If you are like most people, the chances are that you have a pack of Kraft cheese in the refrigerator, and you’re wondering, can Kraft cheese powder go bad?
While some consider it a guilty pleasure, many people find Kraft cheese indispensable. This powder has many uses around the kitchen, which is probably the main reason you’re interested in knowing its shelf life.
The truth is Kraft cheese powder can go bad.
If stored properly, it should have a long shelf life of at least two years. However, if the packaging is left unopened, Kraft cheese powder can go bad before its expiration date.
Kraft cheese powder is a pantry staple and has been in the market for more than 70 years. It’s commonly used in cooking and baking since it adds texture and flavor without increasing calories or fat. Kraft cheese powder is a practical way to make our foods more appealing.
Here, we will cover everything you need to know about Kraft cheese by addressing some of the most common questions about this product. Read on and find out how to safely enjoy Kraft cheese powder!
How Is Kraft Cheese Powder Made?
You might be curious about how this product is made. Cheese powder is typically made by spray drying. First, the cheese is melted into a liquid and mixed with other additives.
After that, it’s sprayed through a nozzle that converts the liquid into droplets, which are then blasted using hot air and vaporized to make powder.
Is Kraft Powdered Cheese the Same as Real Cheese?
Kraft cheese powder is not exactly the same as original cheese. The making of this product starts with real cheese, but other ingredients, such as additives and preservatives, are used during processing to ensure you can use the cheese for years.
How Long Does Kraft Cheese Powder Last?
Generally, any powdered product has a long shelf-life. Kraft cheese powder is not the exception, but its shelf-life depends on how well it’s stored. If you keep it in a cool and dry place, you can use the product for at least two years without it going bad.
The best way to ensure Kraft cheese powder lasts long is to keep its container tightly sealed.
As long as the container remains unopened, the expiration date doesn’t really matter with the Kraft cheese. You can eat it even one or two years after its expiration date.
Ideally, powdered cheese, including Kraft cheese powder, has a shelf-life of 10-15 years. Therefore, it’s highly probable that you will consume it before it goes bad!
What Happens if You Consume Expired Kraft Cheese Powder?
You might fail to notice the Kraft cheese expiry date, and you could worry if you ate the expired product. The good news is that Kraft cheese powder is a dehydrated product, which gives it a really long shelf-life.
So, you shouldn’t worry too much about food poisoning if you eat expired Kraft cheese. Due to the way it’s made, the cheese powder’s quality should remain unaffected even after one or two years.
The expiration dates are there to indicate the freshness of the product. So, the Kraft cheese powder might not be so fresh and might have lost a bit of its typical taste or smell, but that doesn’t necessarily affect your health.
However, we don’t recommend eating any product too long after its expiration date, as this always involves a risk.
So, How Do You Know if Kraft Cheese Powder Has Gone Bad?
If you’ve been using this product for some time and you’ve kept it open, make sure to check for mold and moisture before consuming it.
If you notice any mold or moisture or an unusual smell, consistency, or color, the best thing you can do is to get rid of the product and buy a new one.
What Is the Best Way To Keep Kraft Cheese Powder?
Kraft cheese powder is best stored at room temperature. If this recommended storage is maintained, you can use the product for 10-15 years. Safe storage aims to ensure it’s not exposed to moisture. Once opened, make sure you keep the container tightly sealed.
Can You Freeze Kraft Cheese Powder?
As you ponder whether Kraft cheese can go bad, you could be interested to know if it’s okay to freeze it. Actually, you can freeze Kraft cheese powder to keep it fresh or increase its shelf life.
You might also consider freezing it if this is your way of keeping things organized in your kitchen.
However, you should note that the refrigerator’s humidity can affect the quality of the Kraft cheese powder. It’s likely to dampen and form molds.
To refrigerate it, confirm that its container is appropriately sealed to guarantee that no moisture will be seeping into the package.
Is Powdered Cheese Good for You?
You might be suspicious about the additives used in the Kraft cheese powder. This product has preservatives meant to ensure that you can eat it for up to 15 years, in addition to colorants, artificial flavors, and hydrogenated oils.
The reality is that these ingredients raise concerns about the potential effects on your health, as it is known they can pose serious harm.
So, it’s advisable to consume this product moderately, especially for children.
How Do You Use Kraft Cheese Powder?
Kraft cheese powder has several uses. So, it all comes down to your personal preferences. Apart from its classic use for Mac and cheese sauce, you can add it to soups, salads, bread, popcorn, pretzels, or any meals and snacks you desire!
Final Thoughts
Now you know that the answer to “Can Kraft cheese powder go bad?” is yes. But, you also know that thanks to its long shelf life, its expiration date is not something you should worry about too much.
Kraft cheese powder has been on the market for decades now, and it’s a great choice for individuals looking to optimize their snacks and meals’ taste.
However, due to the health concerns associated with Kraft cheese ingredients, you should consume it in moderation. Also, remember to keep the container tightly sealed to prevent moisture from dampening it.
