Shredded Cheese: How Long Does It Last?

Shredded cheese is a convenient way to add flavour to meals, but how long does it last? The answer depends on the type of cheese and how it's stored. Hard cheeses like parmesan and Swiss will be good to eat for about a month after opening, while soft cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella will only last for one to two weeks. If you're freezing shredded cheese, it's best to eat it within six months. However, it's important to use your judgement and not eat cheese that looks or smells off, even if it's within the recommended time frame.

Soft shredded cheese lasts 1-2 weeks in the fridge

Soft shredded cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, will last in the fridge for 1-2 weeks after opening. This is because soft cheeses have a higher moisture content, which provides an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. Therefore, soft cheeses are more perishable than harder cheeses and have a shorter shelf life.

To maximise the shelf life of soft shredded cheese, it is important to store it properly. This involves sealing the cheese in its original packaging or placing it in resealable plastic bags or airtight containers. It should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature below 40°F (4°C). At room temperature, soft shredded cheese should be discarded if left out for more than 2 hours.

Additionally, it is recommended to freeze soft shredded cheese if you plan to store it for an extended period. When freezing, use the original packaging and place it in the freezer within the recommended time frame for refrigeration. Frozen soft shredded cheese can last for up to 6 months and is best suited for cooked dishes, as freezing may affect its texture and flavour.

When determining if soft shredded cheese has gone bad, use your best judgement. Look for any signs of spoilage, such as off odours, discolouration, or spots of mould. If you notice any of these indicators, it is best to discard the cheese.

Hard shredded cheese will last about a month

Hard shredded cheeses like Parmesan and Swiss should be eaten within a month of purchase. Hard shredded cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four weeks. To ensure your hard shredded cheese lasts this long, remove the cheese from its plastic packaging and wrap it loosely in cheese paper or wax paper. Then, put the cheese in a container with an airtight lid.

It is important to note that the shelf life of hard shredded cheese may vary depending on the storage conditions and the best-by date on the package. To maximize the shelf life of hard shredded cheese, it should be stored in the refrigerator at all times and tightly sealed in its original packaging or placed in resealable plastic bags or airtight containers.

Additionally, hard shredded cheese can be frozen to extend its shelf life. When freezing hard shredded cheese, it is recommended to place it in the freezer before the number of days shown for refrigerator storage has elapsed. Frozen hard shredded cheese will maintain its best quality for about six months but can be safely consumed beyond that time.

Frozen shredded cheese should be eaten within 6 months

Shredded cheese is a convenient way to store cheese and can be used for a variety of meals, from mac and cheese to pizza. While it's a handy item to have in your fridge, it's important to be aware of its shelf life to ensure you're consuming it safely.

Once opened, the type of shredded cheese will determine how long it lasts. Hard cheeses like parmesan and Swiss should be eaten within a month of purchase. Soft cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella will only be good for one to two weeks after opening the package.

Freezing shredded cheese is a great way to prolong its life. When frozen, shredded cheese should be consumed within six months. It's best to use an airtight, resealable plastic freezer bag to store the cheese. When you're ready to use the frozen cheese, you can either defrost it overnight in the refrigerator or leave it at room temperature for about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can use it straight from the freezer and add it to your dishes. Cooking with frozen cheese is preferable, as the cheese's texture might be slightly altered after freezing.

It's worth noting that not all cheeses are suitable for freezing. Cheeses with a natural rind, such as Camembert, cloth-bound cheddar, and St. Nectaire, may develop undesirable flavours when frozen. Softer cheeses with higher moisture content are also not ideal for freezing as they can become crumbly and mealy, and their structure may be damaged.

When it comes to determining if your shredded cheese is still edible, use your best judgement. If you notice any unpleasant odours, discolouring, or spots of mould, it's best to discard the cheese. Additionally, if the cheese has been stored at a temperature above 40°F (4°C), it may spoil faster due to increased bacterial growth.

Shredded cheese is coated in cellulose to prevent sticking

Packaged shredded cheese can last for a few weeks in the fridge, but it's important to check for signs of spoilage before consuming it. Soft cheeses tend to spoil faster than hard varieties, and mould is a common indicator of spoilage.

Shredded cheese is often coated in cellulose to prevent sticking. This coating helps to absorb moisture and keep the cheese from clumping together in the package. While cellulose is naturally present in plant cell walls and can be beneficial for digestion, its presence in shredded cheese can interfere with melting and affect the texture of dishes like mac & cheese. Some people prefer to shred their own cheese to avoid the potential issues caused by cellulose or other anti-caking agents.

Cellulose is derived from wood pulp or other plant fibres and is commonly used as a food additive. It can also be used to replace fat, thicken and stabilise foods, and boost fibre content. While some people may be concerned about consuming wood pulp, nutritionists assert that cellulose is harmless and offers the same health benefits as the insoluble fibre found in vegetables.

In addition to cellulose, anti-caking blends in shredded cheese may include ingredients like potato starch, cornstarch, calcium sulphate, and natamycin, which prevents mould. These blends can affect the melting and cooking properties of shredded cheese, so it's recommended to shred your own cheese if you're looking for a creamy texture in dishes like mac & cheese.

Bad shredded cheese will have an off odour, discolouring or mould

Shredded cheese is a convenient way to store this dairy product, but it's important to know when it has gone bad. Bad shredded cheese will display several tell-tale signs, such as an off odour, discolouring, or mould.

Off Odour:

Cheese naturally has a strong smell, but when it goes bad, it can emit an "off" odour. This could be similar to spoiled milk, ammonia, or even a refrigerator or freezer. If your shredded cheese smells unpleasant or different from its usual aroma, it's best to discard it.

Discolouring:

Cheese naturally comes in various colours, but discolouration can indicate spoilage. If your shredded cheese has noticeably faded or darkened, it's likely past its prime. This could be due to oxidation or the growth of bacteria, so it's best to avoid consuming discoloured cheese.

Mould:

Mould is a common issue with shredded cheese due to its increased surface area compared to block cheese. While small amounts of surface mould can be trimmed off, if the cheese is extensively covered in mould, it's best to discard it. Mould can indicate the presence of harmful bacteria, so it's not worth the risk.

In addition to these signs, other indicators of spoilage include sliminess, oiliness, and bloated packaging. It's important to trust your senses and err on the side of caution when dealing with shredded cheese. If it looks, smells, or tastes suspicious, it's best to discard it to avoid potential foodborne illnesses.

To prolong the shelf life of shredded cheese, proper storage is crucial. Keep it refrigerated at a temperature below 40°F (4°C), and use airtight containers or resealable bags to minimise exposure to air and moisture. Additionally, freezing shredded cheese can extend its shelf life, but it may affect its texture and melting properties.

Frequently asked questions