Bushra Griffith
String cheese is a convenient snack, but it's important to know how to store it properly to avoid it going bad. String cheese typically has a long shelf life, but it needs to be refrigerated and even frozen to last several months. If left unrefrigerated, string cheese can spoil within hours, and it's recommended that it isn't left out for more than two to four hours. Knowing the signs of spoilage is important, and if string cheese has an unusual smell, mould, texture changes or an altered taste, it should be discarded.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shelf life in the refrigerator | A few months |
| Shelf life in the freezer | 6-8 months |
| Shelf life outside the refrigerator | A few hours |
| Signs of spoilage | Off-putting smell, mold, texture changes, altered taste |
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What You'll Learn
How long does string cheese last in a lunchbox?
String cheese is a perishable food item that should be stored in the fridge. It should not be left unrefrigerated for more than two hours, as bacteria can start to multiply, increasing the risk of foodborne illness. If left out of the fridge, string cheese can go bad within hours.
If you're adding string cheese to a child's lunch box, it's best to put it in a separate container or freezer bag for additional protection. If the cheese has to sit with other food items, make sure there's nothing moist like cut tomatoes, as the cheese will taste pretty bad after an hour or two.
Unopened string cheese typically lasts a few months in the fridge, or 6-8 months in the freezer. Once the package is opened, it's best to finish the cheese within around 7 days for the best quality. If you keep the food product well, it will last longer.
There are a few signs to help you detect bad string cheese:
- Off-putting smell: If your string cheese doesn’t smell the way it did when you first opened it and has developed an off odor, discard it.
- Mold: If you see blue or grey specks on the string cheese, discard it.
- Texture changes: String cheese that is no longer good for consumption has a slippery texture.
- Altered taste: Are there no texture and smell changes and no mold growing on your cheese?
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How to store string cheese
String cheese is typically sold in the refrigerated section of grocery stores and has a long shelf life of at least 6 to 8 weeks. It is best to store unopened string cheese in the fridge, where it will last a few months, or in the freezer, where it will last for 6-8 months. If left outside the fridge, string cheese can go bad within hours. Therefore, it is recommended to not keep string cheese at room temperature for longer than 4 hours.
To store string cheese, always use a tightly sealed container or bag to prevent it from drying out and picking up odours from the fridge. Leaving air in the bag will cause the cheese to dry out, so push out as much air as possible. If the string cheese is unopened and the packaging is intact, it can be stored as is. However, if the packaging is accidentally damaged, remove the cheese from the package and store it in an airtight container or bag. Do not store the cheese with other products, especially moist items like cut tomatoes, as the cheese will absorb odours and spoil faster.
If you plan to freeze string cheese, it is important to note that freezing may alter its texture. While string cheese has a low water content and freezes well, it may become slightly rubbery or crumbly once defrosted. To use frozen string cheese, transfer it from the freezer to the fridge a day before you plan to use it. Avoid thawing the cheese at room temperature, as drastic temperature changes will result in more noticeable texture changes.
To maximise the shelf life of string cheese, always check for signs of spoilage before consumption. Discard the cheese if you notice any mould, especially blue or grey specks, or if it develops an off-putting smell or taste. Texture changes, such as a slippery or crumbly texture, are also indicators that the string cheese is no longer safe for consumption.
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Signs of bad string cheese
String cheese is a popular snack, but it can go bad if not stored properly. The primary factor affecting the expiry of string cheese is how it is stored. It should ideally be stored in the refrigerator at a consistent temperature of around 34-40°F. It should also be stored in an airtight container or bag, as cheese easily picks up odours from the fridge.
String cheese should not be kept at room temperature for more than two to four hours. If left out for too long, the risk of bacterial growth increases significantly, making it unsafe to eat.
- Off-putting smell: If your string cheese doesn’t smell the way it did when you first opened it and has developed a sour or spoiled milk odour, discard it.
- Mold: If you see blue or grey specks on the string cheese, it has gone bad.
- Texture changes: String cheese that is no longer good for consumption may have a slippery or slimy texture. It may also become crumbly.
- Discoloration: Any noticeable change in colour is a sign that the cheese has gone bad.
- Altered taste: If the string cheese tastes sour, bitter, or "off", it has likely been contaminated by bacteria.
It is important to check for spoilage signs before consuming string cheese, especially if it has been left out at room temperature for an extended period. Eating spoiled string cheese can lead to foodborne illness.
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How to freeze string cheese
String cheese can be frozen, and it is a good way to extend its shelf life. If stored properly in the fridge, string cheese will last a few days longer than the date indicated on the packaging. However, freezing string cheese may alter its texture and taste. It may become slightly rubbery, crumbly, or brittle when defrosted.
- Before freezing, trim the string cheese into a uniform shape, such as a cube or rectangle, with level surfaces. This will help the cheese thaw more evenly and reduce the risk of uneven freezing, which can affect its texture.
- Package the string cheese to reduce oxygen contact. Vacuum sealing is the preferred method, as it eliminates contact with surrounding air and allows the cheese to be frozen for a more extended period.
- Place the packaged string cheese in the freezer.
- When you are ready to use the frozen string cheese, transfer it from the freezer to the fridge a day before you plan to consume it. Avoid thawing the cheese at room temperature, as drastic temperature changes will result in more noticeable texture changes.
- It may take a few hours for the cheese to fully thaw, and leaving it at room temperature for too long can also cause spoilage.
By following these steps, you can safely freeze and defrost string cheese while minimising changes to its texture and taste.
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Recommended brands of string cheese
String cheese is a semi-soft cheese with a limited shelf life. It should be stored in the fridge and will only last a few hours if left out. To extend its shelf life, you can store it in the freezer, but this may alter its texture.
When it comes to recommended brands, it seems that personal preference plays a big part in determining the best string cheese. Some popular brands include:
- Sargento: This brand has been described as having a "HUGE variety" and being easy to spot in the grocery store cooler due to its red and black bags. Some reviewers say it is "disgusting" and "too thick", while others praise it for its quality and taste.
- Crystal Farms: This brand has been described as having the tangy acidity and rich salinity of fresh, just-made mozzarella. It also scores highly on "pull-apart-ability".
- Frigo Cheeseheads: This brand has been recommended by multiple people, with one person saying it is their "personal favourite".
- Karoun: This Armenian braided string cheese has been highly recommended, especially the smoked variety.
- Galbani: This brand has been described as "creamy" and good for pulling apart into strings.
- Kroger: One person has stated that they like this brand, although they are "not a huge fan of Kraft or Sargento".
Other brands mentioned include Great Value, Kraft, and Tillamook.
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Frequently asked questions
Unopened string cheese lasts a few months in the fridge, while opened string cheese has a shelf life of a few days longer than the date indicated on the packaging.
Yes, freezing string cheese is a good way to make it last longer. It can be stored in the freezer for 6-8 months.
String cheese should not sit out for longer than 2 hours for safety reasons. However, some sources say that it can be left unrefrigerated for up to 4-5 hours.
Signs of spoilage include an off-putting smell, mold (blue or grey specks), texture changes, and altered taste.
String cheese should always be kept in the fridge, in a tightly sealed container or bag if it's not in its original packaging.
