Velveeta cheese is the first thing that pops up in many people’s minds whenever they see the terms “casserole” or “melted cheese.”
It is indeed commonly used in mac n cheese, pasta, and grilled cheese sandwiches, but it may be included in a variety of other dishes.
Outside of the United States, however, few people are familiar with this type of cheese. If you’re not among them and have recently purchased a package of this American cheese, you may be wondering: “How long does Velveeta last?”
Well, you have come to the right place. In the following article, we’ll discuss this Velveeta cheese, is it actual cheese, does it go bad, and storage instructions to extend its storage life.
Table of Contents
What Is Velveeta Cheese?
Definition
Velveeta is a renowned processed cheese product with a smooth, silky texture, mild milk taste, and unique orange color.
It was created in 1918 as a solution to save wastage from the broken cheese wheels at the Monroe Cheese Company.
Velveeta is not real cheese but more like a “prepared cheese.” Based on the FDA, the required stipulation must include no less than 51% cheese and the least moisture content, spreadability temperatures (no less than 70 F), and fat level.
Velveeta excels at melting, which makes it a queso dip, nacho cheese dip, or Velveeta cheese dip. In fact, it’s perhaps best known as a cheese sauce for creamy cheese sauce.
Similar to cheddar cheese, this one is softer, silkier, and has a milder flavor. It’s easy to cook using Velveeta, and the dinner side dish tastes fantastic.
That is why Velveeta has been many people’s beloved cheese products for many years.
Shelf Life Of Velveeta Cheese
Velveeta cheese has a longer shelf life than typical ones, like Blue cheeses, since it is a well-processed dairy product containing preservatives.
The shelf life of an unopened package of Velveeta cheese is normally approximately six months from the date of manufacture.
As is customary, the use-by, sell-by, or best-by dates on the label of the boxes of Velveeta should be followed.
Of course, because it’s a prepared product with extra preservatives, it’ll probably survive longer than that with the proper storage method.
How Can You Tell If Velveeta Has Gone Bad?
Does Velveeta Cheese Go Bad?
Yes, although Velveeta is more pasteurized than natural cheese, it can eventually go bad. However, determining whether it has gone bad or not might be challenging.
When the cheese begins to lose its taste, most people simply discard it. The truth is that blocks of Velveeta do not always “go bad.”
It only keeps getting worse till it’s no longer usable. Each person may have their own criteria for determining whether something is no longer excellent.
Warning Sign That Tells Your Velveeta Has Gone Bad
Fresh Velveeta cheese is difficult to mold; while it is feasible, you may not realize much more of a shift in overall appearance through time.
Still, you’ll undoubtedly notice some differences in flavor and texture. Here are some things to look for to discover bad Velveeta cheese!
- When your Velveeta cheese is soft and has a smooth texture and light yellow color, you know it’s fresh and edible. If there are any discolorations or any sign of mold on the cheese’s surface, you should probably throw it away.
Signs of mold are unlikely to form on your Velveeta, but it can happen. If you observe an unattractive or unappealing change in texture, we recommend tossing it.
Instead, find other alternatives like Emmental cheese or its substitutes to replace.
- Any strong odors or unpleasant smells indicate that your Velveeta cheese has gone bad and should be discarded. The smell test is especially simple. When your brick of Velveeta is new, it has a subtle smell.
You should dump it if it emits strong scents unexpectedly. Do the bad odor test before the taste test to see if it lacks flavor.
A nibble won’t damage you if it doesn’t have a bad odor. You can eat the cheese if the taste test is OK.
Can You Eat Expired Velveeta?
If your Velveeta cheese has gone beyond its expiration date or best-by date, it is still edible. Yet, you shouldn’t eat it after an extended period of time.
It should be eaten within two months of its best-by date. If the Velveeta cheese is moldy, never take it!
How Long Does Velveeta Last?
How Long Does Unopened Velveeta Last
How long does Velveeta last, you ask? Unopened Velveeta cheese may be stored for six months if the package isn’t damaged or opened.
