Does Kraft parmesan Cheese go bad? Although few people would dare to eat spoiled cheese, Kraft Parmesan cheese is another story altogether. This popular grated cheese is stored in refrigerators nationwide and used as an essential topping for salads or the occasional Italian dinner.
But unless you use it regularly, your beloved container of Parmesan cheese may easily end up becoming a forgotten condiment in the back of your refrigerator.
This happened quite often, as I always ensure I have some parmesan cheese left. I usually use it as a topping for my pasta.
While it may be tempting not to waste your cheese, you may have reservations about using it. When does it expire, and can you eat it after it has expired? These are questions you may ask yourself.
Does Kraft Parmesan Cheese go Bad?
Parmesan cheese does go bad. However, you can eat Kraft parmesan cheese a few weeks past the expiration date if it’s not showing other common signs of spoiling, such as a foul odor, off-taste, or mold. If a cheese has spoiled, throw it out to prevent food-borne illness.
How long does kraft parmesan cheese last?
Kraft parmesan cheese lasts for approximately 12 to 18 months when unopened and unrefrigerated. It lasts even longer when kept in the refrigerator. But it does eventually go bad.
Kraft is a trusted brand, which is likely a huge part of why you chose their grated Parmesan cheese brand. So, shouldn’t the manufacturers know best when it comes to when their cheese will expire?
Yes and no. Some variables impact the exact shelf life of Parmesan cheese, so the expiration date is an estimate. Kraft Parmesan cheese usually lasts a little longer than the listed expiration date.
So, if you have spaghetti on the stove and are trying to whip up dinner in a hurry, you can use parmesan cheese a few weeks past the expiration date- as long as it’s not showing other signs of spoiling.
When Should Expired Kraft Parmesan Cheese Be Thrown in the Garbage?
If parmesan cheese is a few weeks past its expiration date and you’re unsure about using it, a good rule of thumb is to throw it out.
But there are some signs of spoilage that you should watch out for. If your container of Kraft Parmesan cheese tastes or smells funny or is starting to grow mold, it should be thrown in the garbage- no ifs, ands, or buts about it.
Some people don’t like the smell of fresh grated Parmesan cheese- even if they refuse to eat spaghetti without it. So, you can’t necessarily say that the Parmesan cheese is spoiled because you don’t find the smell or taste appealing.
But if you regularly use grated Parmesan cheese, you probably know how it should smell and taste. It should be discarded if the cheese is expired and the smell or taste just seems off to you.
There is one surefire sign of spoilage that you should never ignore: mold. Although expired parmesan cheese usually won’t make you sick, mold almost definitely will. You should always discard moldy Parmesan cheese immediately.
What happens if you eat Expired Grated Parmesan Cheese?
You usually won’t get sick from eating expired grated Parmesan cheese. But you could become deathly ill if it’s growing mold, according to the National Institute of Health. Mold often contains harmful strains of bacteria, including E. Coli, Salmonella, and Listeria.
Many people swear that it’s perfectly fine to eat expired Kraft Parmesan cheese because they do it all the time and don’t get sick. This is true to an extent, but it depends on how far the cheese has passed its expiration date and whether it’s developed mold.
Symptoms of infection may range from a mild upset stomach to vomiting, diarrhea, and severe stomach cramps. In rare cases, food poisoning could even lead to death. If your expired Kraft Parmesan cheese has developed mold, don’t use it.
Your family’s health is well worth the inconvenience of a grocery store trip and the cost of a new container of Kraft Parmesan cheese.
Can you Eat Kraft Parmesan Cheese that has Expired?
Kraft Parmesan cheese lasts for a very long time, regardless of whether or not you refrigerate it, but it certainly won’t last forever.
While it’s always best to use the expiration date to gauge the estimated length of time that you can use it before it needs to be discarded, the actual expiration date isn’t written in stone- at least when it comes to grated Kraft Parmesan cheese.
It’s impossible to know exactly how long your Kraft Parmesan cheese will last, as it depends on outside factors, such as when you open the container and how you store it.
If you want to play it safe, trust the Kraft manufacturers and toss your Parmesan cheese in the trash on the expiration date to avoid getting sick with a food-borne illness from eating moldy cheese, says Healthline.
But if it’s not showing signs of spoiling, you can still use it for a few weeks past the expiration date. So, if you have a pan of lasagna in the oven and don’t have time to run to the store to buy more Parmesan cheese, your expired container will most likely be fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Expired Kraft Parmesan Cheese?
Since grated Parmesan cheese is dry and hard and doesn’t contain much water, it lasts longer than the expiration date printed on the label – as long as it’s been stored properly. But it doesn’t last forever, so you must pay attention to spoilage signs.
How Long Does Grated Kraft Parmesan Cheese Last Unrefrigerated?
If your container of grated Kraft Parmesan cheese is still unopened and sold unrefrigerated, it will last for about 12 to 18 months while being stored at room temperature. But even though it will last a long time in your pantry, you should still be mindful of the expiration date.
Does Kraft Parmesan Cheese Need to Be Refrigerated?
According to the USDA, hard cheeses, such as grated Kraft Parmesan cheese and block cheddar and Parmesan cheese, do not necessarily need to be refrigerated for food safety reasons. However, your grated Parmesan cheese will stay fresh and last longer if you store it in the refrigerator.
How to know if grated parmesan cheese is bad?
Grated Parmesan cheese that is bad has a sour smell, or you might spot mold. Mold is white, green, or blue.
Expired Grated Parmesan Cheese
I do not recommend eating Parmesan cheese that is over the expiration date. The potential risk involved is not worth it. Kraft Parmesan cheese usually lasts for 12 to 18 months. After that, or when the smell is bad or if you spot mold, discard it.