Is it better to buy a block of cheese or readily grated cheese of the same brand?

Question

I understand about the cooking/serving time factor but is there a difference in taste / freshness? I've always wondered.

Answer 1

Store bought grated cheese.... my mom used to buy the chunk of Parmesan and have the Dell fellow put it through the grater. That was fine for us when we were kids.....
Now that I buy my own cheese I'd rather grate it myself as needed. Pre-grated cheese moulds faster, and when and if it drys out turns to saw dust.
If you get a deal on a nice chunk of cheese then grate when you may use for several days and keep in an air tight container. Plastic wrap the chunk.
BUT - it is always - ALWAYS better to buy only what you need. If you need more in a few days then go buy more. Remem. the more stuff you have in the pantry or fridge the more you will eat.

Answer 2

The block cheese is better. The pre-grated stuff has an anti-clumping agent applied and that changes the quality and taste a bit. Also, the block cheese is usually cheaper.

Answer 3

Pre-shredded cheese, like many convenience foodstuffs, involves a tradeoff of price for ease of use. It costs more than the same quantity of cheese in a block or wedge -- but you don't have to use (and then wash) a cheese grater in order to have grated cheese on your salad, soup, or pizza. You also don't have to buy and mix several kinds of cheese in order to achieve taco cheese, pizza cheese, or any number of other combinations.

All this is well and good. However, pre-shredded cheese also involves another tradeoff, one that in my mind greatly imperils its value. The fate of all cheese is the fate of all flesh -- decay. When a block of Cheddar grows a small green spot or two, you can easily cut off the contaminated area -- or even trim all six edges if you're squeamish. But when a bag of pre-shredded cheese turns green, there's no "cutting some off" to save the rest; you have to chuck the whole bag. What a waste. (Moreover, pre-shredded cheese goes bad much faster than un-handled block cheese.)

Answer 4

I buy both, but I prefer the block. When I shred the block cheese it seems to melt so much better and It tastes fresher. The block can retain it's natural moisture far longer than the pre-shredded variety.

Answer 5

I don't think there is a difference in quality or freshness. The difference is in the price, though! It's cheaper to buy a brick and grate it yourself as opposed to buying the cheese already shredded. You are basically paying more b/c of the "labor".

Answer 6

i might if i could desire to deal with to pay for it. in case you're actually not into 'cheese and biscuits' after a night meal, it somewhat is the way maximum folk want it. it somewhat is like 'one cup' teabags, you pay a top type for those too. yet that's what people want. I could desire to assert if so even with the shown fact that, i'm no longer confident that they are something extra advantageous than a advertising ploy. you will get a similar result from any teabag. My genuine purple meat, being on a low funds, is the value of cheese in spite of way it somewhat is bought. it somewhat is a sort of 'straight forward' products which you would be able to in no way get a solid deal on, like milk and bread. continually bought by utilising weight, in no way in 3for2, or a million/2 value. yet it somewhat is tasty and nutritious. i like my cheese. possibly I could desire to bypass and stay in France.

Answer 7

Definitely buy the block. Much better taste, at least to me. And it's cheaper. Shred the whole block and put it in a ziplock and squeeze out the air, and pop it in the freezer. I don't find the flavor to go "off" at all. And it's there on demand and doesn't mold...very economical.

Answer 8

Block cheese, the shredded cheese has something in it or on it so it won't stick together. That's why block cheese taste better in my opinion, plus its cheaper.

Answer 9

The block would last a lot longer and you would only grate as much as you need when you need it. I have found that because of the exposed surface areas the ready grated goes mouldy VERY quickly once opened. Waste of money if you ask me.

Answer 10

yes, with the ready grated cheese there is more surface area and the bacteria can eat away at it more easily, if you are going to get ready grated cheese make sure it is packaged for freshness!