Kraft's Parmesan Cheese: Why The Need To Refrigerate?

why does kraft say refridgerate parmesan cheese

Kraft's Grated Parmesan Cheese is a convenient product that adds flavour to a variety of dishes. It is made with no artificial preservatives and comes in a resealable tub to lock in flavour. However, there is some confusion among consumers about whether the product needs to be refrigerated after opening. While some sources indicate that the packaging instructs consumers to refrigerate after opening, others suggest that it can be kept at room temperature. Ultimately, refrigeration may be recommended to maintain the product's quality and prolong its shelf life.

Characteristics and values

Characteristics Values
Refrigeration Kraft Parmesan cheese should be refrigerated after opening to maintain its flavor and texture.
Flavor Kraft Parmesan cheese is known for its delicious flavor, enhancing various dishes like salads and pasta.
Ingredients Cultured Pasteurized Milk, Salt, Enzymes, Cellulose Powder, and Natamycin (a natural mold inhibitor).
Packaging It comes in a 5-ounce resealable tub to lock in flavor and prevent moisture.
Natural Kraft Parmesan cheese contains no artificial preservatives.

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Kraft Parmesan cheese must be refrigerated after opening

Firstly, Kraft Parmesan cheese is made with no artificial preservatives. The absence of these additives means that proper storage becomes even more critical to ensure the cheese's longevity and prevent spoilage. Refrigeration helps to inhibit the growth of bacteria and mould, which can quickly multiply at room temperature and compromise the safety and quality of the cheese.

Secondly, refrigeration helps to lock in the flavour and texture of the Parmesan cheese. Kraft Parmesan cheese is known for its delicious flavour and texture, and refrigeration is key to preserving these sensory qualities. By keeping the cheese chilled, you can maintain its taste and consistency over a longer period.

Additionally, Kraft Parmesan cheese comes in resealable packaging, specifically designed to help maintain freshness. This feature allows consumers to securely store the cheese in the refrigerator after opening, minimising moisture loss and oxidation, which can affect the cheese's texture and flavour.

While some may argue that Kraft Parmesan cheese can be safely stored at room temperature, it is always advisable to follow the manufacturer's instructions for optimal product quality and food safety. Refrigerating Kraft Parmesan cheese after opening is the recommended practice to ensure consumers can enjoy their cheese's freshness, flavour, and texture for as long as possible.

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Kraft Parmesan cheese is made with no artificial preservatives

According to the FDA's Code of Federal Regulations, Parmesan cheese is allowed to have only three ingredients: milk, rennet, and salt. However, Kraft's Grated Parmesan Cheese has been found to contain additional ingredients, such as cellulose, potassium sorbate, and cheese culture, as well as wood pulp. This has led to accusations of misleading consumers and "Parmesan fraud."

In Europe, Kraft is forbidden from selling its cheese under the label of "Parmesan" due to strict regulations that require the cheese to be produced in Parma or Reggio Emilia to bear that name. Despite this, Kraft Parmesan cheese is still widely available in the United States, where food labelling regulations are less stringent.

Kraft Parmesan cheese is made with cultured pasteurized milk, salt, enzymes, and a natural mould inhibitor called natamycin. While it may not compare to the taste and quality of traditional Parmesan cheese, it is a convenient option for those who grew up with it and enjoy its familiar flavour.

To ensure the best flavour and texture, it is recommended to refrigerate Kraft Parmesan cheese after opening and to use the resealable packaging to lock in freshness.

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Kraft Parmesan cheese is available in resealable packaging

Kraft Parmesan cheese is a natural cheese, made with cultured pasteurized milk, salt, enzymes, cellulose powder, and natamycin (a natural mould inhibitor). The resealable packaging helps to maintain the freshness of the product, ensuring that the cheese remains delicious and flavoursome.

The company recommends refrigerating the product after opening to prolong its shelf life and maintain its quality. This is a common practice for many dairy products, as refrigeration helps to prevent spoilage and the growth of bacteria. By keeping the cheese refrigerated, consumers can enjoy the product over a longer period, making it a convenient and versatile ingredient for their favourite recipes.

The resealable feature of the packaging is, therefore, an important aspect of the product's design, allowing consumers to securely store the cheese in the refrigerator without worrying about it drying out or losing its flavour. This combination of resealable packaging and refrigeration helps to ensure that Kraft Parmesan cheese remains fresh and tasty from the first sprinkle to the last.

