The Best Storage Tips For Laughing Bell Cheese

The Laughing Cow cheese is a staple in many households, but how long does it last unrefrigerated? The answer depends on the type of cheese and the conditions it is stored in. The Laughing Cow cheese has a long shelf life and can be consumed when kept out of the fridge in a cool, dry place. However, the texture and taste of the cheese are best when it is refrigerated. The high temperatures used during the production process make it safe to consume unrefrigerated.

The shelf life of unrefrigerated cheese also depends on the type of cheese. Harder cheeses with lower moisture content, such as cheddar or Parmesan, can be left unrefrigerated for longer than soft, fresh cheeses like mozzarella or cream cheese. The U.S. Department of Health recommends that perishable foods like soft cheeses should not be left unrefrigerated for more than two hours. Harder cheeses can be left unrefrigerated for up to four hours but should be checked for signs of spoilage and rewrapped before placing them back in the fridge.

Proper storage is essential to maintaining the quality and shelf life of cheese. Soft and semi-soft cheeses should be stored in their natural liquid in a plastic container, while hard and semi-hard cheeses should be wrapped in parchment paper, cheesecloth, or cheese storage bags rather than plastic wrap, which can trap moisture and encourage bacterial growth.

The Laughing Cow cheese is safe to consume when kept out of the fridge in a cool, dry place

While The Laughing Cow cheese is safe to consume when stored in a cool, dry place, it is important to note that its texture and taste are at their best when it is refrigerated. Additionally, once the package is opened, it is recommended to consume the cheese as soon as possible as exposure to air will cause it to dry out.

The shelf life of The Laughing Cow cheese when stored out of the fridge is not explicitly stated by the manufacturer. However, some sources suggest that it can be safe to consume for up to 18 months or even a few years past the "best before" date. It is worth noting that the product is often sold in the refrigerated section of grocery stores, and the package recommends refrigerating it after purchase, likely to ensure optimal taste and texture.

To maximize the shelf life of The Laughing Cow cheese and maintain its quality, it is best to store it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, and to consume it by the date printed on the package.

The cheese is made with 100% real cow's milk

The Laughing Cow cheese product is made with 100% real cow's milk. It is a processed cheese product, pasteurised and loaded with preservatives. It is a shelf-stable product and does not need to be kept in the fridge. However, most grocery stores sell it refrigerated so that consumers can find it. It is recommended that the cheese be refrigerated after purchase and kept for no longer than 2-4 hours before being eaten.

The length of time that cheese can be left unrefrigerated depends on the type of cheese. Generally, the harder the cheese, the longer it will last. Soft cheeses like cream cheese, cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, and soft ripened cheeses like Brie, Camembert, and fresh mozzarella are more perishable and can be left unrefrigerated for no more than two hours. Hard cheeses like Cheddar, Swiss, and Gouda can last for a long time, even several weeks, unrefrigerated.

Cheese has been used as a method of preserving milk for thousands of years, predating the invention of refrigeration. The process of cheesemaking involves curdling milk to form curds and whey. The curds are then separated from the whey and pressed into blocks or wheels. The cheese is then aged, which helps to slow the growth of bacteria and reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

The moisture content of cheese also affects its shelf life. Cheeses with higher moisture content, such as soft cheeses, are more susceptible to bacterial growth and spoilage. On the other hand, hard cheeses with lower moisture content can last longer without refrigeration.

It is important to note that proper storage is crucial to maximizing the shelf life of cheese. Cheese should be stored in a quality airtight container or specially designed cheese storage bags to prevent air and moisture from spoiling the cheese. Additionally, cheese should be refrigerated as quickly as possible after purchasing to maintain its freshness and quality.

The cheese is suitable for vegetarians, but not vegans

While Laughing Cow cheese does not need to be kept in the fridge, it is not suitable for vegans. This is because it is made from milk, which is an animal byproduct.

Laughing Cow cheese is suitable for vegetarians, however. This is because, although it is made from milk, it does not contain animal rennet. Rennet is a type of enzyme found in animal stomachs, which is used to help solidify some types of cheese.

Vegan cheese, on the other hand, is 100% animal-free and made using vegetable proteins, such as soy and vegetable oils. It tends to be lower in fat, protein and calcium than regular cheese, and it is usually gluten-free. However, as it is a processed food, it tends to be higher in sodium.

Some popular brands of vegan cheese include Violife, Miyoko's, Kite Hill, Tofutti, Go Veggie, Treeline, Dr-Cow and Punk Rawk Labs.

The cheese is pasteurised and therefore safe to eat during pregnancy

Laughing Cow Cheese is a pasteurised cheese product, and therefore safe to eat during pregnancy. Pasteurisation is a process of heating cheese to a specific temperature to kill off harmful bacteria, making the cheese safe for consumption for those who are pregnant or have weakened immune systems.

Laughing Cow Cheese is sold in foil wedges packed in a cardboard wheel. It is a shelf-stable product, and can be purchased from non-refrigerated supermarket shelves. However, it is recommended that the cheese is refrigerated after purchase and opening, to ensure the best quality and taste.

The cheese will remain edible until the expiration date printed on the outer packaging, as long as it is kept refrigerated. After opening the individual packaging, it is best to eat the cheese right away, as exposure to air will dry it out.

Laughing Cow Cheese is rBST-free, containing no artificial growth hormones. It is also suitable for lacto-vegetarian diets, as it is made with 100% real cow's milk.

The cheese is best stored in the vegetable drawer of your refrigerator

The Laughing Cow cheese product is a processed cheese, which is distinct from traditional cheese in that it is made from a set of ingredients including milk, whey, milkfat, milk protein concentrate, whey protein concentrate, and salt. It is also known as "cheese food" or "cheese analogue".

There are two types of Laughing Cow cheese: one that needs to be refrigerated, and another that is shelf-stable and does not. The latter is often found in the spreads section of the supermarket, alongside jars of cream cheese spread and Kraft cheddar blocks. The packaging of the shelf-stable variety will indicate a "best before" date, and it can be kept in a pantry or cupboard until that date.

Once opened, the cheese should be consumed within a few hours to a few days, depending on the temperature. The product's website says it should be eaten within 2-4 hours; however, some users have reported keeping it for up to 7-8 hours unrefrigerated.

If you are keeping the cheese in the refrigerator, the best place for it is the vegetable drawer. The vegetable drawer, or salad drawer, in your refrigerator will retain humidity levels and keep the cheese from drying out. Cheese likes a humid environment, about 55 to 65% humidity, and it also needs to breathe. So, do not wrap the cheese in plastic, but rather in paper or parchment. The vegetable drawer will allow the cheese to breathe while keeping it humid.

Some refrigerators have an adjustment for humidity in the drawers, so you can control the environment for your cheese. If your refrigerator does not have this feature, you can keep the cheese in a cheese bell or cardboard box to prevent moisture from escaping.

To enjoy your cheese at its best, take it out of the refrigerator about an hour before serving to let it come to room temperature.

Frequently asked questions