Frederic Melton
Unopened shredded cheese can last for a surprisingly long time, but how long exactly depends on the type of cheese and how it's stored. Hard cheeses like Parmesan and Swiss will last longer than soft cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella. Properly stored, an unopened package of shredded cheese will last for about a week after the Sell By or Best By date on the package. If you're looking to extend the shelf life of your shredded cheese, you can freeze it. Frozen shredded cheese can be kept indefinitely, but it may lose some of its texture and flavor. When in doubt, use your best judgment and don't eat the cheese if it has developed an off odor, flavor, appearance, or mold.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How long is unopened shredded cheese good past the date? | About 1 week after the "Sell By" or "Best By" date on the package |
| How to store unopened shredded cheese? | Store it in the freezer to extend its shelf life |
| How to determine if shredded cheese is bad or spoiled? | Look for mold or an off odor or flavor |
| How long does opened shredded cheese last? | 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator |
| How to store opened shredded cheese? | Wrap it using wax, parchment, or cheese paper to maintain its moisture and store it in an airtight container |
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What You'll Learn
- Unopened shredded cheese can last for about a week past its printed date
- Freezing shredded cheese can extend its shelf life
- Bacteria grows rapidly at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F
- Soft shredded cheese should be discarded if left out for more than 2 hours at room temperature
- Always use your senses to judge the quality of cheese
Unopened shredded cheese can last for about a week past its printed date
It's important to note that the printed date on cheese packaging is usually a "best-by" or "sell-by" date, which indicates quality rather than food safety. This means that the cheese may still be safe to eat past this date, but its flavour and texture may not be optimal.
To extend the shelf life of unopened shredded cheese, you can freeze it. Freezing cheese can affect its texture and flavour, so it is best suited for cooked dishes like sauces, soups, and casseroles. To freeze shredded cheese, tightly seal the original packaging and place it in the freezer. If freezing for longer than 2 months, it is recommended to use a heavy-duty freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
When determining whether unopened shredded cheese is still good to eat, it is important to use your senses. If the cheese has developed an unusual odour, flavour, or appearance, it should be discarded. Additionally, if there is any sign of mould, the entire package of shredded cheese should be thrown away.
By properly storing unopened shredded cheese and using your best judgment when assessing its quality, you can safely enjoy it for about a week past its printed date.
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Freezing shredded cheese can extend its shelf life
Freezing shredded cheese is a great way to extend its shelf life. Properly stored, an unopened package of shredded cheddar cheese will last for about a week after the "Sell By" or "Best By" date on the package. However, by freezing it, you can increase its shelf life by several months.
Freezing shredded cheese is a simple process. Place the shredded cheese in an airtight, resealable plastic freezer bag and freeze it for up to three months. If you plan on freezing it for longer than two months, it is recommended to use a heavy-duty freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. When you are ready to use the 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 by breaking off or shaking out the desired amount.
It is important to note that freezing shredded cheese may affect its texture and flavor. The cheese may lose some of its original qualities, so it is best suited for cooked dishes such as sauces, soups, and casseroles. Additionally, always use your best judgment before consuming frozen or thawed cheese. If you notice any off odors, discolorations, or spots of mold, discard the cheese as these signs indicate spoilage.
While freezing shredded cheese can extend its shelf life, it does not reset the clock on spoilage. Instead, it pauses the spoilage process. Therefore, it is essential to freeze the cheese before the number of days shown for refrigerator storage has elapsed. By following these simple steps, you can effectively extend the shelf life of shredded cheese and enjoy it for several months beyond its original expiration date.
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Bacteria grows rapidly at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F
Unopened shredded cheddar cheese will last for about a week after the "Sell By" or "Best By" date on the package, if stored properly. However, it's important to understand the role of temperature in the shelf life of cheese. Bacteria grow most rapidly in the range of temperatures between 40 °F and 140 °F, which is often referred to as the "Danger Zone". Within this temperature range, bacteria can double in number in as little as 20 minutes, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses. Therefore, it is recommended to not leave food, including shredded cheese, out of refrigeration for more than 2 hours. If the temperature is above 90 °F, this time reduces to 1 hour.