Six months is an unusually long period for a block of cheese, especially one that belongs in the refrigerator with the airtight method.
Unopened packages of Velveeta is a manufactured cheese product with a bunch of preservatives. It may therefore be stored for longer periods without becoming rancid.
Of course, because it’s a prepared cheese product with preservatives, it’ll probably survive longer than that.
However, because Velveeta cheese contains a lot of preservatives, it may last a longer time on the shelf than ordinary cheese.
Once Velveeta cheese has been opened, it must be kept refrigerated. The Velveeta cheese brick is protected from germs and spoiling by the unopened packets, but the product is often more prone to spoiling once opened.
An unopened pack of Velveeta normally preserves quality for around six months beyond the manufacture date, but it’s always best to check the packaging for the use-by date.
Apparently, due to the preservative ingredient, the cheese can effortlessly last several weeks beyond the expiration date while maintaining its quality.
How Long Does Velveeta Last After Opened?
Velveeta is usable for yet another eight weeks after being opened if used as recommended. Don’t worry about the cheese going bad; it probably will not happen in a couple of days or weeks.
Packaged foods steadily degrade in quality over time until they expire. Eat it for as long as you enjoy the cheesy flavor and quality.
The information is readily available on the packaging, so double-check yours to see if anything has changed.
It’s also worth checking the label of your Velveeta cheese because it can be somewhat different.
Everything changes as you unwrap your Velveeta. While it will still have a long shelf life, it does alter the situation.
You’ll need to plan ahead of the time frame to store your Velveeta after opening it in separate containers or air-tight containers.
How Long Does Velveeta Last In The Fridge?
As previously indicated, after a packet of Velveeta cheese has been opened, it must be kept refrigerated.
The simple idea is to cover or double wrap the cheese tightly so that it does not absorb any air from the refrigerator.
It will solidify as a result of the air, and you will have to throw it away or chop pieces off.
You may also place the package in a plastic bag or a freezer-safe container and seal it to make it airtight.
This simple idea may just make it last for a longer time in general, avoid air bubbles or water and maintain the flavor better.
Even if you keep your Velveeta cheese in the fridge, it is usually suggested that you eat it all within eight weeks.
How To Store Velveeta Cheese?
How To Store Velveeta Cheese Properly
Velveeta cheese, unlike other regular cheeses, has a unique storage mechanism.
Since it is a processed and pasteurized cheese, making spoilage much more difficult. Even for longer-lasting items, however, decent food storage practices are required.
You should keep your Velveeta cheese in a cool, dry place, such as a cupboard, or pantry fridge, away from sunlight or direct.
After being opened, it should be refrigerated to slow down the process at which the quality degrades.
Keep in mind to firmly cover your Velveeta cheese to prevent it from being exposed to frigid air trapped. This will keep the surface of the cheese from solidifying.
Avoid freezing the cheese since it will change the texture and consistency of the original product.
If freezing is your only choice before it degrades, it might still work. When you melt everything together, it really shouldn’t matter.
Tips To Store Velveeta Cheese
Check out the tips below for keeping your Velveeta smooth and buttery.
Keep In A Sealed Bag
Velveeta cheese should be stored in sealed bags for the easiest method of keeping it soft.
It will work just fine in a secure place, such as with a counter, in which the bag will not be damaged. This is suitable for temporary storage.
You can also store your Velveeta cheese in an airtight Ziploc bag, a plastic bag, an airtight container, or a food metal container.
This provides greater protection and ensures more consistent storage. Make a note of what was inside the box, so you don’t overlook it.
Add Moisture
Include a piece of bread or fresh fruit to add moisture preservation to either of these approaches.
These will aid in retaining moisture within the package. If you live in a hot climate, this is beneficial.
Freeze Your Velveeta Cheese Afterwards
You should freeze the Velveeta cheese after you have prepared meals with it.
It is suggested that you freeze or other savory dishes as well. Make doubly sure to wrap your dish with aluminum foil or heavy-duty freezer bags.
How To Thaw Velveeta Cheese?
