Trader Joe’s is known for their wide selection of whole foods and alternatives for people who stick to a specific diet, such as vegans. One popular plant-based alternative is their vegan cream cheese. A common question surrounding Trader Joe’s Vegan Cream Cheese is, can it be stored in the freezer?
Trader Joe’s vegan cream cheese can be frozen; if unsealed, it will last for up to six months. If you have opened the cheese and want to freeze it, it will last for around three months; however, once thawed, it should not be placed back in the freezer.
This article will discuss whether or not you can store Trader Joe’s vegan cream cheese in the freezer. So keep reading! We have all the answers you need, along with various tips to ensure you maximize the longevity of your vegan cream cheese.
How to Freeze Trader Joe’s Vegan Cream Cheese
Vegan Cheeses have become increasingly popular over the last decade, forcing various supermarkets to increase their plant-based stock.
Trader Joe’s has stayed relevant to the times and created various vegan alternatives, such as their own delicious cream cheese.
However, as the vegan version contains no actual dairy, the storage conditions have altered slightly. However, Trader Joe’s cream cheese can easily be stored in the freezer without worry and will last up to six months in stored correctly.
When it comes to freezing your cream cheese, you’ll want to first grab a suitable container; the Trader Joe’s container may do just fine; however, you may want to freeze it in portions to ensure you don’t have to thaw the whole block at once.
If you opt to freeze it in portions, grab yourself some airtight bags or simply wrap the cream cheese in plastic wrap and place it directly into the freezer. Don’t forget to label your cheeses if you’re someone who enjoys various flavors.
Thawing and Using Trader Joe’s Frozen Vegan Cream Cheese
When you decide to thaw your vegan cheese, there are a few methods that you can employ to ensure the texture and consistency of your cream cheese returns to normal. The most popular method is to remove from the freezer and move it to the refrigerator.
To do this, simply place your frozen container of cream cheese or the singular portion on a plate, place it inside the refrigerator and allow it to thaw for up to 48 hours.
It’s recommended you keep it within its storage container or wrap it during this process to avoid losing any moisture in the cheese.
Alternatively, you can leave it in a cool and dark spot in your kitchen, such as a pantry, to defrost; however, you’ll have to keep a close eye on it because it will thaw much faster using this method.
Generally, it takes as little as two to three hours to thaw on the countertop. You can also use the microwave to defrost your vegan cream cheese if you’re in a rush.
In this case, you’ll want to remove the cheese from its container or wrap it and place it in the microwave for 40-second increments on a low setting until fully thawed.
Maintaining the Quality of Frozen Trader Joe’s Vegan Cream Cheese
If you want to ensure maximum longevity when freezing your Trader Joe’s vegan cream cheese, once you’ve returned home from the supermarket, immediately begin the process of storing your cream cheese.
If you do this immediately, you’ll ensure that the cream cheese holds its texture and flavor well once thawed.
Just ensure that you tightly wrap the cheese in plastic film, or choose an airtight container. But ideally, storing it in its original, unopened container is the best option.
Alternatives to Freezing Trader Joe’s Vegan Cream Cheese
Depending on how long it often takes you to finish a small container of Trader Joe’s vegan cream cheese, you may actually be better off simply storing it in the refrigerator.
Vegan cheese lasts much longer than dairy-based cheese when stored correctly in the fridge.
Most vegan cheeses, including Trader Joe’s, will last for up to four months when stored correctly in the refrigerator.
So, if you plan on eating the cream cheese within this period, it’s recommended that you simply store it in the fridge. This will ensure you don’t lose any texture or flavor.
Other Ways to Use Frozen Trader Joe’s Vegan Cream Cheese
If you decide to mix your cream cheese into a recipe or dish, in some cases, this can be done directly from frozen.
If you want to add Trader Joe’s vegan cream cheese to a mac and cheese dish, you can simply add the portion of frozen cheese to the pot.
This goes for various other dishes as Trader Joe’s vegan cream cheese, much like other kinds of frozen vegan cheese, doesn’t necessarily need to be thawed before you add it to the pot.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can Vegan Cream Cheese Be Frozen?
Yes, vegan cheese freezes very well and will generally last anywhere from six months if unopened to three months if opened in your refrigerator. If you decide to make your own vegan cheese at home, it will last for up to three months.
Can You Freeze Vegan Cream
Vegan cream can also be stored in the same way as Trader Joe’s vegan cream cheese. Choose an airtight container or the container it came with and place it into the freezer for up to three months.
Does Freezing Cream Cheese Ruin It?
If you decide to freeze your vegan cream cheese, you should know that it may lose some of its texture and flavor when thawed. This is why it’s recommended that you freeze it immediately when you return home from the store.
Final Thoughts
So, now you know that Trader Joe’s vegan cream cheese can be stored in the freezer, will you purchase enough to keep you going for several months or even a year next time you’re at the store?
Just remember, Trader Joe’s vegan cream cheese should be frozen immediately to increase the longevity of texture and flavor; however, if you plan on eating it within a few months, storing it in the refrigerator is an excellent idea.