Vegan Cheese: How Long Does It Last Frozen?

Vegan cheese is a dairy-free substitute for cheese lovers. It is made from plant-based products such as soy milk, cashews, and almonds. The shelf life of vegan cheese depends on various factors such as the type of cheese, how it is packaged, and how it is stored. While some sources suggest that vegan cheese can last for months in the fridge, others recommend that it should be consumed within 7 days of opening. Freezing is an option to extend the shelf life of vegan cheese, but it may affect the texture and taste.

How long does frozen vegan cheese last in the fridge?

The shelf life of vegan cheese in the fridge varies depending on the brand, ingredients, style of cheese, and packaging. Plant-based cheese typically lasts around a week in the fridge before it starts to go mouldy, but this can vary depending on the brand and type of cheese. Some cheese lasts for a month, while others show signs of mould after a few days.

The higher the fat content and the lower the water content in the vegan cheese, the longer it will last in the fridge. Keeping vegan cheese in an airtight container within its original packaging will also increase its shelf life. This can add a few extra days to the window so that it remains fresh and fine to consume.

Some plant-based cheese can last up to 3 months when unopened, but will most likely need to be eaten within a week or so. Opened packs of plant-based cheddar or parmesan can last up to four weeks. The same goes for cashew-based cheese – expect it to last around a week when opened. Unopened plant-based cream cheese can last up to around three weeks beyond the expiration date.

Vegan cream cheese, on the other hand, should be kept in the fridge and will last between 7–10 days depending on the brand. Homemade cream cheese does not last as long and will keep for up to 4 days in the fridge. Soft plant-based cheese, such as vegan camembert, tends to last less and will keep for around 5 days in the fridge when opened.

Hard cheese like plant-based cheddar can last longer. Even though the recommended use-by date is around 7 days once opened, most vegan cheddar will last a little longer if kept in a sealed airtight sandwich bag or similar. This can extend it by up to an extra 3–7 days depending on the brand.

Vegan cheese can also be frozen to extend its shelf life. Store-bought unopened vegan cheese can be kept for up to 4 months and up to a week after opening. Homemade vegan cheese, on the other hand, will keep for 4–6 days in an airtight container. Although, some varieties, such as homemade parmesan cheese, keep for much longer in the fridge – 3 to 4 weeks.

How to store frozen vegan cheese

Storing frozen vegan cheese is a great way to extend its shelf life and prevent spoilage. Here are some detailed instructions on how to properly store it:

Choosing the Right Cheese

Not all vegan cheeses are created equal when it comes to freezing. Hard cheeses like vegan cheddar or parmesan are the most suitable for freezing, while soft cheeses like cream cheese are the least suitable due to their creamy texture suffering after defrosting. Semi-soft cheeses like mozzarella can also be frozen, but their texture may soften slightly.

Preparing the Cheese for Freezing

Before placing the cheese in the freezer, grate or shred hard cheeses. This will make it easier to use the cheese for cooking once it's defrosted. For soft cheeses, consider using them in cooked or baked goods to mask any textural changes.

Packaging the Cheese

To ensure the cheese stays fresh and flavourful, it's crucial to use airtight packaging. Wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This will prevent unwanted bacteria growth and stop the cheese from absorbing other smells in the freezer.

Storing in the Freezer

Frozen vegan cheese can last for up to 5 months for store-bought cheese and around 3 months for homemade cheese. It's important to note that freezing does affect the texture and taste of the cheese, so it's best to use frozen cheese for cooking rather than eating it as is.

Defrosting the Cheese

There are three main methods for defrosting vegan cheese: in the refrigerator, on the counter, or in the microwave. The refrigerator method is the best for retaining flavour and texture, and it takes 24 to 48 hours. Defrosting on the counter is faster, taking 2 to 3 hours, but it may impact the cheese's quality. The microwave is the quickest option, taking around 40 seconds on low power, but it should be a last resort as it significantly alters the texture.

Remember to always follow food safety guidelines and consume the cheese within the recommended time frames to ensure freshness and quality.

Freezing vs refrigerating vegan cheese

Vegan cheese is a substitute for dairy cheese, usually made from plant-based products such as soy milk, cashews, and almonds. Like regular cheese, it can go mouldy and spoil over time.

Refrigerating Vegan Cheese

Vegan cheese typically lasts around a week in the fridge before it starts to go mouldy, but this depends on the brand and type of cheese. Some cheese lasts for a month, others show signs of mould after a few days. The higher the fat content and the lower the water content, the longer it will last in the fridge.

Vegan cheese should be stored in an airtight container within its original packaging, at an optimum temperature of between 2 and 4 degrees Celsius. This will ensure it stays fresh and fine to consume for a few extra days.