If you wish to use the frozen Velveeta cheese, plan ahead of time because it will need to defrost. Follow the steps below to thaw Velveeta cheese for your dinner side dish.
- Step 1: To thaw the cheese for several hours or overnight, remove the original wrapping and take it from the freezer to the fridge overnight. It’s important not to re-freeze Velveeta cheese that has previously been defrosted, as this might have negative consequences.
- Step 2: Wrap the cheese in plastic wrap to keep it moist. Remove the wrapping when it has thawed. The cheese’s texture may have altered slightly.
- Step 3: Put the cheese in a saucepan, and melt it at low heat, constantly stirring to combine all the ingredients.
Conclusion
Velveeta is a popular cheese that has been processed to keep it fresher for longer than regular cheeses. We hope that after this article, you have acknowledged how long does Velveeta last.
Velveeta has a rather long shelf life if properly stored. If you follow the directions in this article and on the package, your food will be just fine.
Furthermore, if it appears to be suspect, doing a little sniff and taste test before using it in a recipe won’t hurt.
FAQs
How long does Velveeta last? ›
Velveeta cheese is a processed cheese product with some preservatives, so it has a long shelf life. It usually keeps quality for about 6 months unopened after the production date, but it's always better to look for the “use-by” date on the package.
How do you store Velveeta cheese long term? ›Since you can't seal the original packaging, the best solution is to put opened Velveeta in a freezer bag or even an airtight container. Then, you should store it in the fridge where it will keep its quality for up to two months. Some people like mixing Velveeta cheese with Rotel.
How long is a block of Velveeta cheese good for after opening? ›Velveeta lasts about 6 months (observe the date on the label) unopened and about 8 weeks after opening. This cheese product rarely gets moldy, so in most cases, you will have to throw it out because its quality is poor, not because it's spoiled in the usual way.
Can you use Velveeta past the expiration date? ›Unopened Velveeta cheese lasts up to 6 months past its best-by date. Opening the cheese product shortens the lifespan to 8 weeks for its best quality.
What cheese has the longest shelf life? ›...
Shelf life of cheese.
| Cheese | Type | Shelf life (after opening) |
|---|---|---|
| American | hard | 1–2 months |
| cheddar | hard | 3–4 weeks |
| Colby | hard | 3–4 weeks |
| Gouda | hard | 3–4 weeks |
The answer is yes, you can freeze Velveeta cheese, but it won't come out the same after freezing. Velveeta cheese is a processed cheese product made by Kraft. The company does not recommend freezing Velveeta cheese because the freezing process can cause the cheese to crystallize, making the texture grainy.
Do you need to refrigerate Velveeta cheese? ›Velveeta cheese is a processed cheese product that has many uses. It is shelf-stable and does not need to be refrigerated until it is opened. However, be sure not to leave the cheese out opened for more than 2 hours to avoid bacteria growth.
Why does Velveeta not have to be refrigerated? ›It's not uncommon to wonder, while walking the Grocery store, why Velveeta is not usually refrigerated. Well, it's simple; this cheese is both processed and pasteurized, resulting in a high shelf life – up to 6 months on average. Pasteurized cheese is made from pasteurized milk.
How long does cheese last after expiration date? ›There's more moisture present in the cheeses, so they aren't going to keep as long. I'd say two to four weeks after the expiration date is the basic time frame.
Can I eat expired box mac and cheese? ›So, technically, a box of Kraft mac and cheese, left unopened can be consumed well after its expiry date, and with no noticeable change in quality. You do not need to fear a massive bout of food poisoning, either, by consuming a product after it's so-called expiry, use-by, sell-by or best-by dates.
What is the shelf life of cheese? ›
In general, high moisture cheese varieties have a shelf life of only a few weeks, although processing innovations, such as hot-pack cream cheese can extend this. Low-moisture, hard cheeses (like Parmesan) have a shelf life that can range from 10 months to several years.
What cheese is shelf-stable? ›Most shelf stable cheeses are HARD and DRY ones such as Cheddar, Parmesan, Gouda, Asiago and Romano.
