Does High-Temp Cheese Need to Be Refrigerated?

[Michael_in_TX]

In preparation for my sausage making experiments, I ordered some high-temp cheddar cheese (and a few other things) from PS Seasonings out of Wisconsin.

Quite a few YouTubers use their products and Cabela’s carries their casings. Their prices and shipping rates are competitive (and no sales tax).

I placed my order in April 29, it shipped May 2 and arrived this afternoon, May 6.

I have to admit I was quite surprised to see my two bags of cheese utterly unrefrigerated — not a cold pack in sight!

Is this…normal? The bags do say “refrigerate after opening.” Is this stuff just more-solid Velvetta (which can be stored unopened at room temp)?

I have the two bags in the fridge right now.

Here’s what one looks like.

(As an aside….while the ordering process was very, very smooth and they have an excellent website….it is 2025. If you are commercially sending me food, I expect a tracking number. They never gave me one.)

[Jerod Broussard]

Never received it packed chilled myself.
Refrigerated it can last 6 months.

Commercial Mayonnaise is also shelf-stable

[Michael_in_TX]

Commercial Mayonnaise is also shelf-stable

You have a point!

[Jerod Broussard]

BTW, just pretend you ordered via phone from the Sears catalog in 1985.

[captainlee]

They sell those snack pack cheese and cracker things which aren't refrigerated. If you don't use the whole bag after opening it I'd just refrigerate it. We have taken string cheese for multiple day backpacking trips and never had any issues. My stomach would be the first to give out if there was a problem.

[Jerod Broussard]

Stomachs do a great job of detecting when you are MILES from a bathroom containing porcelain.

[captainlee]

I know, that's why I have to be so careful, especially camping. I'm like the canary in a mine, if I don't go down all is good.