Kraft cheese powder is a pantry staple in many households. This tasty powder can be used to add cheese flavor to various dishes and snacks. But a common question is - can Kraft cheese powder go bad?
The short answer is yes, Kraft cheese powder can go bad if not stored properly. But when unopened and stored correctly, it has a surprisingly long shelf life of at least 2 years.
So how do you know if your Kraft cheese powder has gone bad? What happens if you eat expired cheese powder? And how can you extend its shelf life?
How Is Kraft Cheese Powder Made?
To understand the shelf life of Kraft cheese powder, it helps to know what it's made of.
Kraft cheese powder starts with real cheese that is melted into a liquid. Other dairy ingredients like milk proteins and butter are also added. Then the mixture is combined with additives like:
- Modified food starch
- Corn syrup solids
- Annatto extract (for color)
- Preservatives
Next, the liquid cheese blend is spray dried into a fine powder using hot air. The powder is what gives Kraft mac and cheese its signature orange color and cheesy flavor.
So while it does contain real cheese, the powder also has artificial flavors, colors and preservatives that allow it to be shelf-stable for years.
Is Powdered Cheese the Same as Regular Cheese?
Kraft cheese powder is not exactly the same as regular cheese you'd buy at the deli counter. While it starts with real cheese, the additional processing changes the texture and extends the shelf life.
Powdered cheese contains less fat and moisture compared to harder cheeses like cheddar or parmesan. It also has added maltodextrin, whey and other ingredients to create a free-flowing powder that stores well.
So in terms of nutrition and texture, powdered cheese differs from its original form. But it still provides the recognizable tangy, cheesy flavor.
How Long Does Unopened Kraft Cheese Powder Last?
When properly stored, the shelf life of unopened Kraft cheese powder is exceptionally long:
- At room temperature: 2 years from the printed "best by" date
- In the pantry: Up to 15 years
- In the fridge: Up to 20 years
The key is keeping the powder in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. As long as moisture and humidity don't get in, the powder retains its quality for many years.
So don't worry if you discover an unopened container way past its best by date. As long as it was stored properly, it should still be good to use!
Key Takeaway: Unopened Kraft cheese powder lasts 2+ years at room temperature and up to 20 years refrigerated.
What Happens If You Eat Expired Cheese Powder?
Consuming slightly expired Kraft cheese powder is generally not dangerous. Since it's low moisture and made with preservatives, it resists spoilage better than perishable dairy products.
Eating old cheese powder won't make you sick. But it may have reduced flavor or aroma compared to a freshly opened container.
For best taste and freshness, try to use opened powder within 6 months. But even cheese powder a few years past its date is unlikely to cause food poisoning if it was stored correctly.
However, discard any powder that smells bad, looks moldy or clumpy. Those are signs it may have spoiled and should not be consumed.
How To Tell If Kraft Cheese Powder Has Gone Bad
Because powdered cheese is dry and shelf-stable, signs of spoilage can be subtle. Here’s what to look for:
- Off odor: Cheese powder that smells sour, rancid or unpleasant should not be used
- Color changes: Orange color fading to dull yellow or brown
- Clumping: Powder should flow freely and not stick together
- Mold: Presence of fuzzy green or white mold indicates spoilage
- Taste: Bland flavor, bitterness or chemical aftertaste
If you notice any of those warning signs, it's best to throw away the cheese powder even if it’s not past the expiration date.
But plain Kraft mac and cheese with non-dairy powder packets have an even longer shelf life. Here’s how to tell if Kraft mac and cheese is bad.
Can You Freeze Kraft Cheese Powder?
Freezing can extend the shelf life of cheeses and other dairy products. But powdered cheese already has an exceptionally long shelf life without freezing.
You can safely freeze unopened Kraft cheese powder. But there's no need to freeze it for preservation reasons.
On the other hand, freezing provides no significant advantage either. The powdered consistency is not affected by freezing.
However, temperature fluctuations from freezing and thawing can cause moisture condensation. So it’s best to keep powdered cheese stored at a stable room temperature if possible.
If you do freeze cheese powder, let it come completely to room temperature before opening to prevent moisture issues.
What’s The Best Way To Store Kraft Cheese Powder?
To get the longest shelf life out of Kraft cheese powder:
- Store unopened containers in a cool, dry place around 75°F
- Keep unused powder in an airtight container
- Check bottles for an expiration or “best by” date and write it on the container
- Check powder for clumping/hardness every 6-12 months
- If clumpy, sift through a fine mesh strainer before using
And avoid temperature extremes. Don't store cheese powder next to the stove, in direct sunlight or in a humid environment.
With optimal storage conditions, unopened cheese powder lasts over a decade. And even opened powder keeps over 6 months.
Key Takeaway: Store Kraft cheese powder in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Avoid temperature extremes or moisture.
FAQs
Does cheese powder need to be refrigerated?
No. Since it's low moisture and shelf-stable, Kraft cheese powder does not require refrigeration before opening. Simply store in a cool, dry pantry or cupboard. Refrigeration can actually introduce unwanted moisture.
How long does opened cheese powder last?
Once opened, Kraft cheese powder will last 6-12 months in an airtight container stored in a cool environment. Check for clumping due to moisture absorption. Sift if needed.
Can old cheese powder make you sick?
Not usually. Consuming expired powder poses little risk because harmful microbes cannot grow without moisture. However spoiled cheese powder with visible mold should always be discarded.
Conclusion
So can Kraft cheese powder go bad? Yes - but powdered cheese lasts much longer than cheese in solid form due to its low moisture content.
Unopened containers keep over 2 years at room temperature. And some people eat powder 5+ years expired with no issues.
For best quality, use opened powder within 6-12 months. Check containers for signs of moisture or spoilage before consuming. And store in an airtight container in a cool, dry area.
With proper storage, it's unlikely your Kraft cheese powder will ever actually go "bad" by the time you finish using it up!