Shredded Cheese: How Long Does It Last In Fridge?

Cheese is a versatile kitchen staple, 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're unsure whether your cheese has gone bad, look out for off odors, discolouring, or spots of mold—these signs mean the cheese has likely spoiled.

Hard shredded cheese lasts longer in the fridge than soft varieties

The shelf life of shredded cheese depends on the type of cheese. Hard cheeses like Parmesan and Swiss can be consumed within a month of opening or purchasing, whereas soft cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella should be consumed within one to two weeks.

It is important to note that the dates on shredded cheese packaging are not expiration dates but rather the manufacturer's estimate of when the product is at its best. Therefore, shredded cheese can typically be consumed after its "best-by" date as long as it has been stored properly and shows no signs of spoilage, such as off-odors, discolouration, or mould.

To maximise the shelf life of shredded cheese, it is recommended to store it in a container with an airtight lid, using wax paper or cheese paper for wrapping. Maintaining a safe refrigerator temperature of below 40°F (4°C) is also crucial to prevent rapid bacterial growth and spoilage.

Additionally, freezing shredded cheese can further extend its shelf life. Frozen shredded cheese should be consumed within six months from the date of purchase.

Soft shredded cheese is only good for one to two weeks after opening

Hard cheeses, on the other hand, have lower moisture levels, making it difficult for bacteria to flourish. This is why hard cheeses can last about four weeks in the refrigerator after opening.

It's important to note that the shelf life of soft shredded cheese is not just determined by its moisture content but also by how it is stored. Proper storage can help extend the shelf life of soft shredded cheese. For example, soft cheeses sold in brine, like feta or fresh mozzarella, should be kept in their liquid and stored in a secure container. Blue cheese can be wrapped in foil, and soft-ripened cheese, like Brie, can be wrapped in cheese paper or parchment paper and kept in an airtight container.

Additionally, the quality and taste of soft shredded cheese will start to decline after a week, even before the end of its shelf life. Therefore, it is recommended to only buy cheese for the week ahead and to use your best judgment before consuming it. If you notice any off odours, discolouring, or spots of mould on your shredded cheese, it is best to discard it.

Hard shredded cheese should be eaten within a month of opening

It is important to note that the shelf life of shredded cheese is shorter than that of block cheese. This is because shredding cheese increases the surface area exposed to the elements, making it more susceptible to spoilage. Additionally, pre-shredded cheese is often coated in cellulose or starch to prevent clumping, which can affect its melting properties and overall quality. For this reason, it is recommended to buy blocks of cheese and shred them yourself as needed.

Regardless of the type of cheese, it is always important to inspect it for any signs of spoilage before consuming it. This includes checking for off odours, discolouration, or spots of mould. If you notice any of these signs, it is best to discard the cheese.

To maximise the shelf life of shredded cheese, it is important to store it properly. This includes keeping it in a sealed bag or container and storing it in the refrigerator at a temperature below 40°F (4°C). Additionally, it is recommended to wrap blocks of cheese or other types that do not come in resealable packaging in wax, parchment, or cheese paper to maintain moisture.

While shredded cheese can be frozen, it is recommended to consume it within six months of purchase. Freezing can affect the texture and quality of the cheese, so it is best suited for cooking rather than eating as is.

All shredded cheese can be eaten after its expiration date if stored properly

However, it is important to note that cheese can also go bad before its expiration date, due to quality control issues during manufacturing or improper storage. Therefore, it is always best to inspect your cheese before consuming it. If you notice any mold, off odours, or discolouring, it is best to discard the cheese.

To ensure that your shredded cheese lasts as long as possible, it is important to store it properly. This includes storing it in a safe fridge temperature of below 40°F (4°C), and wrapping it in a porous material like wax or parchment paper to prevent it from drying out. Additionally, it is recommended to grate your own cheese, as pre-shredded cheese is often coated in cellulose or starch to prevent clumping, which can affect the melting consistency.

The shelf life of shredded cheese also depends on its moisture content. Soft cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella will last for about one to two weeks in the fridge, while hard cheeses like parmesan and Swiss should be consumed within a month. If you are looking to extend the shelf life of your shredded cheese, you can consider freezing it, which can prolong its life by up to six months.

If you notice mould, odours, or discolouring, don't eat the cheese

It's worth noting that some types of cheese are made with specific types of mould that are safe to eat, such as blue cheese, Brie, and Camembert. However, these cheeses are made with controlled amounts of edible mould, whereas the mould on shredded cheese is wild and random, and therefore unsafe to eat.

In addition to mould, you should also be aware of other signs that your shredded cheese has gone bad. If it has an unusual odour, such as a sweaty, chlorine-like, or ammonia-like smell, it's best to discard it. Another sign is discolouration. If you see any specks of blue or green surface mould on hard cheese, it's best to cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below those spots.

To prevent mould from forming on your shredded cheese, it's recommended to store it properly. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container in the fridge, and try to use it within a week of opening the bag, as shredded cheese has a shorter shelf life compared to block cheese. You can also freeze shredded cheese to extend its shelf life, but this may affect its texture and melting ability.

If you consistently find mould on your shredded cheese, it may be due to other factors such as high moisture levels in your fridge, improper storage, or cross-contamination from other food items. It's important to maintain a safe fridge temperature of below 40°F (4°C) to prevent bacteria growth, and to regularly clean your fridge to remove any mould or sources of spoilage.

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