Vegan Cheese: How Long Does It Last?

How long does vegan cheese last? It's a question that's been asked by many, and the answer is not always straightforward. The duration of vegan cheese's freshness depends on several factors, including the type of cheese, how it's packaged and stored, and the ingredients used. Generally, unopened vegan cheese can last for a few weeks to a few months, while opened vegan cheese should be consumed within a week to avoid spoilage. The higher the fat content and the lower the water content, the longer it will last. Proper storage methods, such as refrigeration and airtight containers, can also extend the shelf life of vegan cheese.

How long does unopened vegan cheese last?

The length of time that unopened vegan cheese can be stored depends on several factors, including the type of cheese, the ingredients used, and the ambient temperature.

Some sources suggest that unopened vegan cheese can be kept for up to four months from the date of manufacturing. However, this duration may vary depending on the brand and type of cheese. For example, some supermarket vegan cheeses made with starches and coconut oil can be left unrefrigerated for several hours due to their oil content, which acts as a preservative. In contrast, artisanal vegan cheeses made from wholefood ingredients should not be left unrefrigerated for extended periods, as they are more prone to drying out, moulding, and sweating.

To extend the shelf life of unopened vegan cheese, it is recommended to store it at a temperature between 2 and 4 degrees Celsius. At this temperature, some vegan cheeses can last for several months, even beyond their best-before date. Additionally, storing unopened vegan cheese in the freezer can further prolong its shelf life by several months.

It is important to note that the packaging of vegan cheese also plays a crucial role in determining its longevity. Vegan cheeses packaged in airtight, sealed wrappers tend to have a longer shelf life than those wrapped in paper or wax.

How long does opened vegan cheese last?

The length of time that opened vegan cheese lasts depends on several factors, including the type of cheese, the ingredients used, the ambient temperature, and the packaging.

Type of Cheese

Vegan cheese typically lasts around a week in the fridge before it starts to go mouldy, but this varies depending 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, such as cheddar and halloumi, tend to last longer than soft cheeses.

Ingredients Used

The higher the fat content and the lower the water content in the vegan cheese, the longer it will last in the fridge. Coconut oil-based cheeses, for example, can be left out for longer periods without spoiling.

Ambient Temperature

Vegan cheese should be stored at a temperature of around 2-4 degrees Celsius to prevent spoilage. At this temperature, it can last for several months, even beyond its best-before date. Leaving vegan cheese out at room temperature for too long can cause it to spoil, so it is recommended to keep it refrigerated after opening.

Packaging

Vegan cheese that is not packaged in an airtight container will not last as long as cheese that is sealed properly. Re-wrapping opened vegan cheese in airtight packaging can help extend its shelf life by a few extra days.

Overall, most sources recommend consuming opened vegan cheese within 7 days to ensure optimal quality and freshness. However, some types of vegan cheese, such as parmesan alternatives or dry vegan cheeses, can last for several weeks or even months if stored properly.

How to store vegan cheese

Storing vegan cheese is a lot like storing regular cheese. It can be kept at room temperature if it's unopened, but once it's opened, it needs to be refrigerated. The optimum temperature for storing vegan cheese in the fridge is between 2 and 4 degrees Celsius.

To extend the shelf life of your vegan cheese, store it in an airtight container within its original packaging. This can add a few extra days to its freshness. If you want to keep it for even longer, you can freeze it. This can extend its shelf life indefinitely, but it's important to note that freezing will affect the texture of the cheese. Before freezing, grate or shred the cheese, then portion it into airtight containers or sealed bags. Label the containers and place them in the freezer.

Some types of vegan cheese will last longer than others. Hard cheeses, such as cheddar and halloumi, tend to last longer than soft cheeses. Cream cheese, for example, will only last around 7–10 days, depending on the brand. Homemade cream cheese will only last up to 4 days in the fridge. Soft cheeses like camembert will keep for around 5 days in the fridge when opened. Hard cheeses like cheddar can last a little longer—up to an extra 3–7 days if kept in a sealed, airtight sandwich bag.