What is Velveeta made from? ›Originally Velveeta was made from real cheese. Today, it's mainly whey protein concentrate, milk protein concentrate, milk, fat, and preservatives. By the Food and Drug Administration's standards, that's not real cheese—which is why the FDA forced Kraft to change its label from "cheese spread" to "cheese product."
How long does cheese last in the fridge? ›When stored properly in the fridge, an unopened package can last between two and four months. An opened package of Parmesan or block of cheddar, however, is good for about six weeks in the fridge.
How long can you use after expiration date? ›You can eat food after the sell-by date. For example, dairy products are good for 1 week after the sell-by date. Eggs are safe for 3 to 5 weeks after the sell-by date.
Can you freeze cheese? ›To freeze cheese, portion, wrap, and pack it in an airtight container before rapidly freezing it. Use it within 6–9 months. Frozen cheese should be thawed in the refrigerator and is best used in cooked dishes.
Can you freeze Velveeta mac and cheese? ›Yes, you can! Freezing Mac and Cheese is a great way to keep leftovers, saving them for a busy night when there's no time to cook. Learn our tips and trick for how to reheat mac and cheese too. Whether you make Mac and cheese from a box or a homemade recipe, you can freeze any leftovers.
What kind of cheese needs no refrigeration? ›As a general rule, hard cheeses such as cheddar, processed cheeses (American), and both block and grated Parmesan do not require refrigeration for safety, but they will last longer if kept refrigerated.
How do you preserve cheese for years? ›When storing a hard cheese, trapping moisture is less of a worry. It's more likely that the cheese will dry out too much in the refrigerator. One way to protect cheese is to use cheese paper, or wax or parchment paper, wrapping the cheese tightly then sealing it with tape.
Can cheese be stored for years? ›Mainstream society would have you believe that sealed cheese will last several months in the fridge. However, some manufacturers sell cheddar cheese that has been aged 15 – 40 years. It's still edible but over time it will lose some of its health benefits as enzymes eat away at the protein.
What happened Velveeta? ›
Velveeta is now sold in the US as a "pasteurized prepared cheese product", a term for which the FDA does not maintain a standard of identity, and which therefore may contain milk protein concentrate.
Can you freeze milk? ›You can safely store frozen milk in your freezer for up to 6 months, but it's best if you can use it within 1 month of freezing. Milk should be defrosted in the fridge as opposed to at room temperature to decrease the risk of bacterial growth.
Can you freeze butter? ›Properly stored butter can be frozen for up to four months if frozen prior to the USE BY date on the package. Butter may begin to lose its fresh butter taste and pick up flavors and odors from the freezer if stored for longer than four months. Once the butter is removed from the freezer, use it within 30 days.
Does Velveeta have dairy? ›Question: Is Velveeta cheese dairy-free? Answer: No, Velveeta is not dairy-free. The top four ingredients of Velveeta are milk, whey, skim milk, and milk protein concentrate. All of these ingredients are milk or derived from milk.
How do you melt Velveeta cheese? ›- Shred the cheese or cut it into ½ inch cubes.
- Melt some butter in a saucepan over medium/low heat. ...
- Add Velveeta cheese.
- Stir constantly until it's at about the halfway point of melting. ...
- When the cheese has melted, add 7 tablespoons of milk and continue to stir until it has a smooth consistency.
The best substitute for Velveeta Cheese are – Swiss Cheese, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Pepper Jack, American Cheese, Cheese Whiz, Eden Cheese, Homemade Velveeta Cheese Sauce/Dip, Mozzarella Cheese, Queso Panela, Queso Para Frier, and Queso Blanco.
How long does unopened cheese last after expiration date? ›Is an unopened chunk of cheddar cheese still safe after the "sell by" date or "best by date" on the package? Yes -the unopened cheddar cheese will typically remain safe to use for about 6 months, even if the "sell-by" or "best by" date on the package expires.
