How Long Does Velveeta Last?
How long does Velveeta last? You can use unopened Velveeta cheese even 2-3 weeks past the expiry date from written on the package (6 months approximately). However, once opened, Velveeta cheese should be stored in the fridge and used within 8 weeks.
Velveeta cheese is not a regular cheese. It is a processed cheese product. This Kraft Foods product can be used to make grilled sandwiches, your favorite cheese dip, casserole, and other meals. Although it isn’t real cheese, it can expire and go bad, just like the regular cheeses.
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How Long Does Velveeta Last?
Unopened Velveeta cheese can last for 2-3 weeks after the expiry date, approximately for 6 months in total. You can safely store it at room temperature in its original package. Once you open it, you will need to store it in the fridge and spend it within 8 weeks.
Pay attention to the smell, taste, and appearance of your Velveeta cheese. If it went from a subtle smell to the unpleasant one, or it changed its color from pale yellow to something else, you shouldn’t eat it. If you notice it got dried out, you should throw it away.
How Long Does Velveeta Last Once Opened?
When you open a package of Velveeta cheese, it will be good to use for the next 8 weeks if you wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. If you fail to do so and leave it at room temperature loosely wrapped, it will go bad in just a few days.
When loosely wrapped and at room temperature, Velveeta cheese dries out and changes color from pale yellow to dark yellow. It will also change its texture. Velveeta cheese is soft and slightly mushy, and when it starts going bad, it will become hard and clumpy.
How Long Does Velveeta Last In Fridge?
If you store Velveeta cheese in the fridge, it can last up to 6 months, which is 2-3 weeks longer than the expiry date. If you open it, Velveeta cheese will be good to eat for the next 8 weeks. After that, it will start to lose its quality and change its properties.
How Long Does Velveeta Last Unopened?
Fresh unopened Velveeta cheese lasts for approximately 6 months, some 2-3 weeks longer than the expiry date. Unopened Velveeta has a rather long shelf life, and you can even leave it at room temperature. Like any other processed food, it contains added preservatives, which allows it to last even after the “best by date” printed on its original package.
To make sure it lasts you a long time, try storing Velveeta in a cool and dry place, away from any heat sources or moisture.
How Long Does Velveeta Last In Fridge After Opening?
Velveeta cheese will last for up to 8 weeks in the fridge after opening, but you need to wrap it in plastic foil or original packaging. This way, you will prevent it from coming in contact with bacteria and moisture that can affect the shelf life of your Velveeta cheese.
If you can’t store your Velveeta cheese in the fridge for some reason (e.g., not enough fridge space), you can place it on a dark cupboard in your pantry.
How Long Does Velveeta Last Past The Expiration Date?
Velveeta cheese can last for 2-3 weeks past the expiration date, but you should be careful when eating any expired food, especially quickly expiring foods, such as cheese.
Velveeta cheese has a long shelf life because it is made of pasteurized milk. Pasteurization is the process of killing harmful bacteria by exposing them to certain temperatures. This prolongs the shelf life of any milk product, including the Velveeta cheese. Velveeta cheese also contains food additives that also prolong its shelf life.
How Long Does Velveeta Last In The Freezer?
Did you know that you can also freeze Velveeta cheese and keep it in a freezer for at least 3 months? Simply place it in a freezer bag or wrap it with plastic wrap. If you plan to keep it in the freezer for a long time, you should double wrap it.
However, there is a thing you should consider when freezing Velveeta cheese: the freezing process can cause the cheese to crystalize, changing its texture from smooth to grainy. Such cheese can be used normally once thawed, but it won’t be the same as the fresh Velveeta package. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using it in your recipe.
Will Expired Velveeta Make You Sick?
Can Velveeta cheese go bad, and can it make you sick? Although Velveeta cheese has a long shelf life and rarely gets mold even long after the expiry date, you should be careful when eating it past the expiry date. When expiring, Velveeta cheese will first start to gradually lose its quality, and then it will become unsafe to eat.
You can eat it for 2-3 weeks after the expiry date, but not much longer after that. If you continue eating it even after those 2-3 weeks, you risk getting stomach issues and other symptoms of food poisoning. And don’t forget about how bad it could taste eating a piece of long-expired cheese!
Summary
So, now you know how long does Velveeta lasts. While still unopened, Velveeta cheese can last for approximately 6 months, and it will be safe to eat even after 2-3 weeks after the expiry date. When you open Velveeta cheese and remove it from its original packaging, it will last for 8 weeks, but only when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in the fridge.
Because of the way it is made, Velveeta cheese can last a long time, especially when compared to regular cheese and other milk products. Despite its long shelf life, Velveeta can and will go bad eventually if you don’t store it properly and eat it in time.
