Kraft Parmesan Cheese: How Long Does It Stay Fresh?

Kraft Parmesan cheese is a commercially packaged product that is sold unrefrigerated. It is made with dehydrated and evaporated cheese, which reduces the fat content and, in turn, slows down the process of the cheese going bad. While it can be stored in a cool, dry pantry, it is recommended to refrigerate the product after opening to maintain its freshness and quality. The shelf life of Kraft Parmesan cheese varies depending on storage conditions, with the product lasting between 10 to 18 months when unopened and stored at room temperature.

Kraft advises storing its cheese in the fridge at 40°F

Kraft's Parmesan cheese is sold unrefrigerated and has a long shelf life. Unopened, it will generally stay at the best quality for 12 to 18 months at room temperature. Once opened, it will last for about 10 to 12 months in the refrigerator. If you want to extend its shelf life even further, you can freeze it. However, the texture and flavour may be affected, so it's best suited to cooked dishes.

How can you tell if Parmesan cheese has gone bad? The best way is to use your senses. If the cheese has developed an unusual odour, flavour or appearance, it should be discarded. If you see any mould, discard the entire product.

It's worth noting that the "expiration" date on the package is not a safety date but rather the manufacturer's estimate of how long the product will remain at peak quality.

Opened, it can be kept at room temperature for up to an hour

Kraft advises that its grated parmesan cheese should be stored in the refrigerator at a normal temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it can be kept at room temperature for up to an hour. This is because, despite being a hard cheese, parmesan is still a dairy product, and dairy products are best kept cool and fresh.

Hard cheeses, like parmesan, have a lower risk of going bad due to their dry texture and low water content. This means they can be kept in a cool, dry area of the kitchen and will generally stay at their best quality for 12 to 18 months. However, once opened, they should be stored in the fridge and will remain of best quality for 10 to 12 months.

If you want to extend the shelf life of opened grated parmesan cheese, you can freeze it. Place it in covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Frozen parmesan cheese may lose some of its texture and flavour, so it's best suited for cooked dishes like sauces, soups, and casseroles.

It's important to note that the "best before" or "use by" dates on commercially packaged grated parmesan cheese are not safety dates but estimates of how long the cheese will remain at peak quality. To check if your grated parmesan cheese has gone bad, use your senses of smell and sight. If the cheese develops an off odour, flavour, or appearance, or if mould appears, discard it.

Unopened Kraft Parmesan has a shelf life of 12-18 months

Kraft's grated Parmesan cheese is a convenient way to add flavour to your meals. But how long does it last unrefrigerated? Well, if you've not yet opened your Kraft Parmesan, you'll be pleased to know that it has a shelf life of 12-18 months. That's right—as long as it's stored in a cool, dry place, your unopened Kraft Parmesan should remain at peak quality for up to a year and a half.

The key to maximising the shelf life of your unopened grated Parmesan is keeping it in the right conditions. Aim for a cool, dry area, and you'll be able to enjoy your cheese for longer. And don't worry too much about the "best by" date on the package—as long as your cheese is properly stored, the package is intact, and there are no signs of spoilage, you can continue to use it beyond this date.

Of course, it's always a good idea to check your cheese for any signs of spoilage before using it. The best way to do this is to give it a good look and a sniff—if you notice any unpleasant odours or changes in appearance, it's best to discard the cheese. And if you see any mould, be sure to throw it out!

So, there you have it—unopened Kraft Parmesan has a pretty impressive shelf life of 12-18 months when stored correctly. Just be sure to give it a quick check before using, and enjoy that cheesy goodness!

Opened, it will last 10-12 months in the fridge

Kraft Parmesan cheese is a commercially packaged product that is sold unrefrigerated. It is a hard, dry cheese with very low water content, and as such, it has a long shelf life.

Once opened, Kraft Parmesan cheese will last 10-12 months in the refrigerator. This is because the cheese is now exposed to air, and the cool temperature of the fridge will help to keep the flavour fresh and preserve the quality. It is recommended to store the cheese at 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and to only keep it at room temperature for up to one hour.

To further extend the shelf life, you can freeze the cheese. Place it in covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. However, freezing may affect the texture and flavour of the cheese, so it is best suited for cooked dishes such as sauces, soups, and casseroles.

It is important to note that the "Best By" or "Best Before" date on the package is not a safety date but an estimate of how long the cheese will remain at peak quality. The cheese may still be safe to consume past this date, as long as it is properly stored, the package is undamaged, and there are no signs of spoilage. To check if the cheese has gone bad, look for any discoloration, foul odours, or moisture, and discard it if any of these are present.

Freezing is an option to extend its life

Freezing is an option to extend the shelf life of Kraft Parmesan cheese. When stored in the freezer, the cheese will maintain its best quality for about 18 months, but it will be safe to consume beyond that time. To freeze, place the cheese in covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.

Freezing Kraft Parmesan cheese is a good idea if you want to keep it for an extended period. While it may lose some of its texture and flavour, it will still be suitable for cooked dishes such as sauces, soups, and casseroles. The thawed cheese will not have the same texture and flavour as fresh cheese, but it will still be safe to consume.

The shelf life of Kraft Parmesan cheese can be extended by proper storage. When stored in the freezer, the cheese can last for up to 18 months or even longer. This is a significant improvement compared to the 10 to 12 months of shelf life when stored in the refrigerator.

It's important to note that freezing may affect the texture and flavour of the cheese. The cheese may become drier and more crumbly, and the flavour may not be as strong as fresh cheese. However, it will still be safe to consume and can be used in cooked dishes without any issues.

In conclusion, freezing is an effective way to extend the life of Kraft Parmesan cheese. By storing it in airtight containers or freezer bags, you can ensure that the cheese remains safe to consume beyond its original shelf life. While there may be some changes in texture and flavour, the cheese can still be used in various dishes, making it a convenient option for those who want to stock up on this popular ingredient.

Frequently asked questions