Andy Montoya
Block cheddar cheese is a hard cheese, and therefore has a longer shelf life than soft cheeses. The safety of eating cheese past its best-by date depends on the type of cheese, how it's stored, and how it looks, smells, and tastes. Hard cheeses can be safely consumed past their best-by date if they are stored properly and show no signs of spoilage, such as mold, odd odors, a slimy texture, or a sour flavor. If mold is present on hard cheeses, it can be cut off, and the rest of the cheese can be consumed.
Is block cheddar cheese safe after the date on the package?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Depends on the type of cheese and how it's been stored |
| Naturally-aged cheddar cheese | Can continue to age and sharpen in the fridge if stored properly in an unopened package below 40°F |
| Stirred curd cheeses | Not recommended to be eaten after the code date due to their higher moisture content |
| Soft cheeses | Should not be kept for more than a week in the fridge |
| Hard cheeses | Can be safely consumed after the expiration date due to their low moisture content |
| Mould | If mould develops, cut off the affected piece and continue to use the rest of the block |
| Spoilage | Always check for signs of spoilage such as mould, odd odours, slimy texture, or sour flavour |
| Fridge temperature | Store cheese at a temperature below 40°F (4°C) |
| Wrapping | Wrap cheese in wax, parchment, or cheese paper to maintain its moisture |
| Grated cheese | Riskier due to higher moisture content; buy whole and grate as needed |
| Taste and smell | Humans are good at detecting spoilage through taste and smell |
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What You'll Learn
- Cheddar can be safe to eat after the best-by date if stored properly
- Hard cheeses can be safe to eat after the best-by date
- Soft cheeses should be discarded after the best-by date
- Grated cheeses are riskier and should be used as soon as possible
- Signs of spoilage: mould, odd odours, slimy texture, sour flavour
Cheddar can be safe to eat after the best-by date if stored properly
Cheddar can be safe to eat after the best-by date, but this depends on how it has been stored and the type of cheese. Cheddar is a semi-soft or semi-firm cheese, and these types of cheeses fall somewhere in the middle of the spectrum when it comes to how long they last. Soft cheeses with a high moisture content, such as ricotta or cottage cheese, should not be kept for more than a week in the fridge. Harder cheeses, on the other hand, remain safe to eat for longer because of their low moisture content. The lack of moisture means bacteria does not spread as quickly, so it stays fresher for longer.
If your cheddar is unopened, it will last much longer than if it has been opened. To maintain the freshness of opened cheddar, it should be wrapped in wax, parchment, or cheese paper and stored in the fridge at a temperature below 40°F (4°C).
Even if your cheddar has passed its best-by date, it may still be safe to eat. Inspect the cheese for any signs of spoilage, such as mould, odd odours, a slimy texture, or a sour flavour. If you notice any blue, green, orange, or reddish spots, cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the affected area and the rest of the block should be safe to eat. However, if the cheese has developed an odd smell or taste, or looks dried out or excessively mouldy, it is best to discard it.
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Hard cheeses can be safe to eat after the best-by date
Cheddar cheese is a semi-soft or semi-firm cheese, which falls in the middle when it comes to the safety of eating it past its best-by date. However, hard cheeses, such as Parmesan and Pecorino, can be safe to eat after the best-by date because of their low moisture content. The lack of moisture prevents bacteria from spreading quickly, keeping the cheese fresher for longer.
The dates printed on food labels do not always coincide with the actual spoilage of an item. "Best by" dates are more of an indicator of when the food is at its peak freshness or quality, while "sell by" dates refer to when a product should be removed from shelves, not necessarily when it is no longer safe to consume. Expiration or "use by" dates are general guidelines for consumption but are not strict deadlines.
Hard cheeses, due to their low moisture content, can remain safe to eat even after their expiration date. They are considered preserved foods, similar to pickles or cured/dried foods. If properly sealed and stored, hard cheeses can stay edible for months or even a year.
However, it is important to inspect hard cheeses for any signs of spoilage before consuming them past their best-by date. Check for mould on the surface, noticeable squashy spots with darkening, sudden ballooning of the packaging, or unpleasant odours. If the cheese has developed mould, you can typically cut off the affected area and safely consume the rest of the block. Nevertheless, if the cheese has a bad taste or smell, appears dried out, or is excessively mouldy, it is best to discard it.
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Soft cheeses should be discarded after the best-by date
Soft cheeses, such as mozzarella, cream cheese, cottage cheese, and ricotta, have a higher moisture content than hard cheeses, making them more perishable. They are also more prone to spoilage from bacteria, which can cause foodborne illnesses. Therefore, soft cheeses should be discarded after the best-by date to prevent any health risks.
