The Ultimate Guide To Spray Cheese Shelf Life

Spray cheese, also known as aerosol cheese, squirty cheese, or cheese in a can, is a convenient food product that allows consumers to spray cheese onto their snacks. It was first developed in the 1950s and has since become widely available in grocery stores and speciality markets worldwide. While spray cheese offers a quick and easy way to add flavour to dishes, concerns have been raised about its safety. Notably, a study from the University of California, Davis, found that several brands of spray cheese contained phthalates, a toxic chemical that can pose health risks.

So, how long does spray cheese last? Unlike some other canned cheese products, spray cheese does not have an indefinite shelf life. While it may not have an expiration date marked on the canister, the ingredients in spray cheese, such as whey powder and emulsifiers, will eventually expire. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the ingredients list and use the product before its best-by date. Additionally, due to its high-fat content, spray cheese can go rancid if stored improperly or left open for too long.

Spray cheese is not an aerosol

Despite being referred to as "aerosol cheese", spray cheese is not a true aerosol. While the can may appear to be a single entity, it actually has two sections: one containing nitrogen gas and the other, cheese or a cheese-adjacent substance.

The can is designed so that when you press the nozzle, the nitrogen pressure pushes the cheese out. A plastic barrier prevents the propellant at the bottom of the can from ever touching the cheese. This is what allows spray cheese to come out in those pretty little floret patterns, rather than as a fine mist. This technology also allows spray cheese to be dispensed from any angle, and makes it suitable for cupboard storage.

Spray cheese combines cheddar cheese powder, oil, and other flavours to create a cheesy flavour. The oil helps disperse the powder over your meal while adding fat to give it a creamy texture. The other flavours added depend on the type of cheese being sprayed. For example, Parmesan or blue cheese may have additional herbs or spices for extra flavour.

The first aerosol cheese sprays were developed in the early 2000s and have since become widely available in grocery stores and speciality markets worldwide. There are a wide variety of flavours, including cheddar and nacho cheese, and dairy-free options like vegan or mozzarella.

Bag-on-valve (BOV) cheese sprays have a longer shelf life

Spray cheese, or aerosol cheese, is a food product that comes in an aluminium can, similar to other aerosol products. It was first developed in the 1950s to dispense food items such as whipped cream and sauces, and cheese. The cheese is sprayed through a valve system, which allows consumers to spray small amounts of cheese onto their food. The first aerosol cheese sprays were developed in the early 2000s and have become widely available in grocery stores and speciality markets worldwide.

There are two types of cheese spray available on the market: bag-on-valve (BOV) and traditional aerosol spray. Bag-on-valve cheese sprays have a longer shelf life than other options. This is because they use air pressure to force the cheese out of its packet, rather than chemical propellants. This technology also ensures that all flavours are retained within each packet, allowing maximum taste with minimal wastage.

The length of time that cheese lasts in the fridge depends on the type of cheese. Soft varieties tend to spoil more quickly than hard varieties, as they contain more moisture and are therefore more prone to spoilage from bacteria. Generally, unopened hard cheeses don't need to be refrigerated but will last much longer if they are. Unopened blocks of hard cheese last six months in the fridge. Soft cheeses last one to two weeks in the fridge after opening, while most hard cheeses last three to four.

Spray cheese is available in dairy-free options

The ingredients in the Cheddar Style flavour are:

• Oat Milk (Water, Oats)
• Coconut Oil
• Corn Starch
• Nutritional Yeast
• Sea Salt
• Lactic Acid (Plant-derived)
• Agave Syrup
• Natural Flavor
• Xanthan Gum
• Sodium Hexameta-phosphate
• Annatto (For Color)
• Dehydrated Vegetable Blend (Tomato, Shiitake Mushroom, Onion, Garlic)

The Smoky Cheddar Style flavour has the same ingredients, with the addition of:

Natural Smoke Flavor

Both flavours contain coconut, which is listed as a Top 9 Allergen.

Spray cheese is not a true aerosol, as the can is divided into two sections: one filled with nitrogen gas, and the other with cheese or a cheese-adjacent substance. The nitrogen pressure pushes the cheese out of the can when the nozzle is pressed. This is known as a bag-on-valve system, which is also used in shaving gels. The one-way valve and modified atmosphere conditions ensure that foreign bacteria cannot enter the can, meaning the food lasts a long time.

It's important to pay attention to the ingredients list on each canister

While spray cheese does not have an expiration date, it is important to pay attention to the ingredients list on each canister. Some ingredients, such as whey powder and emulsifiers, will eventually expire. Using expired spray cheese may result in adverse health effects.

Spray cheese is a convenient and tasty addition to many dishes, but it is important to be aware of the ingredients it contains. The ingredients in spray cheese vary depending on the brand and recipe, but typically include cheese and other dairy products such as powdered cheddar or other cheeses, milk proteins, whey protein concentrate, sodium phosphate, lactic acid, and artificial flavourings. Some recipes may also contain vegetable oil or margarine to create a creamy texture.

It is worth noting that spray cheese is not a true aerosol, despite its appearance. The can contains two separate sections: one filled with nitrogen gas and the other with cheese or a cheese-adjacent substance. When the nozzle is pressed, the nitrogen pressure pushes the cheese out of the can, resulting in those familiar pretty floret patterns. A plastic barrier prevents the propellant from mixing with the cheese.

Some of the ingredients in spray cheese may sound unfamiliar or even scary, but regulatory bodies such as the United States Food and Drug Administration have tested and approved them for use in canned cheese production. While it is always a good idea to read labels before purchasing any food product, most of these ingredients are considered safe for consumption.

However, a recent study from the University of California, Davis, found that out of twelve tested brands of spray cheese, nine contained phthalates, a toxic chemical used in plastics that can have negative health impacts. The researchers also found traces of heavy metals, including lead and cadmium, which are known to cause neurological damage. These findings raise concerns about the potential health risks associated with consuming spray cheese and whether it should continue to be sold in grocery stores.

Cougar Gold cheese can last indefinitely in the fridge

Cougar Gold cheese is a unique canned cheese that can last indefinitely in the fridge when unopened. This Washington State University creation is a cheddar-style cheese made with whole milk and aged for two months, resulting in a distinct flavour and texture. Its longevity is due to the sealing of the cheese into steel cans lined with a wax coating, which helps to preserve it.

The key to Cougar Gold's indefinite shelf life is refrigeration and keeping the can unopened. As long as these conditions are met, the cheese will not spoil or go bad, making it ideal for those who want a large supply of cheese without worrying about expiration dates. In fact, Cougar Gold has been known to retain its quality for over 25 years, with some customers storing their cheese for over 30 years.

Once the can is opened, Cougar Gold should be removed from the can and stored in the refrigerator, where it will behave similarly to other store-bought cheeses in terms of longevity. However, it is worth noting that all cheeses will begin to degrade fairly quickly once exposed to air, even when refrigerated. Therefore, it is recommended to consume the cheese within a reasonable timeframe after opening.

The ability of Cougar Gold to last indefinitely in the fridge is a significant advantage, especially for those who want to buy in bulk and save money and trips to the grocery store. It is a convenient option for those who want to always have a supply of cheese on hand without worrying about expiration dates.

In summary, Cougar Gold cheese is a remarkable product that defies the usual limitations of perishable foods. By sealing the cheese in wax-coated steel cans and keeping it refrigerated, it can last indefinitely, providing a delicious and convenient snack or ingredient for years to come.

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