Velveeta is a type of processed cheese product that is a popular ingredient in making mac and cheese. With its gooey, smooth texture and mild cheddar flavor, it is the perfect choice for a creamy, indulgent mac and cheese. However, like any food, Velveeta does have an expiration date printed on the packaging. So what happens if you discover an expired box of Velveeta shells and cheese in the back of your pantry? Is it still safe to use and eat after the printed date has passed?
Quick Answers
Here are quick answers to common questions about eating expired Velveeta mac and cheese:
- Yes, Velveeta mac and cheese can be safely eaten after the expiration date, provided it has been properly stored.
- Velveeta has a long shelf life due to its processed nature and the preservatives it contains.
- The expiration date refers to peak quality rather than safety.
- Expired Velveeta may change in texture and have more separation, but it still edible.
- If stored unopened at proper temperatures, Velveeta can last 6-9 months past its expiration date before quality severely declines.
- An opened package of Velveeta will last about 3-4 weeks past its printed date when refrigerated.
- Discard Velveeta that is moldy, has an unpleasant odor, or looks discolored.
- Properly cooking the mac and cheese kills any bacteria that may grow after expiration.
What is Velveeta?
Velveeta is a type of American processed cheese product introduced in 1918 by Velveeta Cheese Company. It is now manufactured by Kraft Foods. Velveeta has a smooth, creamy texture and melts smoothly when heated. It provides the distinctive gooey, cheesy consistency associated with boxed mac and cheese.
Velveeta is made by combining real cheese like cheddar or Swiss with milk protein concentrate, milkfat, whey protein concentrate, and emulsifying salts. Additional preservatives, stabilizers, and gums are added as well. This processed recipe gives Velveeta its unique melting properties, long shelf life, and creamy pale yellow color.
Why does Velveeta last so long?
There are a few key reasons why an unopened package of Velveeta can be safely consumed even after passing its printed expiration date:
- Low moisture content – Velveeta has less moisture than regular cheeses. This creates an unfavorable environment for bacteria or mold growth.
- Preservatives – Velveeta contains preservatives like sorbic acid and sodium phosphate to inhibit microbial growth and slow spoilage.
- Packaging – The thick foil packaging protects Velveeta from air, light, and external moisture that could degrade the product.
- Pasteurization – Velveeta is made from pasteurized dairy ingredients that have been heat treated to kill pathogens.
- High salt and low pH – Velveeta has added salt and a low acidity which prevents growth of dangerous bacteria.
All of these factors allow an unopened package to stay fresh and usable for a prolonged period before quality deteriorates.
Does Velveeta mac and cheese expire?
Yes, Velveeta and Velveeta mac and cheese do technically expire. The expiration date printed on the packaging indicates the last date that Kraft Foods guarantees the optimal quality and flavor of the product. However, expired does not inherently mean unsafe to eat.
Food expiration dates refer to quality and not safety. So while Velveeta may not taste or perform its best after the printed date, it does not automatically pose any health risks if you eat it.
How long does unopened Velveeta last after expiration?
An unopened package of Velveeta will usually remain edible for 6 to 9 months past the printed expiration date if it has been continuously stored properly. The main concern with expired Velveeta is a decline in overall quality and texture.
Here is how an unopened package of Velveeta holds up when kept at optimal storage temperatures:
- 1-2 months – No noticeable changes
- 3-5 months – Possible drying out, minor discoloration
- 6-9 months – Increased drying, more separation of oils, distinct color changes
- 1 year – High separation of oils, hard texture, major discoloration
While Velveeta may become more dry or grainy over time, it is still safe to use expired and unopened Velveeta in cooking applications like mac and cheese. Thorough cooking and combining with other ingredients masks any textural changes.
How long does opened Velveeta last after expiration?
Once opened, the shelf life of Velveeta shortens due to exposure to air and additional moisture. An opened package of Velveeta will stay fresh around 3 to 4 weeks past the printed date if properly stored.
To maximize shelf life after opening Velveeta:
- Fold and tightly seal or clamp any inner packaging.
- Place back into the rigid plastic or foil outer packaging.
- Refrigerate after opening.
- Use clean utensils each time to avoid cross contamination.
- Use within 3-4 weeks.
How to tell if expired Velveeta is bad?
Although expired Velveeta may change in quality, it is obvious when it has become unsafe to eat. Here are signs that Velveeta has spoiled and should be discarded:
- Mold – Presence of fuzzy mold anywhere on the block.
- Discoloration – Strange colors like blue, green, or black spots.
- Sliminess – Noticeable slimy texture when handled.
- Rancid smell – Strong unpleasant or sour odor.
- Curdling – Liquid or curdled look when melted.
- Gas pockets – Signs of gas production inside the packaging.
As long as it looks, smells, and feels normal, expired Velveeta can be used in cooking. But it is always best to use your judgement when evaluating food safety.
Does cooking make expired Velveeta safe to eat?
Proper cooking is important when using expired Velveeta to eliminate any bacteria that may accumulate over time after opening. The ingredients in Velveeta mac and cheese require high temperatures to become shelf stable.
