces, by changing the texture.

So, why buy pre-shredded cheese at all? Well, for some, it's a matter of convenience. It saves time with meal preparation and cleaning up. It can also be less expensive, and some people prefer the taste. Ultimately, the decision to buy pre-shredded cheese or shred your own comes down to personal preference and what factors are most important to you.

Soft cheese lasts 1-2 weeks after opening

It is important to note that there are no laws requiring food manufacturers to put date labels on foods. Therefore, the labels you see on your cheese are put there voluntarily and are "merely the manufacturer's estimate of when food will taste its best."

However, if you notice any off odours, discolouring, or spots of mould on your soft cheese, it is best to throw it out.

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