Is cheese still good if there is no mold? ›Trim it: While mold that's added to cheese during ripening isn't a concern, mold that grows on the exterior can be a sign that it's not 100% safe to eat. However, in hard cheeses, that doesn't necessarily mean you have to toss it, as it's unlikely to have permeated the entire cheese.
Do potato chips expire? ›POTATO CHIPS, COMMERCIALLY PACKAGED - UNOPENED
Properly stored, an unopened package of potato chips will generally stay at best quality for about 2 to 3 months after the date on the package.
Although butter can be refrigerated for up to 6 months, there are notable changes in its freshness and quality after 3 months in the fridge ( 2 ). Whether you're a butter connoisseur or use it on occasion, you may want to know how to extend its shelf life without compromising its flavor.
Does pasta expire? ›
You can keep dry, boxed pasta for one to two years past its printed date. Fresh (uncooked) pasta ― the kind you'll often find in the refrigerated section of the supermarket next to Italian cheese ― is only good for four to five days beyond the date printed on the packaging.
How long is Cracker Barrel mac and cheese good for after expiration date? ›Canned goods and shelf-stable foods like boxed macaroni-and-cheese have greater latitude than their perishable cousins. Unopened, they can be eaten a year or two past their expiration dates, although there have been more extreme examples.
What is the best way to store cheese? ›- A resealable plastic bag will do the job, but it's not the ideal storage solution for your cheese. ...
- Store all types of cheese in the vegetable crisper of the refrigerator, where the temperature is cold and stable.
- Use a fresh piece of plastic wrap or wax paper to rewrap cheese after each use.
If the colour of the cheese has darkened or faded, there might be something wrong with it. Also, look out for changes in the texture of the cheese. If you notice anything slimy on the surface or bloating in the package, it may be time to discard it.
How old is the oldest cheese? ›Archaeologists Have Discovered the World's Oldest Cheese Inside an Ancient Egyptian Tomb. Archaeologists have identified a substance found inside an ancient Egyptian tomb: 3,200-year-old cheese.
Is the Laughing Cow real cheese? ›In fact, it is made from real cheeses including Comté, Emmental, Gouda and Cheddar (depending on where it is produced) melted and combined with milk and just a scant few other (mostly milk-based) ingredients. Best of all, the finished product contains far fewer additives and preservatives than most processed cheeses.
Is Babybel real cheese? ›Mini Babybel is natural cheese, made from pasteurized milk. It's made the traditional way, except that we use vegetarian rennet (not animal rennet) so it's vegetarian cheese.
Why is Babybel cheese wrapped in wax? ›Therefore, each component of Babybel®'s packaging has its own function and they're all essential to safeguard the freshness of our cheese. Babybel®'s wax coating forms a protective barrier around the cheese and functions as a crust in all respects.
Is Velveeta 100% real cheese? ›According to the FDA, Velveeta is technically not real cheese, but rather, a "processed cheese product," although the regulations state that it must contain at least 51 percent cheese, as well as prescribing the minimum moisture content, fat content and the temperature (at least 70 F) at which is must be spreadable.
Is Velveeta cheese one molecule away from plastic? ›All this brings me to the age old question of “Is Velveeta one molecule away from plastic?” You have likely heard the same “logic” applied to margarine. Of course, this is wrong in many ways. Both Velveeta and margarine are composed of many different molecules so such a statement is already meaningless.
What cheese lasts the longest in the fridge? ›
Parmesan. If you're looking for one sturdy cheese that will last in your fridge for as long as you need it, go with Parm. Thanks to a long aging process and higher salt content, your Parmesan will be just fine for just about as long as you need it.
How long do eggs last in the fridge? ›Eggs may be refrigerated three to five weeks from the day they are placed in the refrigerator. The "Sell-By" date will usually expire during that length of time, but the eggs will be perfectly safe to use. Always purchase eggs before the "Sell-By" or EXP (expiration) date on the carton.
Can I eat expired cheese? ›If it's emitting a toxic ammonia-like odor or is starting to smell like a barnyard, it's no longer safe to eat. The same goes for the taste. Spoiled cheese won't taste like cheese at all, and will actually cause the insides of your mouth to tingle, sometimes even burn.