To extend the shelf life of unopened shredded cheddar cheese, it can be frozen. When freezing, ensure the original packaging is tightly sealed. If freezing for longer than 2 months, place the package inside a heavy-duty freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. Frozen shredded cheddar cheese may lose some of its texture and flavour, so it is best suited for cooked dishes.
To determine if shredded cheddar cheese has gone bad, use your senses. If the cheese has developed an unusual odour, flavour, or appearance, it should be discarded. If there is any visible mould, discard the entire package of shredded cheese.
It is worth noting that different types of shredded cheese have varying shelf lives once opened. Hard cheeses like parmesan and Swiss should be consumed within a month of purchase, while soft cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella will only last for one to two weeks.
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Soft shredded cheese should be discarded if left out for more than 2 hours at room temperature
The same rule applies to soft shredded cheese, which is even more susceptible to bacterial growth due to its larger surface area relative to volume when compared to a block of cheese. Therefore, it is important to be vigilant when it comes to checking for signs of spoilage in soft shredded cheese that has been left out. If the cheese has been at room temperature for more than two hours, it is best to discard it, even if it shows no signs of spoilage.
The signs of spoilage in soft shredded cheese can include a slimy texture, a yellowed color, mold, sourness, or a strong scent. If the cheese has been left out for an extended period, it is better to be cautious and throw it away rather than risk consuming contaminated food. The taste, flavor, quality, and texture of soft shredded cheese can also be negatively impacted if it is left out for too long, even if it is still safe to eat.
To extend the shelf life of unopened shredded cheese, it can be stored in the freezer. When freezing shredded cheese, it is important to seal the original packaging tightly and place it in the freezer before the number of days shown for refrigerator storage has passed. Frozen shredded cheese may lose some of its texture and flavor, so it is best suited for cooked dishes such as sauces, soups, and casseroles.
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Always use your senses to judge the quality of cheese
Unopened shredded cheddar cheese will last for about a week after the "Sell By" or "Best By" date on the package. To extend its shelf life, you can freeze it. However, it is important to note that frozen cheddar cheese may lose some of its texture and flavor, and it is best suited for cooked dishes.
When it comes to judging the quality of cheese, it is always advisable to use your senses, especially your sight, smell, and taste. Here are some detailed guidelines on how to use your senses to determine if cheese is still good:
Sight:
Before purchasing cheese and after opening it, check its appearance. Observe any discoloring, spots of mold, or other irregularities. If you see any signs of spoilage, discard the cheese.
Smell:
Smelling the cheese is an excellent way to determine its quality and safety. If a mild cheese, like Monterey Jack or American cheese, has developed a strong odor similar to blue cheese or Limburger, it has likely gone bad. Naturally pungent cheeses, like blue cheese or Camembert, will have a strong ammonia smell when they spoil, resembling cat urine. If the cheese smells like a much more concentrated version of what it should, it's probably best to discard it.
Taste:
Tasting the cheese can also provide valuable information about its quality. If a mild cheese suddenly has a strong or unusual character, it's best to throw it away. Spoiled cheese may taste overly bitter, sour, or musty, similar to drinking water from a moldy pipe. Trust your palate, as your senses can often detect spoilage or contamination.
Remember, every type of cheese has its own shelf life, and proper storage is crucial. Always trust your senses and exercise caution when consuming cheese past its recommended dates. If you have any doubts or feel ill after consuming cheese, it is best to discard it and consult a healthcare professional if necessary.
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Frequently asked questions
Unopened shredded cheese will last about 1 week after the "Best By" date.
Bacteria grow rapidly at temperatures between 40 °F and 140 °F, so shredded cheese should be discarded if left out for more than 2 hours at room temperature.
To extend the shelf life of unopened shredded cheese, it is best to store it in the freezer. When freezing, tightly seal the original packaging and place it in the freezer. If freezing for longer than 2 months, place the package inside a heavy-duty freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
Unopened shredded cheese may have gone bad if it has developed an off odor, flavor, or appearance. If mold appears, discard the cheese.
