Bushra Griffith
Grated cheddar cheese is a convenient and popular staple in many dishes. However, it can be confusing to determine how long it lasts, as the shelf life varies depending on various factors. The storage conditions, type of cheese, and whether it is opened or not all play a role in how long grated cheddar cheese will last. Proper storage methods can help extend the shelf life, but ultimately, the quality and taste of the cheese will deteriorate over time.
How long does grated cheddar cheese last?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Unopened shredded cheddar cheese in the fridge | 1 week after the "Sell By" or "Best By" date |
| Opened shredded cheddar cheese in the fridge | 3-4 weeks |
| Opened shredded cheddar cheese at room temperature | 2 hours |
| Opened shredded cheddar cheese in the freezer | 6-8 months |
| Unopened shredded cheddar cheese in the freezer | 8 months or longer |
| Unrefrigerated shredded cheddar cheese | 4 hours |
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What You'll Learn
- Unopened grated cheddar cheese lasts 1 week after the Sell By date
- Opened, it stays fresh for 3-4 weeks in the fridge
- Grated cheddar cheese can be frozen to extend its shelf life
- It's spoiled when you see/smell mold or notice a sour smell/taste
- Hard cheeses like cheddar don't need refrigeration but last longer if refrigerated
Unopened grated cheddar cheese lasts 1 week after the Sell By date
Cheddar is a hard cheese, and therefore has a longer shelf life than softer cheeses. It will also last longer if it is purchased as a block and grated at home.
If you have purchased pre-grated cheddar cheese, it is important to store it correctly to ensure it lasts as long as possible. Pre-grated cheese usually comes in a bag or a container. You can keep it in its original packaging or transfer it to an airtight container to help keep out any external factors.
Unopened, grated cheddar cheese will last for about one week after the "Sell By" or "Best By" date on the package. It is important to keep it refrigerated at all times. If you want to extend its shelf life further, you can freeze grated cheddar cheese.
If you have opened the package, the cheese will only last for about three weeks in the fridge. If you notice any mold, the entire container should be thrown out.
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Opened, it stays fresh for 3-4 weeks in the fridge
Grated cheddar cheese is a versatile and popular cheese option. However, its grated form means it has a larger surface area for bacteria and air to contaminate, reducing its shelf life compared to a block of cheddar. Therefore, it is important to store opened grated cheddar cheese in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for 3-4 weeks.
Opened grated cheddar cheese should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge to maximise its shelf life. The original packaging is designed to hold the cheese, but an airtight container will ensure no external factors impact the cheese. You can also wrap the cheese gently in parchment paper before placing it in the fridge. This will protect the cheese while still allowing it to breathe.
It is important to note that grated cheddar cheese should be refrigerated at all times to maximise its shelf life. Leaving grated cheddar cheese at room temperature for more than two hours is not recommended, as bacteria can rapidly grow at these temperatures.
To further extend the shelf life of grated cheddar cheese, it can be frozen. Frozen grated cheddar cheese will maintain its best quality for about eight months, but it will remain safe beyond this time if constantly frozen at 0°F. However, freezing may impact the quality of the cheese, making it better suited for cooking rather than eating sliced on sandwiches.
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Grated cheddar cheese can be frozen to extend its shelf life
Before freezing grated cheddar cheese, it is important to prepare it for storage. It is recommended to portion the cheese into quantities that can be used in one go. For large blocks of cheddar, it is best not to freeze more than 1 pound (500 grams) per portion. The cheese can be grated before freezing, and it can be stored in its original packaging or wrapped in foil or cheese paper. To further reduce contact with oxygen, it is recommended to tightly wrap the cheese in parchment paper and then in aluminum foil.
When cheese is frozen, its water and fat content form ice crystals, which can damage the protein structure of the cheese. This can affect the texture and quality of the cheese, making it more crumbly, mealy, and difficult to slice. However, frozen grated cheddar cheese will still melt just fine, making it suitable for cooking. The flavor may be slightly reduced, but the cheese will remain safe to consume.
Properly stored, shredded cheddar cheese will maintain its best quality for about 6 to 8 months in the freezer, but it can be safely stored beyond that time. Freezing grated cheddar cheese is a convenient way to extend its shelf life, reduce waste, and ensure that it is always available for use in cooked dishes.