The best-by date on a package of soft cheese is not an arbitrary date. It indicates the timeframe within which the cheese is expected to maintain its peak freshness and quality. After this date, soft cheeses are more likely to develop spoilage indicators such as mold, odd odours, a slimy texture, discolouration, or a sour flavour. These indicators suggest that the cheese is no longer safe to consume.
While hard cheeses can sometimes be salvaged by cutting off the affected portions, soft cheeses do not offer the same luxury. If you notice any signs of spoilage on soft cheese, it is recommended to discard the entire product. This is because soft cheeses, with their high moisture content, provide an ideal environment for bacteria to spread rapidly throughout the cheese.
Additionally, soft cheeses should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. The U.S. Department of Health recommends this two-hour limit for all perishable foods, including soft cheeses, to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Therefore, it is crucial to store soft cheeses in the refrigerator promptly after use and monitor them closely for any signs of spoilage.
In summary, soft cheeses should be discarded after the best-by date to ensure food safety. The high moisture content of soft cheeses makes them more susceptible to bacterial growth and spoilage, and the best-by date serves as a guideline to protect consumers from potential health risks associated with consuming spoiled cheese.
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Grated cheeses are riskier and should be used as soon as possible
Cheddar cheese can be consumed past its best-before date, but it depends on the type of cheese and how it has been stored. For naturally-aged cheddar cheese, it can continue to age and sharpen in the fridge if stored properly in an unopened package below 40°F. However, it is important to check for signs of spoilage, such as mould, odd odours, a slimy texture, or a sour flavour. If the cheese is no longer good, it will need to be discarded.
Grated cheeses, on the other hand, are riskier and should be used as soon as possible. Firstly, pre-grated cheese often contains preservatives like potato starch and natamycin to prevent the shreds from clumping together in the bag. These additives can inhibit the cheese from melting smoothly and evenly, which can affect the final dish. For example, when making a cheese sauce, a clumpy mess may be the result of using pre-grated cheese.
Secondly, pre-grated cheese tends to have a shorter shelf life than block cheese. Freshly grated cheese will go bad faster than pre-grated cheese and should be used within three days or frozen for up to 30 days. This is because grated cheese has a larger surface area, which increases exposure to oxygen, the key element that makes food spoil.
Thirdly, grated cheese is often more expensive than block cheese, as consumers pay for the convenience of having the cheese pre-grated. Additionally, bagged shredded cheese may contain less cheese than expected due to the added starches and preservatives.
Lastly, freshly grated cheese tastes better and is healthier. Pre-grated cheese often has a powdery texture from the preservatives and additives, whereas block cheese grated at home will have a fresher, creamier taste with fewer additives.
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Signs of spoilage: mould, odd odours, slimy texture, sour flavour
The safety of eating cheese past its best-by date depends on the type of cheese and how it's been stored. Cheddar is a semi-soft and semi-firm cheese, which means it falls somewhere in the middle of the spectrum of cheeses that go bad quickly and those that remain edible for a long time.
Signs of Spoilage: Mould
Mould is a clear indication that cheese has gone bad. Mould spots on the surface of the cheese indicate spoilage. Mould can be white, green, or black. If a small part of a hard cheese, such as cheddar, has developed mould, it is usually safe to cut off the affected piece and consume the rest of the block. However, if the cheese is excessively mouldy, it is best to discard it. If mould is found on soft cheeses, the entire product should be thrown away.
Signs of Spoilage: Odd Odours
An unpleasant, rancid, or ammonia-like odour is a sign of spoilage. When cheese undergoes bacterial or microbial breakdown, it releases distinct odours due to the release of free fatty acids and specific volatile compounds. If the cheese smells like something has died, it is best to discard it.
Signs of Spoilage: Slimy Texture
A slimy texture is a sign of spoilage. Freezing cheddar cheese can change its texture, making it grainy and crumbly. However, this change in texture due to freezing is different from the slimy texture caused by spoilage.
Signs of Spoilage: Sour Flavour
A strong, sour taste is another characteristic of spoiled cheese. The overgrowth of bacteria in cheese leads to excessive fermentation, resulting in a highly acidic taste.
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Frequently asked questions
Block cheddar cheese can be consumed after the date on the package, but it depends on how it has been stored. If the package is unopened, it can continue to age and sharpen in the fridge if stored properly at a temperature below 40°F. If the package has been opened, it can be safely stored in the fridge for 3-4 weeks.
Block cheddar cheese can go bad if it has spots of mould, a slimy texture, or a sour flavour. If you notice any of these signs, it is best to discard the cheese. However, if there is only a small amount of mould on the cheese, you can cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the affected area and safely consume the rest of the block.
To safely store block cheddar cheese, it is recommended to wrap it in wax, parchment, or cheese paper and store it in the fridge at a temperature below 40°F (4°C). Avoid using tight, non-porous materials like plastic wrap, as they can dry out the cheese. Ensure that the cheese is stored above raw meats, poultry, and fish to avoid contamination.
