Kraft Has Settled the Question: The Best Way to Store Grated Parmesan Cheese

For cheese lovers, nothing enhances a dish like a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan. Whether it's freshly grated or from the classic green shaker, the more, the better. But once that green shaker is opened, does the grated Parmesan need to be refrigerated, or is it fine stored in the pantry?

What Exactly Is Grated Parmesan?

First, what distinguishes cheese labeled Parmesan from Parmigiano-Reggiano? Parmigiano-Reggiano is a prestigious cheese with protected status, subject to strict guidelines. It must be made in a designated region of northern Italy using local cow's milk and traditional methods, and aged for at least a year. Think of Parmigiano-Reggiano as the 'Champagne' of cheeses. If it’s not made in that region, it’s just an imitation.

Parmesan, on the other hand, isn’t bound by these same rules. It can be made with any milk, anywhere, and doesn’t require the lengthy aging process—only about 10 months. The texture of grated Parmesan is also drier than fresh cheeses. Grating or shredding hard cheeses involves a process of dehydration, evaporation, and cooling to reduce the fat content, preventing it from clumping. Lower fat content also helps the cheese stay fresh longer, ensuring it doesn’t spoil your pasta.

Where's the Best Place to Store Grated Parmesan Cheese?

Sorry, pizza joints, but those shakers of cheesy goodness should actually be refrigerated to maintain freshness and quality. Kraft confirmed this in a post on Target’s website, recommending that their grated cheeses be stored at a standard fridge temperature of 40°F and only left at room temperature for up to an hour. This makes sense when you consider that cheese, despite its sturdy appearance, is a dairy product and behaves much like milk—which is best kept chilled.

The Bottom Line

The solution is simple: store your grated cheese in the fridge. However, harder cheeses tend to resist bacteria longer than softer ones because of their lower moisture content. If you spot any discoloration, bad smells, or moisture on your grated Parmesan, it's best to discard it, no matter how painful that may be!