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It's spoiled when you see/smell mold or notice a sour smell/taste
When it comes to grated cheddar cheese, its shelf life depends on various factors, including the quality of cheese, the way it is packaged, and how it is stored. While grated cheese may not have an exact expiration date, there are certainly signs to look out for to determine if it has gone bad. One of the most obvious indicators is the presence of mold. If you see mold on your grated cheddar cheese, it's time to discard it. Mold can be in the form of small spots or a fuzzy growth, and it can be green, blue, black, or even white. It is important to inspect the cheese carefully, as mold can sometimes grow inside the package, attached to the cheese itself. Another telltale sign is an unusual or sour smell. Grated cheddar cheese should have a relatively mild and pleasant aroma. If it emits a sharp, sour, or unpleasant odor, it is likely past its prime. This can happen even if there is no visible mold, as bacteria can cause the cheese to spoil and produce a foul smell.
A change in taste can also indicate that the grated cheddar cheese has spoiled. If it tastes sour, bitter, or otherwise different from its usual savory flavor, it's best to discard it. Even if only a small amount of cheese has mold, the entire package should be thrown out, as the spores can quickly spread. It's worth noting that the type of packaging can affect the cheese's longevity. If stored in an airtight container, grated cheddar cheese can last longer than if left in an open package. Airtight containers help slow down the oxidation process and prevent the cheese from drying out, which can extend its shelf life. However, even with proper storage, grated cheese will not last indefinitely.
Additionally, the moisture content of the cheese can play a role in its shelf life. Grated cheddar cheese with a higher moisture content may not last as long as a drier variety. This is because moisture can promote the growth of bacteria and mold, causing the cheese to spoil faster. When in doubt, it's always best to err on the side of caution and discard the cheese if you have any concerns about its quality. While proper storage can help extend the life of grated cheddar cheese, it is still a perishable food item and should be treated as such. By following safe food handling practices and regularly checking for any signs of spoilage, you can ensure that your grated cheddar cheese stays fresh and safe for consumption.
Lastly, it's important to practice good hygiene and sanitation when handling grated cheddar cheese, especially if it has been stored for an extended period. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling the cheese, and ensure that all utensils and surfaces that come into contact with it are clean and sanitized. By taking these precautions, you can help prevent the growth and spread of harmful bacteria and ensure the safety of your food. In summary, grated cheddar cheese can last for a reasonable amount of time when properly stored, but it's crucial to remain vigilant and discard it at the first sign of spoilage, whether that be visible mold, an unpleasant smell, or a strange taste.
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Hard cheeses like cheddar don't need refrigeration but last longer if refrigerated
Grated or shredded cheddar cheese is a versatile product that can be used in a variety of dishes, from pizzas to tacos. When it comes to storing this cheese, there are a few factors to consider to ensure its longevity and maintain its quality. Firstly, it is important to note that grated cheddar cheese does require refrigeration, unlike hard cheeses in their block form. Hard cheeses like cheddar, Parmesan, and Romano are pressed under pressure and aged longer, resulting in a lower moisture content that inhibits bacterial growth. This makes them safe for storage at room temperature. However, refrigeration of hard cheeses is recommended to prolong their shelf life.
When storing grated cheddar cheese, it is best to keep it in an airtight container or its original packaging, ensuring it remains unopened until ready to use. Properly stored in the refrigerator, an unopened package of shredded cheddar cheese can last for about a week past the "Sell By" or "Best By" date. If left unopened at room temperature, it can last for one to two months. However, once opened, it should be consumed within four hours, as the texture and taste will start to change significantly.
To further extend the shelf life of grated cheddar cheese, freezing is an option. When stored in the freezer, shredded cheddar cheese can maintain its best quality for about eight months, and even beyond that, it will remain safe to consume. Freezing is especially recommended if you plan to cook with the cheese, as it may not be ideal for sliced cheese on sandwiches due to textural changes.
While hard cheeses like cheddar can be stored at room temperature, it is important to practice safe food handling. Bacteria can grow rapidly at temperatures between 40 °F and 140 °F, so shredded cheddar cheese left out for more than two hours at room temperature should be discarded. Additionally, always check the cheese for signs of spoilage, such as a sour or "off" odor, slimy or gooey texture, or discoloration, which indicates that the cheese is no longer safe to eat.
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Frequently asked questions
An unopened package of grated cheddar cheese will last for about 1 week after the “Sell By” or “Best By” date on the package.
Once opened, grated cheddar cheese will last for about 3 to 4 weeks in the fridge. However, it is recommended to consume it within 7 days for the best quality.
Yes, freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of grated cheddar cheese. It will maintain its best quality for about 6 to 8 months, but will remain safe to consume beyond that.