Vegan parmesan, which is mostly made with cashew nuts, lasts very well and can be kept in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 7 days, or in the freezer for longer.

It's important to always check the label, as all brands have slightly different storage guidelines.

How to know if vegan cheese has gone bad

Vegan cheese can go bad, and it's important to know how to tell when it has. The first thing to remember is that if you've bought vegan cheese from a store, it should be good for about four months from the manufacturing date if it's unopened. However, once you've opened the packaging, it will likely only last about a week before going bad. If you've made your own vegan cheese, it will only be good for about four to six days, depending on whether or not it contains preservatives.

There are several signs to look out for that will tell you if your vegan cheese has gone bad. Firstly, trust your senses. If your vegan cheese has gone bad, it will likely have developed a foul smell. It may also have visible mould on it. Look for tiny spots of green or white mould on the cheese slices. The mould will look different from the cheese itself and may have tiny, downy hairs on it. If you see black mould, throw the entire block of cheese away, as this is a dangerous variant, albeit rare.

If you spot mould on hard cheese, you can cut it off, and the rest of the cheese should be fine to eat. However, if you see mould on soft cheese, it's best to throw the whole thing away, as it's not easy to cut off the mouldy parts.

Another thing to keep in mind is that different types of vegan cheese have different shelf lives. For example, supermarket vegan cheeses made with starches and coconut oil can be left out for longer periods because the oil content will help preserve them and stop them from getting mouldy. On the other hand, artisanal vegan cheeses made from wholefood ingredients shouldn't be left out for too long, as they can dry out, go mouldy, or start sweating.

Vegan parmesan cheeses, which are mostly made with cashew nuts, last very well when left out and are ready to be sprinkled on your next meal. Dry vegan cheeses, like parmesan alternatives in jars or nutritional yeast, will also last for months on a shelf or in the kitchen without any issues.

Finally, remember that the way you store your vegan cheese will impact its shelf life. Most vegan cheeses that need to be kept cool should be stored at a temperature of around 2 to 4 degrees Celsius. If stored at this temperature, they can last for several months, even beyond their best date. If you're storing vegan cheese in the freezer, it can last for several months and still taste fresh when defrosted. However, some people say that freezing vegan cheese can impact its texture.

Can you freeze vegan cheese?

Yes, you can freeze vegan cheese. Freezing is a great way to prevent food from spoiling, as it slows down the growth of microorganisms and stops food from going off. However, it's worth noting that freezing vegan cheese will affect its texture and taste. Once defrosted, the cheese may be crumbly, softer, or grainier, and less rich in flavour.

Some types of vegan cheese are more suitable for freezing than others. Hard cheeses, such as cheddar and parmesan, are the best options for freezing. Semi-soft cheeses like mozzarella will also survive being frozen, but will have a softer texture once defrosted. You can also freeze vegan ricotta, though it's best used as a pasta filling after defrosting, rather than for salads or toast.

Vegan cream cheese is the least suitable for freezing, as the creamy texture will be affected the most. If you do choose to freeze it, it's best used in cooked or baked goods.

Before freezing vegan cheese, it's recommended to grate or shred it, as this will make it easier to use once defrosted. It's also important to ensure that the cheese is stored in an airtight container or bag to prevent it from being exposed to air.

Frozen vegan cheese can be defrosted in the refrigerator, on the counter, or in the microwave. Defrosting in the refrigerator is the best way to retain the initial flavour and texture, and will take around 24 to 48 hours. Defrosting on the counter will take around 2 to 3 hours, while defrosting in the microwave is the quickest option, taking around 40 seconds on a low setting.

It's important to note that freezing and defrosting vegan cheese will affect its texture and taste, so it's recommended to only freeze cheese that you plan to use for cooking purposes.

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