Overall, the resealable packaging of Kraft Parmesan cheese offers both convenience and flavour preservation, making it a practical and delicious choice for consumers looking to enhance their meals with a high-quality, natural cheese product.

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Kraft Parmesan cheese is pre-shredded

Kraft Parmesan cheese is a convenient and tasty way to add flavour to your meals. The cheese is pre-shredded, making it easy to sprinkle over your favourite dishes. Kraft Parmesan is a popular choice for families, as it can be quickly added to salads and pasta for a delicious, cheesy boost. The cheese is sold in 5-ounce tubs, which are resealable to maintain freshness and lock in flavour. Kraft Parmesan is made with quality ingredients, including cultured pasteurized milk, salt, enzymes, and a natural mould inhibitor called natamycin. This combination of ingredients ensures the cheese has a long shelf life and doesn't require artificial preservatives.

While Kraft Parmesan cheese is a convenient and tasty option, some people may prefer to buy a block of Parmesan and grate it themselves. This allows for a fresher, more authentic experience, although it requires more time and effort. Those who opt for pre-shredded cheese often do so for convenience, especially when feeding a family or preparing quick meals. The resealable tub helps to maintain the cheese's flavour and texture, making it a popular choice for those who want an easy, tasty way to enhance their meals.

The debate around refrigerating Parmesan cheese is an interesting one. Some sources indicate that Kraft Parmesan cheese should be refrigerated after opening to maintain freshness. This is a common practice, especially in warmer environments, to prevent the cheese from spoiling. However, others suggest that the product can remain stable at room temperature, as indicated by its presence in shaker containers on pizza joint tables. Ultimately, the decision to refrigerate may depend on personal preference and the specific environment and conditions in which the cheese is stored.

Kraft offers a range of Parmesan cheese products, including shredded, grated, and blended options. The company also provides other cheese varieties, such as Colby Jack, Habanero, and Mozzarella, allowing customers to find their favourite flavours and textures. Whether refrigerated or not, Kraft Parmesan cheese is a versatile and convenient way to add a burst of flavour to a variety of dishes. Its pre-shredded convenience makes it a popular choice for busy families and individuals looking for a quick and tasty meal solution.

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Kraft Parmesan cheese contains cellulose powder and natamycin

Kraft Parmesan cheese is a convenient product for consumers who want to add flavour to their favourite dishes without the fuss. Kraft's Parmesan cheese contains cultured pasteurized milk, salt, enzymes, cellulose powder, and natamycin (a natural mould inhibitor). The product is also free from artificial preservatives.

The cellulose powder in Kraft Parmesan cheese is a filler often made from wood pulp, although it can be derived from a variety of other plant sources, such as asparagus, apples, corn husks, and even the crates that fruit is delivered in. While the idea of eating wood pulp may be off-putting to some, it is important to note that cellulose is a non-digestible plant fibre that is safe to consume and is, in fact, necessary for human health. It is commonly consumed in foods like bran flakes and psyllium husks.

The use of cellulose in Kraft Parmesan cheese serves two main purposes for the manufacturer. Firstly, it is a cheap filler that allows them to stretch out the pricy Parmesan cheese and sell more product at a lower cost of production. Secondly, it acts as an anti-clumping agent, giving the cheese a creamier mouthfeel and extending its shelf life. This is particularly useful for a product like grated Parmesan cheese, which is prone to clumping.

Despite the safety and functionality of cellulose as an additive, Kraft Heinz has faced lawsuits over the use of cellulose filler in its 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese product. The issue arises from the product being labelled as 100% Parmesan cheese when, in reality, it contains between 2% and 4% cellulose, as revealed by independent laboratory tests. This discrepancy has led to claims of violations of consumer fraud and deceptive business practices.

In conclusion, Kraft Parmesan cheese contains cellulose powder and natamycin, which serve functional purposes in the product's flavour, texture, and shelf life. While the inclusion of cellulose powder is not a health concern, it has sparked controversy over accurate labelling and consumer trust.

Frequently asked questions

Kraft Parmesan cheese is made with no artificial preservatives, so refrigeration is recommended to lock in flavor and maintain freshness.

No, Kraft offers a range of cheese products with different storage requirements. For example, their shredded and grated Parmesan cheeses are designed to be refrigerated after opening, while some of their other cheese blends may be shelf-stable.

Kraft has not provided an exact duration, but proper storage in a sealed container can extend the cheese's freshness and flavor.

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