How Long Does String Cheese Last?

Did you find a packet of string cheese while cleaning your refrigerator? Find out how long it lasts before you have it in your next meal.

Unopened string cheese can last 1-2 months in the refrigerator if stored properly. Once opened, consuming it within 3-5 days is best to enjoy its freshness and quality.

String cheese is a type of cheese that is made from mozzarella cheese. It is usually sold in the form of long, thin strips or ropes that can be pulled apart into smaller strings or pieces. 

Since it is made from dairy products, the shelf life of string cheese is short. Thus, it’s important to remember that the package’s expiration date does not guarantee safety or quality. 

If the cheese has an unusual odor, appearance, or texture, it’s best to discard it.

How Long Does String Cheese Last?

Unopened string cheese typically lasts a few months in the refrigerator or 6-8 months in the freezer. At the same time, opened string cheese should be consumed in 3-5 days. String cheese can go bad within hours if left out of the fridge.

Let’s find out how to store string cheese to make it last as long and how to tell if your string cheese is still good or not.

How to Tell if String Cheese Has Gone Bad?

Like all dairy products, string cheese is prone to getting spoilt if not stored properly. Take a look at all the signs that tell string cheese has gone bad. 

1. Smell: If the string cheese has a sour or unpleasant odor, it’s a sign that it may have gone bad.
2. Appearance: If the cheese has mold or unusual spots on its surface, it’s best to discard it.
3. Texture: If the cheese is excessively dry, hard, or crumbly, it’s a sign that it has lost its freshness and quality.
4. Taste: If the cheese tastes sour, bitter, or has an off-flavor, it indicates that it may have gone bad.

Can Eating Expired String Cheese Make You Sick?

Consuming expired string cheese can potentially make you sick, as the quality and safety of the cheese may have degraded over time. 

String cheese is a perishable dairy product, and its quality and safety depend on several factors, including storage conditions, the manufacturing process, and the expiration date.

The cheese’s smell, texture, and color can change when it expires. It can lead to food poisoning and other illnesses. Therefore, consuming expired string cheese or any expired dairy products is generally not recommended.

How To Store String Cheese To Extend Its Shelf Life?

A string should always be stored in the refrigerator or freezer, whether opened or unopened. Let’s take a look at the steps to properly store string cheese.

Refrigerator

1. Do not open the cheese until you’re ready to eat it, as the packaging helps to keep the cheese fresh and prevents it from drying out. 
2. Once opened, wrap the remaining cheese tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This step will preserve its freshness and prevent air from getting in and spoiling the cheese.
3. Store the wrapped cheese in an airtight container or plastic bag and place it in the refrigerator. Keep the cheese in the dairy section of the refrigerator.

Freezer

String cheese can be frozen for several months. Packed cheese can be placed in the freezer directly. However, an opened cheese packet should be wrapped tightly and stored in a freezer bag or airtight container. 

Tips To Extend The Shelf Life Of String Cheese

Here are some tips to extend the shelf life of string cheese:

1. Store the string cheese in the refrigerator at a temperature between 34°F to 40°F. This would ensure no bacteria growth that can cause the cheese to spoil.
2. Keep the cheese in its original packaging until you’re ready to eat it. Sealed cheese is protected from moisture and contamination.
3. Once the package is opened, wrap the remaining cheese tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out. Make sure the wrap is airtight to prevent air from getting in.
4. Don’t leave the cheese in the refrigerator for more than two hours. Bacteria grow rapidly at room temperature, which can cause the cheese to spoil.
5. Use clean hands or utensils when handling the cheese to avoid spoilage.
6. If the cheese develops mold, has an off odor or taste, or becomes slimy or discolored, discard it. These are signs that the cheese has spoiled.

Conclusion

String cheese is a dairy product that needs proper storage. It should always be kept refrigerated and packed in an airtight container.

String cheese goes bad if left outside. It is advisable to only take out the amount of cheese from the refrigerator that will come in use.

A change in smell, texture, and appearance of mold is a clear sign that your string cheese has gone bad. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)