Kraft American Cheese: How Long Does It Really Last?

Kraft Singles, the iconic slices of white cheese in a thin plastic casing, are a divisive topic. While some people love them, others hate them. But how long do they last in the refrigerator? The shelf life of Kraft Singles is improved compared to other cheeses due to processing. Kraft Singles will keep in the refrigerator for up to six months if unopened and about one week if the package is opened. The expiration date printed on the cheese's packaging is typically five to six months after production, and it is safe to consume the cheese for about two more weeks after that date if the package is unopened.

Kraft cheese slices can last up to six months unopened in the refrigerator

The expiration date printed on Kraft cheese packages is generally about five to six months after the cheese is produced. However, it is safe to consume the cheese for about two more months after the printed date, as long as the package is unopened and properly stored.

Once the package is opened, Kraft cheese should be consumed within one week. It is important to note that the cheese should be stored in the coldest part of the refrigerator, such as the back of the bottom shelf, to maximize its shelf life.

Additionally, Kraft cheese can be frozen to further extend its shelf life. When freezing, it is recommended to wrap the cheese tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place it in heavy-duty freezer bags. Properly stored, it will maintain its best quality for about eight months in the freezer but will remain safe beyond that time.

To identify if Kraft cheese has gone bad, it is essential to use your senses. If the cheese has a slimy texture or a sour odor, it should be discarded. Additionally, the presence of mold on the cheese is a clear sign that it has spoiled and should be thrown away.

Once opened, Kraft cheese should be consumed within a week

Kraft cheese is a processed cheese, created from a mixture of other cheeses. It is not technically considered "real cheese". Its long shelf life is due to the preservatives it contains. Kraft cheese used to contain an artificial preservative called sorbic acid, but in 2014, the company announced it would replace this with the natural preservative natamycin, which is not absorbed by the human body.

Kraft cheese is usually sold in slices, individually wrapped in thin plastic. The shelf life of opened Kraft cheese is much shorter than that of unopened cheese. Once opened, Kraft cheese should be consumed within a week. This is because, when exposed to oxygen, the cheese will begin to lose quality until it becomes inedible.

To extend its shelf life, opened Kraft cheese should be transferred to an airtight container as soon as possible after opening. If you’re not going to use it immediately, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place wax paper on top of it to prevent other foods from getting contaminated by any bacteria present in the opened package.

Even with proper storage, Kraft cheese will only last about one week in the refrigerator once opened. If you notice any signs of spoilage, such as mold growing on the edges or inside the package, throw it out immediately.

Kraft cheese can be frozen, but it may alter the texture and taste

However, if you do choose to freeze Kraft cheese, it will remain safe to consume indefinitely. The recommended freezer storage time for optimal quality is about eight months for sliced American deli cheese. To maximise the shelf life of the cheese, wrap the slices tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place them in heavy-duty freezer bags.

When it comes to thawing, it is best to do so gradually by placing the cheese in the refrigerator for 12 hours or overnight. It is not recommended to refreeze the cheese, as it will further affect the texture and flavour.

If you choose not to freeze Kraft cheese, it can last for quite some time in the refrigerator. Unopened slices can last up to two months beyond the printed date, while opened slices should be used within a week.

Kraft cheese is safe to consume two weeks after the posted date on unopened packaging

The shelf life of Kraft cheese depends on several factors. Firstly, the length of time you've had it: the longer it's been in your refrigerator, the shorter its shelf life will be. Secondly, the temperature of your refrigerator: if it's above 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius), it will last longer than if it's held at cooler temperatures. Thirdly, whether the packaging has been opened or not: when the cheese is exposed to oxygen, it begins to lose quality until it becomes inedible. Finally, proper storage: whether opened or unopened, the cheese should be stored properly to ensure it lasts as long as possible.

To extend the shelf life of Kraft cheese, it's best to keep it in its original packaging and store it in the coldest part of the refrigerator (the back of the bottom shelf) until you're ready to use it. Once the packaging is opened, transfer the cheese to an airtight container as soon as possible. If you're not going to use it immediately, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place wax paper on top to prevent other foods from getting contaminated by any bacteria.

However, it's important to note that Kraft cheese can still go bad, so it's essential to rely on your senses to determine if it has spoiled. Kraft cheese should be a bright orangish-yellow color. If it has any signs of mold, the spores have likely already penetrated the entire block, and it's safest to throw it away. Additionally, any cheese that has a funny smell or sour odor different from when it was fresh must be discarded.

Kraft cheese is not considered real cheese and contains preservatives

Kraft cheese is not considered real cheese. According to the FDA, for a food product to be classified as cheese, it must be more than 50% cheese, which is technically pressed milk curds. Kraft American Singles contain less than 51% curds, so they don't meet the FDA's standard. However, Kraft cheese does contain some real cheese, including cheddar, which gives it its characteristic orange colour, and sometimes Colby, which results in a lighter colour.

Kraft cheese also contains whey, milk proteins, and emulsifying salts, and sodium citrate, which is why it melts better than any other cheese. The sodium citrate means Kraft cheese is not a pure product, and its high amounts of sodium and fat mean it can't be considered a healthy food.

Kraft cheese also contains preservatives. In 2014, the company announced it would stop using the artificial preservative sorbic acid and replace it with a natural preservative called natamycin, which is not absorbed by the human body and fights mold. The preservatives in Kraft cheese are so effective that the product will outlast other cheeses and may even outlive you! However, it will eventually go bad, so it's important to use your senses to check for spoilage. If your Kraft cheese has a slimy texture or a sour odour, it's best to throw it away.

Kraft cheese is a popular product that has been around for a long time. It was invented by James L. Kraft in 1916, and the company still dominates the processed cheese business. While it may not be considered real cheese, Kraft cheese has its advantages. It melts well, and its long shelf life means it can be shipped long distances without spoiling.

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