Vegan Cheese: How Long Does It Last In The Fridge?

How long does open vegan cheese keep? This is a question that many vegans ask, and the answer depends on several factors. Most vegan cheese products advise that they should be consumed within 7 days of opening, but this can vary depending on the brand, type of cheese, ingredients, and storage method. For example, some vegan cheeses can last up to 4 weeks if kept in an airtight container, while others will only last 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. Additionally, the temperature of the storage environment is crucial, with an optimum range of 2 to 4 degrees Celsius. Freezing vegan cheese is also an option to extend its shelf life, but this may impact the texture of the cheese. Ultimately, the best way to determine if vegan cheese is still safe to consume is to use your senses to check for any signs of spoilage, such as mould or an unpleasant smell.

How long does soft vegan cheese keep?

Soft vegan cheese typically lasts for a maximum of 7 days after being opened, assuming it is kept refrigerated. However, the duration can vary depending on the brand, ingredients, and style of cheese. Some soft vegan cheeses, like camembert, tend to last less, with a shelf life of around 5 days in the fridge when opened.

To extend the shelf life of soft vegan cheese, it is recommended to keep it in an airtight container within its original packaging. This can add a few extra days to its freshness. Additionally, storing opened soft vegan cheese in a sealed airtight sandwich bag can further prolong its edibility by up to 3-7 days, depending on the brand.

It is important to note that soft vegan cheese should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as it may spoil. To prevent spoilage, it is best to store soft vegan cheese in the fridge at a temperature between 2 and 4 degrees Celsius.

Furthermore, soft vegan cheese can be frozen to extend its shelf life indefinitely. However, freezing may impact the texture of the cheese. When defrosting, it is recommended to use the microwave on a low setting for 40 seconds, or defrost in the fridge or on the counter.

How long does hard vegan cheese keep?

Vegan cheese is no different from regular cheese in that it can go mouldy and spoil. Most vegan cheese products advise that they should be consumed within 7 days of opening. However, this depends on several factors, including the brand, type of cheese, fat content, water content, and storage method.

Hard vegan cheeses, like plant-based cheddar, can last longer than soft cheeses. While 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. Other hard cheeses that freeze well include cheddar and vegan halloumi.

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 extend its life. This can add a few extra days to the window, so it remains fresh and fine to consume.

Some hard plant-based cheeses can last up to 3 months when unopened but will likely need to be eaten within a week or so of opening.

How to store vegan cheese

The length of time that vegan cheese keeps depends on several factors, including the brand, ingredients, style of cheese, temperature, and packaging.

Most vegan cheese products advise that they should be consumed within 7 days of opening. However, this can vary depending on the brand and type of cheese. Some cheese lasts for a month, while others show signs of mold 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.

To store vegan cheese, keep it in an airtight container within its original packaging. This will help it last longer in the fridge. If you are not planning to use the cheese right away, you can also freeze it. Frozen vegan cheese can last for up to 5 months. Before freezing, it is best to shred or grate the cheese rather than freezing the entire block. Portion the cheese into airtight containers or sealed bags, label them, and place them in the freezer.

Vegan cream cheese is made with coconut cream and will spoil if left at room temperature for too long. It should be kept in the fridge, where it will last between 7 and 10 days, depending on the brand. Homemade vegan cream cheese will only last for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Vegan parmesan can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days or in the freezer for longer. However, it may not defrost as well.

Supermarket vegan cheeses made with starches and coconut oil can be left out for longer periods, as the oil content will help preserve them and prevent mold. However, artisanal vegan cheeses made with wholefood ingredients should not be left out for as long, as they are more prone to drying out, molding, and sweating.

The optimum temperature for storing vegan cheese in the fridge is between 2 and 4 degrees Celsius. At this temperature, vegan cheese can last for several months, even beyond its best-before date.

How to tell if vegan cheese has gone bad

Vegan cheese is no different from regular cheese in that it can go mouldy and show signs of spoilage. The shelf life of vegan cheese depends on several factors, including the type of cheese, the ingredients used, the temperature of the room it's stored in, and the packaging.

It is recommended that vegan cheese be kept out for no more than a few hours, depending on the ingredients and the ambient temperature. Coconut oil and starch-based vegan cheeses, for example, can be left out for longer periods because the oil content will help preserve the cheese and prevent it from getting mouldy. However, artisanal vegan cheeses made from wholefood ingredients should not be left out for as long, as they are more prone to drying out, moulding, and sweating.

Vegan cheese typically lasts around a week in the fridge before it starts to go mouldy, but this varies by 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, the longer it will last. To extend its shelf life, keep vegan cheese in an airtight container within its original packaging. This can add a few extra days to its freshness. Some plant-based cheeses can last up to three months when unopened but will likely need to be eaten within a week after opening.

Use your senses to determine if vegan cheese has gone bad. If the cheese has developed a strange texture, or you notice spots of mould, it's best to throw it out. The same goes for any cheese that smells or tastes odd. If you spot black mould, throw out the entire block or packet as this is a dangerous variant, albeit rare.

How to revive dried-out vegan cheese

Most vegan cheese products advise that they should be consumed within 7 days of opening. However, this depends on the brand and type of cheese. Some cheese lasts for a month, while others show signs of mould after a few days. Hard vegan cheeses like cheddar can last longer than soft cheeses like camembert.

Martha Stewart's Method

This method involves using a wet cheesecloth and plastic wrap to revive dried-out cheese. First, take a piece of cheesecloth big enough to wrap around the cheese. Wet it and wring it out, then wrap it tightly around the cheese. Add a layer of plastic wrap around the whole thing and put it in the refrigerator overnight. The cheese will absorb the water from the cheesecloth, replacing the moisture it lost.

Queso en Aceite

Queso en aceite, or "cheese in oil", is a Spanish method of preserving cheese that has been used for centuries. To do this, place a hard cheese such as parmesan, aged gouda, or cheddar in a glass jar with olive oil and any desired aromatics such as rosemary, chiles, or citrus zest. Leave the jar in a cupboard for at least two weeks, or up to six months. The oil will gradually permeate the cheese, softening it and giving it a unique flavour.

Grate or Blend the Cheese

If the cheese is too dry to revive, it may still be possible to cook with it. Try grating the cheese and adding it to dishes like mac and cheese, grilled cheese, or a cheese dip. Alternatively, blend it into a food processor or blender to make pesto or refried beans.

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