When stored unopened in optimal conditions, expired Velveeta poses a low risk of containing dangerous levels of bacteria. However, heating expired cheese still provides an added layer of protection against potential pathogens.
Make sure expired Velveeta mac and cheese reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This kills any harmful bacteria like E. coli or Salmonella that could lead to food poisoning.
Bringing expired Velveeta mac and cheese to a hot enough temperature prevents illness and makes it just as safe to eat as fresh Velveeta.
Does expired Velveeta cheese change in taste or texture?
Expired Velveeta can change slightly in its flavor, aroma, color, and texture over time. However, these changes are gradual and not harmful. Here are some common changes you may notice:
- Appearance – Slight dulling of bright orange color. More opaque. Separated oils.
- Texture – Drier and grainier. Less smooth. Resistance when melting.
- Taste – Mildly sharper flavor. Slight bitterness.
- Smell – Reduction in buttery dairy aroma.
Despite some variation in sensory quality, expired Velveeta is still completely usable for cooking. Any flavor or textural changes become undetectable once incorporated into hot mac and cheese.
Can expired Velveeta make you sick?
Eating expired Velveeta is unlikely to make you sick due to its heavily processed nature. The preservatives and low moisture content prevent dangerous bacterial growth over time.
However, there is a small risk if the expired Velveeta becomes contaminated after opening. Consuming Velveeta with heavy microbial growth from poor storage could potentially cause illness.
Symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and cramps are possible if spoiled Velveeta introduces a high level of pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens, or Bacillus cereus into your system.
Exercising proper storage, handling, and cooking practices minimizes any disease risk from using expired Velveeta. But if you have any doubts, it is best to throw it out.
Tips for storing Velveeta
Storing Velveeta correctly is key to maximizing its shelf life before and after opening. Here are some storage tips:
- Buy Velveeta with the furthest possible expiration date.
- Keep unopened Velveeta in its original packaging until ready to use.
- Store in a cool, dry pantry away from sources of heat or moisture.
- Avoid storing Velveeta at temperatures about 70°F to limit separation.
- After opening, rewrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate.
- Ensure refrigerated Velveeta stays wrapped and is used within 3-4 weeks.
- Discard any expired Velveeta that looks or smells bad.
How to tell if opened Velveeta is still good?
Once opened, Velveeta only lasts 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator before quality declines. Check for these signs that opened Velveeta has gone bad and needs to be discarded:
- Dries out and becomes hard, crumbly, or chalky
- Mold growth on the surface
- Watery liquid or milky curdling when melted
- Noticeable sour smell
- Change to a dark orange, yellow, or brown color
- Presence of gas pocket inside packaging
Fresh, usable Velveeta will be a bright orange color with a creamy, pliable texture free of any liquid. It should retain its mild, buttery aroma with no rancid or off odors.
How long can you freeze Velveeta cheese?
Freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of opened and unopened Velveeta. Fully frozen, Velveeta will last up to 6 months in the freezer past its printed date.
Tips for freezing Velveeta:
- Double wrap blocks in plastic wrap or place inside airtight freezer bags.
- Remove as much air as possible and seal tightly.
- Freeze before expiration date for best quality.
- Use freezer bags or containers to prevent freezer burn.
- Avoid repeated freezing as texture suffers.
Frozen Velveeta may become slightly drier or more crumbly after thawing. Using it melted in cooking helps improve the texture.
Can you freeze expired Velveeta?
You can safely freeze expired Velveeta to pause any further quality degradation. However, freezing cannot reverse the aging process. An expired block will still have diminished quality when thawed compared to fresh Velveeta.
Freezing expired Velveeta stops additional moisture loss and separation. But the original expiry date still applies once thawed and refrigerated. Use within 3-4 weeks after thawing for best flavor and texture.
Discarding Velveeta safely
If Velveeta shows definite signs of spoilage like mold, sliminess, or a rancid smell, it should be discarded. Here are some safe ways to throw away expired Velveeta:
- Place in designated trash bags and dispose of properly.
- Remove from original packaging and wrap in extra plastic bags.
- Empty contents into an airtight container before throwing away.
- Hide in between other trash items to conceal discarded food.
- Seal containers thoroughly so smell doesn’t attract pests.
- Take trash bags out frequently to avoid buildup of decaying foods.
Removing the expired Velveeta from original packaging helps contain the smell. And placing in sealed bags or containers prevents spills or mess in the trash can.
Conclusion
Velveeta’s long shelf life provides plenty of leeway to safely use it past the printed expiration date. While the texture and flavor may change slightly over time, eating properly stored Velveeta won’t make you sick even if it is months expired.
The “Best By” date on Velveeta products refers to ideal quality rather than an indication of it becoming inedible or dangerous. So you can comfortably use that forgotten block of expired Velveeta in your kitchen to make gooey, delicious mac and cheese.
As long as you take care to evaluate any signs of spoilage using your best judgement, incorporating that leftover Velveeta into cooking and baking provides a hassle-free way to avoid wasting food and money.