Shredded Cheese: How Long Does It Last?

Cheese is a staple in many kitchens, but how long does shredded cheese last in the fridge? The answer depends on the type of cheese. Hard cheeses like parmesan and Swiss should be eaten within a month of purchase, while soft cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella will only be good for one to two weeks. If you freeze your bag of shredded cheese, it's recommended to eat it within six months. However, it's important to use your best judgment and avoid eating cheese with any signs of spoilage, such as off odors, discolouring, or spots of mold.

How long does shredded cheese last in the fridge?

The shelf life of shredded cheese depends on the type of cheese and how it's stored. Hard cheeses like parmesan and Swiss should be eaten within a month of opening or purchasing, according to food scientist Janilyn Hutchings. Soft cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella will only be good for one to two weeks after opening or purchasing.

However, it's important to note that these dates are not legally required and are only the manufacturer's estimate of when the food will taste its best. All foods, including shredded cheese, can usually still be eaten after their expiration dates, as long as they've been stored properly and show no signs of spoilage.

When it comes to storing shredded cheese, it's best to keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Proper storage can dramatically extend its refrigerator life. The ideal temperature for a refrigerator is below 40°F (4°C). At higher temperatures, bacteria multiply more rapidly, increasing the risk of spoilage.

When determining if shredded cheese is still safe to eat, use your best judgment. If you notice any off odors, discolouring, or spots of mold, it's best to discard the cheese. Additionally, soft cheeses and shredded hard cheeses that contain mold should be discarded, as the mold can quickly spread in a high-moisture environment.

What are the signs that shredded cheese has gone bad?

Shredded cheese is a convenient way to store and use cheese, but it can be tricky to know when it has gone bad. Here are some signs to look out for:

Mould

The most obvious sign that shredded cheese has gone bad is the presence of mould. Mould can be visible in the form of blue, green, or white specks, or it may be hidden underneath the cheese. If you see any mould, it is best to discard the entire bag of cheese, as mould can spread quickly, especially in soft cheeses.

Odour

If your shredded cheese has an unpleasant or sour odour, it has likely gone bad. Cheese naturally has a strong smell, but if it smells "off", chlorine-like, or ammonia-like, it is best to discard it.

Discolouration

Any discolouration or spots on the cheese may indicate spoilage. This could be in the form of blue, green, or black spots, or a change in the colour of the cheese itself.

Texture

If your shredded cheese has become slimy or dried out, it has likely gone bad. Fresh cheese should have a moist but not wet texture. If the cheese is clumping together, it may be a sign that it is no longer good to eat.

Taste

If you accidentally taste cheese that has gone bad, you may notice a bitter or fermented fruit taste. This is a sign of spoilage, and you should discard the cheese immediately. Even if you do not notice any visible or olfactory signs of spoilage, your taste buds may detect something off about the cheese.

It is important to note that the shelf life of shredded cheese depends on the type of cheese. Hard cheeses like Parmesan and Swiss can last up to a month in the fridge, while soft cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella will only last about one to two weeks. Proper storage is also key to prolonging the life of shredded cheese. It is best to keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and to use it within a few weeks of opening.

What's the best way to store shredded cheese in the fridge?

Shredded cheese can be stored in the fridge for a week or two after opening. To ensure it lasts as long as possible, it's important to store it correctly.

Firstly, shredded cheese should be kept in its original bag or a resealable bag. This will help to keep the cheese fresh and prevent it from drying out. It's also a good idea to store the bag of shredded cheese in an airtight container, such as a plastic bag or Tupperware with holes poked in it, to provide extra protection and maintain humidity.

When storing shredded cheese, it's best to keep it in the warmest part of the fridge, such as the produce drawer or at the back of the fridge. This is because cold temperatures can cause cheese to dry out and ripen more quickly. Additionally, shredded cheese should be stored away from other smelly foods, as cheese can absorb odours.

To maximise the shelf life of shredded cheese, it's recommended to freeze it. Frozen shredded cheese can last for up to three months and can be easily distributed and melted when needed.

If you're grating your own cheese, it's best to shred only what you need for the next 2-3 days. This is because shredded cheese has a shorter shelf life than a block of cheese, as grating can contaminate the cheese and encourage bacterial growth.

What are the benefits of shredding your own cheese?

Shredding your own cheese may take a little more time and effort, but it comes with several benefits. Firstly, it is often cheaper to buy a block of cheese and shred it yourself than to buy pre-shredded cheese. Secondly, shredding your own cheese means you avoid unnecessary additives such as anti-caking agents and mould inhibitors, which are added to pre-shredded cheese to stop it from clumping together. These additives can affect the taste and texture of the cheese, and while they are safe to consume, some people may prefer to avoid them.

Shredded cheese is exposed to more air, which can cause it to spoil faster, so keeping it in block form until you need it helps to preserve its freshness and reduce food waste. Freshly shredded cheese has a richer and more pronounced flavour, and a softer, creamier texture. It melts more evenly, which is ideal for dishes such as mac and cheese, stromboli pizza, or ground beef quesadillas.

Hard and semi-hard cheeses such as cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, provolone, and parmesan are ideal for shredding. Softer cheeses can be shredded but may require different equipment.

Can you freeze shredded cheese?

Yes, you can freeze shredded cheese. Freezing shredded cheese is a great way to make it last longer. However, it's important to note that not all types of cheese are suitable for freezing, and the freezing process may affect the texture and taste of the cheese.

When freezing shredded cheese, it is recommended to place it in an airtight, resealable plastic freezer bag and remove as much air as possible before sealing. You can also freeze pre-shredded cheese in its original container or bag. It is best to use shredded cheese within two to three months of freezing to ensure the best quality and taste.

Some cheeses that freeze well include hard cheeses such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan. These cheeses have a lower water and fat content, which helps them withstand the freezing process better. Soft cheeses with a higher water and fat content, such as Camembert, Brie, ricotta, and cottage cheese, can also be frozen but may suffer more in terms of texture and taste.

When using frozen shredded cheese, it is recommended to defrost it overnight in the refrigerator or leave it at room temperature for about 20 minutes. Cooking with frozen cheese is also an option, as the melting process can help mask any changes in texture.

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