Some plant-based cheese can last up to 3 months when unopened, but will most likely need to be eaten within a week or so of opening. Soft vegan cheese, such as camembert, tends to last less and will keep for around 5 days in the fridge when opened. Hard cheese, like plant-based cheddar, can last longer—up to 7 days once opened, and sometimes longer if kept in a sealed airtight container.

Freezing Vegan Cheese

Freezing vegan cheese is a good option if you want to extend its shelf life indefinitely. It is best to grate the cheese before freezing, and to store it in an airtight container or bag. Frozen vegan cheese can last for many months, but it is important to plan ahead as it will need time to defrost.

Freezing does affect the texture and taste of vegan cheese, so it is recommended to only freeze cheese that you plan on using for cooking purposes. Frozen and defrosted cheese can be used in dishes where you need a cheese topping, or as a filling for pasta. It is not recommended to freeze soft cheese or cream cheese as this will impact the texture.

Store-bought unopened vegan cheese can be kept in the freezer for up to 4 months, and up to a week after opening. Homemade vegan cheese will keep for 4-6 days in an airtight container, and will last for around 3 months in the freezer.

Best types of vegan cheese to freeze

Freezing vegan cheese is a great way to prevent it from spoiling. However, it's worth noting that freezing can alter the texture and taste of the cheese, making it less rich and more crumbly and granular. Therefore, it is best to freeze vegan cheese only if you plan to use it for cooking.

Hard Cheeses

Hard cheeses like vegan cheddar or parmesan are ideal for freezing. They tend to freeze well and can be grated before freezing, making them easier to use for cooking once they are defrosted. However, keep in mind that the texture may change, and the cheese may become softer after thawing.

Semi-Soft Cheeses

Semi-soft vegan cheeses, such as mozzarella, can also be frozen. However, similar to hard cheeses, their texture may become softer after defrosting. So if you're looking for a meltable option for pizzas or sandwiches, semi-soft vegan cheese could be a good choice.

Vegan Ricotta

Vegan ricotta, made from tofu, coconut, and nuts like cashews and almonds, can be frozen. While traditionally soft cheeses are not considered suitable for freezing, vegan ricotta breaks the mould. It is best used as a pasta filling after defrosting rather than as a topping or dip.

Daiya Shreds

Daiya shreds are a popular option for freezing among vegans. They can be easily frozen and used in grilled cheese sandwiches, tofu scrambles, or quesadillas. Daiya even recommends freezing their shreds, although they discourage freezing their wedges and blocks.

Sliced Vegan Cheese

Sliced vegan cheese can be conveniently frozen and later used for sandwiches, burgers, or pizzas. Freezing sliced cheese can make meal preparation easier and more efficient, especially if you have pre-sliced cheese on hand for quick assembly.

In summary, while freezing may alter the texture and taste of vegan cheese, certain types are more suitable for freezing and can be conveniently used in various dishes after defrosting. Remember to store the cheese in airtight containers or bags to maximise its shelf life and minimise flavour transfer.

How to defrost frozen vegan cheese

There are several ways to defrost frozen vegan cheese, each with its pros and cons. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Defrosting Vegan Cheese in the Fridge

The fridge method is the best way to defrost vegan cheese and retain its original texture and flavour. First, check that the cheese is still in an airtight package; if it has been exposed to air, it may have absorbed bacteria and will be unsafe to eat. Place the packaged cheese on a plate or tray and put it in the fridge for 24-48 hours, depending on the thickness of the cheese. Once fully thawed, use the cheese as soon as possible as it can spoil if left at room temperature for too long.

Defrosting Vegan Cheese on the Counter

Defrosting on the counter is faster than using the fridge, taking around 2.5-3 hours. However, this method may affect the texture of the cheese. Place the packaged cheese on a plate or tray, ensuring it is not in direct sunlight. Once fully thawed, use the cheese as soon as possible to avoid spoilage.

Defrosting Vegan Cheese in the Microwave

The microwave is the quickest method, especially if you are in a hurry. However, it can affect the texture of the cheese and is only suitable for hard cheeses.Unwrap the cheese and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Use a low power setting and heat the cheese in 30-45 second increments until it is fully thawed.

Water Bath Defrosting

This method involves submerging the packaged cheese in a bowl of cool water, changing the water periodically until the cheese is defrosted. This can be quicker than the fridge or counter methods, especially for larger quantities of cheese. Transfer the operation to the refrigerator if defrosting will take longer than an hour for food safety reasons.

Tips for Defrosting Vegan Cheese:

• Frozen vegan cheese should be consumed as soon as possible after defrosting to avoid spoilage.
• Hard cheeses, such as cheddar and halloumi, tend to freeze and defrost better than soft cheeses, which can spoil more easily.
• It is best to freeze vegan cheese in individual slices, grated or shredded portions rather than a large block, as it is easier to defrost and use.
• Always ensure that the cheese is stored in airtight packaging or containers to prevent exposure to air and bacteria.

Frequently asked questions