Bushra Griffith
Cheese is a whole food that is generally healthy and nutritious. However, opinions vary on whether old cheese is bad for health. Aged cheese has a longer maturation period, which reduces moisture content and intensifies flavour. This process also results in slightly higher fat and salt content compared to young cheese. While fat is an essential source of energy, consuming old cheese in moderation is recommended. Aged cheese provides essential nutrients like protein, calcium, vitamin B12, and phosphorus, which contribute to a healthy diet and offer several health benefits.
Is old cheese bad for you?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nutritional value | Cheese is a great source of calcium, fat, and protein. It also contains high amounts of vitamins A and B12, along with zinc, phosphorus, and riboflavin. |
| Health benefits | Cheese may have health benefits, such as protecting teeth from cavities and providing a good source of healthy fats that may help prevent obesity and heart disease. |
| Health risks | Cheese is high in calories, saturated fat, and salt (sodium). It is also low in fiber and contains lactose, which can cause digestive issues for lactose intolerant individuals. Soft cheeses may become contaminated with listeria if made with unpasteurized milk. |
| Food safety | Old cheese may be safe to eat if it looks, smells, and tastes fine, especially if it is a hard cheese. Soft cheeses with mold should be discarded, as the mold can spread throughout the cheese. |
| Expiration dates | Expiration dates on cheese may be discretionary and not always reliable. Hard cheeses can last up to six months in the refrigerator, while soft cheeses like cottage cheese typically last a few weeks. |
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What You'll Learn
- Old cheese can be safely consumed if it looks, smells, and tastes fine
- Soft cheeses contaminated with listeria can be harmful
- Aged cheeses are low in lactose, making them suitable for the lactose intolerant
- High-fat cheeses like cheddar contain conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which may help prevent obesity
- Old cheese can be consumed if mould is cut off, but soft cheeses are not worth the risk
Old cheese can be safely consumed if it looks, smells, and tastes fine
The "best-by" date on cheese packaging is not a food safety requirement but rather the date by which a producer can guarantee the flavor and texture of their product. Many aged cheeses may still be good to eat after this date. Hard cheeses, in particular, can last a long time—up to six months in the refrigerator for an unopened package and up to a month after opening.
It is important to note that soft cheeses, such as cottage cheese and queso blanco, have a much shorter shelf life, typically lasting only a few weeks unopened and about a week once opened. This is because their high moisture content provides an ideal environment for bacteria growth.
If your cheese has developed mold, whether it is safe to consume depends on the type of cheese. Hard cheeses can usually be salvaged by cutting off the moldy portion plus an additional 1/8 to 1/4 inch. Soft cheeses, on the other hand, should be discarded if mold is present, as the mold threads can spread throughout the entire product.
While old cheese that looks, smells, and tastes fine is likely safe to eat, it is important to be mindful of potential health risks associated with cheese consumption. Cheese is high in fat, including saturated fat, and sodium, which can be a concern for individuals with high blood pressure or certain dietary restrictions. Additionally, soft cheeses and blue-veined cheeses can sometimes be contaminated with listeria, especially if made with unpasteurized milk, so it is recommended to only consume these cheeses if the label clearly states that pasteurized milk was used.
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Soft cheeses contaminated with listeria can be harmful
Cheese is a whole food that is generally good for health, as it is a great source of calcium, fat, and protein. It also contains high amounts of vitamins A and B12, along with zinc, phosphorus, and riboflavin. However, cheese may have undesired effects if it is contaminated or if the consumer has certain health conditions or dietary needs.
Soft cheeses and blue-veined cheeses can sometimes become contaminated with listeria, especially if they are made with unpasteurized or "raw" milk. Listeria is a bacteria that can cause listeriosis, an illness that can be very serious for pregnant women, people older than 65, and those with weakened immune systems. It can be fatal to unborn babies, newborns, and people with weakened immune systems.
The bacteria can spread through many foods, including raw vegetables tainted by soil or manure used as fertilizer, tainted meat, and certain processed foods such as soft cheeses, hot dogs, and deli meats. Soft cheeses made with pasteurized milk have also been linked to listeria outbreaks, indicating that the bacteria may enter the cheese during the production process.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends avoiding soft cheeses unless the label clearly states that pasteurized milk was used in the production process. This is especially important for pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems. If you are at higher risk of serious infections, it is important to be mindful of what you eat and stay away from foods that are more likely to contain listeria bacteria.
It is worth noting that hard cheeses are less likely to be contaminated with listeria due to the way they are made. Hard cheese was "invented" as a way of preserving a product made in times of plenty to last through times of hunger. As a result, hard cheeses tend to have a longer shelf life and are less likely to spoil compared to soft cheeses.
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Aged cheeses are low in lactose, making them suitable for the lactose intolerant
Cheese is a whole food, which is generally good for health. It is a great source of calcium, fat, and protein and contains vitamins A and B12, zinc, phosphorus, and riboflavin. However, it is also high in calories, saturated fat, and salt. Some people may limit or avoid cheese due to these factors or because of certain health conditions or dietary needs. For instance, cheese contains lactose, a sugar that can't be digested by lactose-intolerant people because their bodies lack the enzyme to break it down. This can lead to digestive problems like gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
Fortunately, many firm, aged cheeses are low in lactose, making them suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals. Aged cheeses have been through a longer fermentation and aging process, which breaks down the lactose present in milk. This means that people who are lactose intolerant can often enjoy these cheeses without experiencing the same digestive issues associated with other dairy products.
