Does String Cheese Need To Be Refrigerated? Answered

Last Updated on September 11, 2024 by Shari Mason

If you’re one of the many people who assume that string cheese needs to be kept cold in the fridge because it’s a dairy product, think again. Is refrigeration always required for string cheese? Let’s explore this question further.

Let’s take a closer look at this issue and find out when it is necessary to refrigerate string cheese and when it is okay to leave it out.

Does String Cheese Go Bad If Not Refrigerated? 

To prevent string cheese from going bad, it should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When stored properly, string cheese will stay fresh for up to two weeks.

String cheese is a type of cheese that is made by stretching and rolling curds of cheddar cheese. This process gives the cheese its characteristic stringy texture. 

String cheese is a popular snack food, but like all types of cheese, it can go bad if it is not stored properly.

The main signs that string cheese has gone bad are mold growth, changes in texture, and an off odor.

If any of these signs are present, the cheese should be thrown out. But does grated parmesan cheese need to be refrigerated?

How Long Does It Last?

Most people don’t think twice about eating string cheese that’s been sitting in the fridge for a few days, but how long is it actually safe to eat? 

Because string cheese is a fresh cheese, it doesn’t last as long as other types of cheese. 

Once opened, it should be consumed within 7-10 days. After that, the quality of the cheese will start to decline, and it may develop an off odor or flavor.

If you’re unsure whether your string cheese is still good, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and throw it out.

Eating expired cheese can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. So, when in doubt, play it safe and toss it out. But do you have to refrigerate Laughing Cow cheese?

Does Individually Wrapped String Cheese Need To Be Refrigerated?

Individually wrapped string cheese does not need to be refrigerated. In fact, it can be stored at room temperature for up to two weeks. 

The main reason for this is that the cheese is sealed in a protective wrapping that prevents it from coming into contact with air. This helps to keep the cheese fresh and prevents it from drying out. 

However, once the wrapper is opened, the cheese should be eaten within a few days or refrigerated for longer storage.

Individually wrapped string cheese [1] is a convenient and shelf-stable snack that doesn’t need to be refrigerated until you’re ready to eat it.

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How Long Can It Sit Out? 

Unrefrigerated, opened string cheese will start to develop bacterial growth after two hours.

Read: How Long Do Krispy Kreme Donuts Last Unrefrigerated?

This means that it’s technically safe to eat, but it may not taste as fresh as it did when you first opened the package. If you’re looking for a longer shelf life, you can refrigerate string cheese for up to two weeks. 

However, it’s important to note that the quality of the cheese will degrade over time.

For the best flavor and texture, eat refrigerated string cheese within a week of opening the package. But should you refrigerate cream cheese?

Is It Safe To Eat String Cheese That Has Been Left Unrefrigerated?

Most types of cheese are highly perishable and should be consumed within a few days of being purchased. However, unopened string cheese is a little more forgiving and can safely be stored at room temperature for up to two weeks. 

As long as it is stored in a dry, airtight container, string cheese will last for up to two weeks without refrigeration. Beyond that, the quality of the cheese will begin to decline, and it will become increasingly sour in taste. 

So if you’re looking for a snack that can sit out for a while, string cheese is a good option. Just be sure to enjoy it before it goes bad. Find out if you have to refrigerate Babybel cheese here.

FAQs

How long can string cheese be left unrefrigerated?

It can be left unrefrigerated for a few days, but it will start to spoil after a while.

String cheese is a type of cheese that comes in long, thin strips. It’s made from mozzarella cheese, and is often eaten as a snack. String cheese can be left unrefrigerated for up to three days, but it will start to spoil after that. 

If you see signs of mold or discoloration, then you should discard the string cheese.

Can you eat string cheese that has been sitting out?

If it’s been sitting out for a while, you might want to toss it.

String cheese is a type of hard cheese that contains a lot of salt. When cheese is exposed to air, the bacteria on the surface will start to eat the lactose in the cheese, and produce lactic acid. 

This high level of acid will cause string cheese to taste sour and bitter. The less acidic string cheese is, the better it will taste.

Can string cheese spoil?

Yes, string cheese can spoil. The milk in string cheese can go bad if it’s not refrigerated properly, and the cheese will start to rot and smell bad. Spoiled string cheese is not safe to eat.

How can you tell if string cheese is bad?

The cheese will start to smell sour and have a slimy texture. 

If you see mold growing on your string cheese, it’s most likely because of the high level of moisture in the cheese that encourages bacterial growth. And since this type of cheese doesn’t have a rind, there’s no barrier to protect the interior from bacteria and mold growth.

Does sealed string cheese go bad?

It depends. If it’s sealed in plastic wrap, it will last for about two weeks. If it’s vacuum-sealed, it will last for about four weeks. If it’s left out of the fridge, it will only last for a few hours.

In Conclusion

While string cheese doesn’t technically need to be refrigerated, it’s a good idea to store it in the fridge. 

This will help keep it fresh and prevent bacteria from growing. String cheese is also a great snack for on-the-go, so you can take it with you wherever you go.

Reference:

1. https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/food-science/string-cheese.htm