Frederic Melton
Shredded cheese is a convenient and versatile ingredient used in many dishes. However, it can be tricky to determine if it has gone bad, especially considering the varying shelf lives of different cheeses. The shelf life of shredded cheese depends on the type of cheese and how it is stored. For example, hard cheeses like Parmesan and Swiss have a longer shelf life than soft cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella. Additionally, shredded cheese can be frozen to extend its shelf life, but proper storage methods must be followed to prevent spoilage. When determining if shredded cheese has gone bad, it is essential to use your senses, especially sight, smell, and taste. Signs of spoilage include off-odors, discoloration, mold, a sour taste, and a crumbly or sticky texture. It's important to use your best judgment and avoid consuming cheese that exhibits these signs of spoilage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sight | Fuzzy discolouration, spots of mould |
| Smell | Strong, pungent, sour, ammonia-like, similar to cat urine |
| Taste | Sour milk |
| Texture | Crumbly, sticky, clumpy |
| Expiry | Check the best-by date on the packaging |
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What You'll Learn
Shelf life and storage
The shelf life of shredded cheese depends on the type of cheese and how it is stored. Hard cheeses like parmesan and Swiss should be consumed within a month of purchase, whereas soft cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella will only last for one to two weeks. If you plan to freeze shredded cheese, it is recommended to consume it within six months.
To extend the shelf life of shredded cheese, proper storage is crucial. When storing shredded cheese in the fridge, ensure that the package is tightly sealed or transfer the cheese to an airtight container. If you intend to freeze shredded cheese, use a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Alternatively, spread the cheese on a baking sheet, freeze it, and then transfer the frozen cheese to a freezer bag for more compact storage.
It is worth noting that pre-shredded cheese is often coated with cellulose or starch to prevent clumping, which can affect its melting properties. As a result, some people prefer to grate their own cheese, especially when making dishes like mac 'n' cheese or sauces, where a smooth melt is desired.
Regardless of the expiration dates, always use your senses to judge whether shredded cheese has gone bad. Off odors, discoloration, or mold spots indicate that the cheese has likely spoiled and should be discarded. A strong, pungent smell could suggest that the cheese has been exposed to varying temperatures or humidity. If the cheese has a sour milk taste, crumbly texture, or appears sticky and clumpy, it has probably exceeded its shelf life.
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Appearance
Cheese is a living thing, and the moulds that give cheeses their distinctive flavour are living organisms that can die and start rotting. It can be tricky to determine if cheese has gone bad when it is already kind of stinky and mouldy, but if you notice any discolouration or spots of mould, it is best to throw it away.
A strong, unusual odour is a clear indication of spoiled or mouldy cheese. If a mild cheese like Monterey Jack or American smells strong like blue cheese or Limburger, it should be discarded. Cheeses that are naturally pungent, like blue cheese or Camembert, will have a strong ammonia smell when they go bad, similar to cat urine. If you are familiar with the smell of your favourite cheese, and the cheese you have smells like a much more concentrated version, it is probably no longer safe to eat.
Taste is another indicator of spoilage. If the shredded cheese tastes like sour milk, it could indicate that the cheese is past its expiration date. Texture can also be indicative of spoilage; shredded cheese with a crumbly texture or appearing sticky and clumpy could be spoiled.
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Smell
Shredded cheese can be tricky to determine if it has gone bad, as it is often already quite stinky and mouldy. However, your senses, especially smell, are the best tools to help you figure out whether your shredded cheese has spoiled.
If a mild shredded cheese, like Monterey Jack or American, has developed a strong smell, similar to blue cheese or Limburger, it has likely gone bad. If the cheese smells like a more concentrated version of its usual scent, it's probably no longer safe to eat. Familiarising yourself with the smell of freshly opened shredded cheese can help you identify when it has gone bad.
Some common smells that indicate spoilage include an ammonia-like or sour odour, similar to cat urine, or a vinegar-like smell. If your shredded cheese smells like vinegar, it may be because it was stored in an airtight container.
If your shredded cheese smells off, it is best to throw it out, especially if it also has mould. While some people suggest that cooking the cheese may kill any harmful bacteria, it is not worth the risk of food poisoning.
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Taste
Some people have a high tolerance for off-tasting cheese. One person reported that their shredded cheese tasted fine, despite being past its "best by" date. However, another person noted that their shredded cheese looked and smelled fine but tasted awful. This could be due to the addition of anti-clumping agents or increased oxidation due to the larger surface area of shredded cheese.
It's important to note that consuming spoiled cheese can lead to foodborne illnesses, with symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea. Therefore, it's recommended to check the expiration date, appearance, and smell of the cheese before tasting it. If the cheese has visible mould, an ammonia-like or sour odour, or a crumbly, mushy, or very dry texture, it's best to discard it.
In summary, while taste can be a useful indicator of whether shredded cheese has gone bad, it's important to consider other factors as well to ensure food safety.
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Texture
Firstly, it is important to note that the texture of shredded cheese can change if it is frozen. Freezing changes the composition of foods, and while freezing shredded cheese can extend its shelf life, its texture might not be the same as before freezing. It could be crumbly and is best used melted in cooking or baking.
Secondly, if shredded cheese has gone bad, it may become dry. This is a sign that it has lost its freshness. Dry cheese may also be crumbly, mushy, or mouldy. If you notice any blue, green, or black spots, or if the cheese has started to harden, it is best to discard it.
In addition, spoiled cheese can develop a slimy or greasy texture. This may be accompanied by mould growth and discolouration. If the cheese feels different from how it felt when it was fresh, for example, if it feels mushy or very dry, there is a high chance that it has gone bad.
Finally, some types of cheese, such as shredded cheddar, may have additives like anti-caking agents to help the shreds retain their separate form. These additives can affect the cheese's melting properties and overall taste. If you are concerned about the texture of shredded cheese, it may be preferable to shred your own cheese rather than purchasing pre-shredded cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
The shelf life of shredded cheese depends on the type of cheese and how it is stored. Hard cheeses like parmesan and Swiss should be eaten within a month of purchase. Soft cheese like cheddar and mozzarella will only be good for one to two weeks after purchase. If you freeze your bag of shredded cheese, eat it within six months.
Use your senses, especially sight, smell, and taste. If you notice any off odors, discoloring, or spots of mold, don't eat it. Cheese that has gone bad will have a strong, pungent smell, similar to ammonia or cat urine. It may also taste like sour milk.
Fuzzy discoloration or spots of mold on shredded cheese indicate spoilage. Discard the moldy parts or the entire package.
Yes, it is possible to get sick from consuming spoiled shredded cheese. If you feel ill after eating cheese that may be spoiled, contact your healthcare provider.