Can you eat expired Velveeta mac and cheese? ›Expired Velveeta Mac and Cheese Sauce Packet Shells ... - YouTube
Does opened Velveeta need to be refrigerated? ›Final Thoughts. Velveeta cheese is a processed cheese product that has many uses. It is shelf-stable and does not need to be refrigerated until it is opened. However, be sure not to leave the cheese out opened for more than 2 hours to avoid bacteria growth.
How long is processed cheese good for? ›The expiration date printed on the cheese's packaging is typically five to six months after the cheese gets produced. It is also safe to eat about two weeks after the posted date on unopened packaging.
How long does processed cheese last in the fridge? ›Shelf Life Tips
After sliced American deli cheese is purchased from the deli, it may be refrigerated for 2 to 3 weeks - the "sell-by" date on the package may expire during that storage period, but the cheese will remain safe to use after the sell by date if it has been properly stored.
The answer is yes, you can freeze Velveeta cheese, but it won't come out the same after freezing. Velveeta cheese is a processed cheese product made by Kraft. The company does not recommend freezing Velveeta cheese because the freezing process can cause the cheese to crystallize, making the texture grainy.
Is it okay to eat Kraft Mac and Cheese after expiration date? ›So, technically, a box of Kraft mac and cheese, left unopened can be consumed well after its expiry date, and with no noticeable change in quality. You do not need to fear a massive bout of food poisoning, either, by consuming a product after it's so-called expiry, use-by, sell-by or best-by dates.
Is it okay to eat mac and cheese after the expiration date? ›Canned goods and shelf-stable foods like boxed macaroni-and-cheese have greater latitude than their perishable cousins. Unopened, they can be eaten a year or two past their expiration dates, although there have been more extreme examples.
What happens if you don't refrigerate Velveeta? ›
Eventually, even fresh unopened Velveeta Cheese will go bad. But. Don't panic yet; it has an average life span of 6 whole months from the packaging date, without being refrigerated. After this period, it lessens in quality (freshness) and may gradually start to go bad.
Is Velveeta real cheese? ›Velveeta may look like cheese and taste like cheese, but it is technically classified as a "pasteurized process cheese product." Originally, Velveeta was made from real cheese, but that is no longer the case.
What cheese is shelf-stable? ›Most shelf stable cheeses are HARD and DRY ones such as Cheddar, Parmesan, Gouda, Asiago and Romano.
How do you make cheese last longer? ›- A resealable plastic bag will do the job, but it's not the ideal storage solution for your cheese. ...
- Store all types of cheese in the vegetable crisper of the refrigerator, where the temperature is cold and stable.
- Use a fresh piece of plastic wrap or wax paper to rewrap cheese after each use.
One way to protect cheese is to use cheese paper, or wax or parchment paper, wrapping the cheese tightly then sealing it with tape. Hard cheeses that you'll eat fairly quickly do pretty well wrapped in plastic wrap, or placed in a sealed plastic bag or sealed glass container.
How long does unopened cheese last after expiration date? ›Is an unopened chunk of cheddar cheese still safe after the "sell by" date or "best by date" on the package? Yes -the unopened cheddar cheese will typically remain safe to use for about 6 months, even if the "sell-by" or "best by" date on the package expires.
How long does butter last in the fridge? ›Although butter can be refrigerated for up to 6 months, there are notable changes in its freshness and quality after 3 months in the fridge ( 2 ). Whether you're a butter connoisseur or use it on occasion, you may want to know how to extend its shelf life without compromising its flavor.
Do Kraft Singles expire? ›They were created to be preserved and factory-made. Sure, single-wrapped slices might seem all clean and neat. But basically, Kraft Singles were invented to never expire.
Can cheese spoil without mold? ›In summary, Yes, cheese can go bad without any mold on it. Mold is not the only thing that indicates if the cheese has gone bad or not. Aging and cheese tend to go hand in hand and some varieties of cheese won't be cheese without mold on it.