The aging process also contributes to the development of beneficial bacteria and enzymes in the cheese. These bacteria can aid in digestion and support a healthy gut microbiome, further enhancing the digestibility of the cheese for those with sensitive stomachs.
While aged cheeses can be a good option for those with lactose intolerance, it is important to remember that they still contain some amount of lactose. The level of tolerance to lactose can vary among individuals, so it is always a good idea to start with a small portion to gauge your reaction. Additionally, some aged cheeses may be made with additional ingredients or flavorings that could trigger digestive issues, so checking the label or consulting a registered dietitian can be helpful.
Overall, aged cheeses offer a tasty and nutritious option for individuals with lactose intolerance, allowing them to include dairy in their diet while minimizing the unpleasant side effects associated with lactose consumption.
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High-fat cheeses like cheddar contain conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which may help prevent obesity
Cheese is a whole food, and whole foods are generally good for you, provided you don't eat too much of one thing. Cheese is a great source of calcium, protein, vitamins A and B12, zinc, phosphorus, and riboflavin. However, it is also high in calories, saturated fat, and salt. Some experts advise limiting your intake of saturated fat. High-fat cheeses like blue cheese, Brie, and cheddar contain small amounts of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). CLA is a type of healthy fat that may help prevent obesity and heart disease and may reduce inflammation.
Cheddar cheese sourced from 100% grass-fed animals was found to contain twice as much CLA as conventional cheddar. However, it is unclear whether switching to grass-fed cheese would have overall nutritional benefits in an average US diet. While cheese can be a nutritious part of a healthy diet, it's important to consume it in moderation, especially if you are watching your calorie or fat intake.
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a type of fat found in some high-fat cheeses like cheddar. CLA is considered a healthy fat because it may offer several health benefits, including the potential to prevent obesity. Obesity is a complex health condition characterised by excess body fat, which can lead to serious health problems. While the exact mechanisms are not yet fully understood, CLA is believed to help prevent obesity by positively influencing fat metabolism and reducing fat storage in the body.
Studies have suggested that CLA may aid in weight loss and reduce body fat mass, particularly in individuals who are overweight or obese. In addition, CLA may help prevent weight gain and the accumulation of body fat. While the evidence is promising, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of CLA on obesity prevention and weight management. It's worth noting that the CLA content in cheese can vary depending on factors such as the type of cheese, the animal's diet, and the production methods used.
Cheese is a delicious and versatile food that has been enjoyed by humans for thousands of years. While it has a reputation for being high in fat and calories, certain types of cheese, such as cheddar, also contain beneficial nutrients and compounds like CLA that may offer health benefits. When consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, cheese can be a tasty and nutritious treat. However, it's important to remember that cheese should not be relied upon as a sole source of CLA or other nutrients, and maintaining a diverse and well-rounded diet is crucial for optimal health.
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Old cheese can be consumed if mould is cut off, but soft cheeses are not worth the risk
Cheese is a whole food that is generally good for you, providing a great source of calcium, fat, and protein, as well as vitamins A and B12, zinc, phosphorus, and riboflavin. However, it is also high in calories, saturated fat, and salt, so some people may limit or avoid it for these reasons or due to conditions such as lactose intolerance or a milk allergy.
When it comes to old cheese, the answer depends on the type of cheese, how it was stored, and its appearance, smell, and taste. Hard cheeses can last a long time, even beyond their expiration dates, as fat goes rancid only if mould develops. If mould is present, it can usually be cut off, leaving the rest of the cheese safe to eat. However, it is important to cut off an additional 1/8 to 1/4 inch around the mouldy area to ensure all the mould is removed.
Soft cheeses, on the other hand, are not worth the risk. They can become contaminated with listeria, especially if made with unpasteurized or raw milk. The Mayo Clinic states that mould threads can spread throughout soft cheese, making it dangerous to consume. Therefore, it is recommended to discard the entire product if mould is present.
In general, it is important to use your senses to determine if cheese has gone bad. Trust your intuition and use your sight, smell, and taste to assess the cheese's safety. If it looks, smells, and tastes fine, it is likely safe to consume, even if it is past its expiration date. However, be cautious if the cheese has a strange texture, taste, or smell, as these could indicate spoilage.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the type of cheese, how it was stored, and its appearance, smell, and taste. Hard cheeses can last up to six months in the refrigerator, while soft cheeses like cottage cheese and queso blanco have a shorter shelf life of a few weeks. If the cheese is mouldy, it's best to discard it, especially if it's a soft cheese. However, some sources suggest that cutting off the mouldy portion of hard cheese and consuming the rest is generally safe.
Consuming expired or contaminated cheese can lead to food poisoning, with symptoms ranging from nausea and stomach cramps to diarrhoea, vomiting, chills, and fever. In severe cases, hospitalisation may be required. Additionally, mouldy cheese can trigger allergic reactions, causing respiratory issues such as shortness of breath.
Cheese is a whole food that can be a good source of calcium, fat, protein, vitamins A and B12, zinc, phosphorus, and riboflavin. However, it is also high in calories, saturated fat, and salt (sodium). Therefore, excessive consumption or dietary sensitivities may be a concern for some individuals.
To minimise risks, it's important to follow food safety guidelines and consume cheese before its expiration date. Examine the cheese for any signs of discolouration, odd smells, or changes in texture. If the cheese appears or smells off, it's best to discard it. Proper storage, such as vacuum sealing or refrigeration, can also extend the shelf life of cheese.
Ageing cheese can develop and intensify its flavour, texture, and aroma. Aged cheeses are often valued for their complex and sharper taste profiles. Additionally, the ageing process can reduce lactose levels, making aged cheeses suitable for those with lactose intolerance.
