As a prepper, having the right pantry items on hand is essential to ensure you have access to food in times of emergency. Powdered cheese can be an important part of any food storage plan and provides many benefits, such as long shelf life and easy preparation.
In this guide, we will discuss all things powdered cheese for preppers – from types available to how best to store it.
We’ll also look at recipes that use this versatile ingredient, so you’re prepared no matter what comes your way!
What Is Powdered Cheese?
Powdered cheese is a processed form of dairy product that has been dehydrated, milled into powder, and packaged for long-term food storage.
Powdered cheese is usually made from cheddar powder, but other varieties, such as mozzarella and parmesan, are also available.
The flavor of powdered cheese is not as strong as that of block cheeses, although some types are specially formulated to be more intense and richer in taste.
Yeah, but why should I store powdered cheese out of all the other survival foods?
It’s an ideal food item to include in your pantry or bug-out bag because it has a long shelf life, can be reconstituted into cheese sauce, or is used as an ingredient in recipes.
Powdered cheeses have some advantages over block cheeses; they don’t need to be refrigerated until reconstituted, and they’re lightweight and easy to transport or store in a bug-out bag.
Also, powdered cheese doesn’t require any special preparation. You just need to follow a few steps outlined on the packaging.
The texture may also differ – while it’s generally close to the original form when reconstituted with liquid, it may not melt as easily. Still, powdered cheese can be used instead of block cheeses for most recipes, allowing you to create delicious dishes with minimal effort!
What Are The Different Types Of Powdered Cheeses?
There are two main types of powdered cheese – spray-dried and freeze-dried. Spray-drying is a method where liquid cheese is sprayed into hot air, causing it to evaporate quickly and form small particles that can be easily stored in containers.
This type of powder provides the most shelf stability since it contains less moisture. Freeze-dried cheese, on the other hand, is created by freezing liquid cheese and then using a vacuum to draw out most of the water from it.
The resulting powder has more flavor than spray-dried but does not last as long.
Which is the best for me as a prepper?
Ultimately, the best type of powdered cheese for preppers will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a longer shelf life or are planning to store the cheese for extended periods of time, then spray-dried may be your best option.
However, if you’re looking to use powdered cheese in recipes or are concerned with flavor and texture more than shelf life, then freeze-dried cheese may be the better choice.
Here are hardtack variation recipes you’ll love.
Best Powdered Cheese for Long Term Storage
When it comes to long-term storage, you want a powdered cheese that is shelf stable and won’t spoil quickly. The type of powder will depend on the intended use; for instance, Parmesan or Romano may be better suited for topping dishes than cheddar powder would.
Powdered cheddar cheese is often used for recipes like macaroni and cheese, but it can also be reconstituted to use as a topping. Here are some of the best powdered cheeses for preppers:
1. Augason Farms Cheese Blend Powder
Verdict: Augason Farms Cheese Blend Powder is a great choice for preppers looking to stock up on shelf-stable food with long shelf life and easy preparation.
It comes in an institutional-size can, so plenty of cheese powder is available for multiple meals or recipes. The blend also has the added benefit of being gluten-free and having up to a 10-year shelf life.
Review: Augason Farms Cheese Blend Powder is ideal for preppers looking to add flavor and nutrition in times of emergency or disaster.
The powder comes packaged in large, No.10 cans with lids that are airtight and made to survive any kind of emergency or disaster. The cheese blend is perfect for adding flavor to dips, soups, fondues, sauces, pasta entrees, and macaroni & cheese dishes.
Additionally, it has a shelf life of up to 10 years, making it a great option for long-term storage. Plus, the cheese blend is certified gluten-free and has only 160 calories per serving – perfect for those watching their diets or with food allergies!
When looking at specific numbers associated with Augason Farms Cheese Blend Powder, it contains 43 servings per can and 160 calories per serving.
The product’s shelf life is up to 10 years when stored in a cool, dry place between 55°F-70°F – making this an ideal choice for preppers looking to stock their pantry with items that will last! Additionally, no refrigeration is necessary until after preparation, making it easy to store and use.
Buy Augason Farms Cheese Blend Powder here
2. NutriStore Freeze-Dried Powdered Cheese
Verdict: NutriStore Freeze-Dried Powdered Cheese is an excellent choice for preppers looking to stock their pantries with a long shelf life, high quality, and nutritious cheese.
With 25-year shelf life, simple preparation instructions, and great taste, it provides the perfect addition to any emergency food storage plan.
The versatility of this cheese also makes it perfect for everyday cooking, backpacking, camping trips, or any other meals that require a cheesy flavor.
Review: NutriStore Freeze-Dried Powdered Cheese is an excellent option for preppers looking to stock their pantries. This cheese has a long shelf life of 25 years and can be used in a variety of recipes or as an easy snack straight from the canister.
The taste is savory and fresh upon reconstitution, with no added preservatives, making it highly nutritious too!
Nutristore’s Freeze-Dried Cheeses are perfect for lightweight camping/backpacking MRE meals or emergency food storage preparations – making this product very versatile when planning meals.
In addition, the canister is designed for convenience and optimal shelf life, with 40 servings included in each one, so you know your prepper pantry will be stocked!
Buy NutriStore Freeze-Dried Powdered Cheese here
3. Legacy Foods Powdered Cheese Blend
Verdict: A good powdered cheese for long-term storage if you don’t mind artificial ingredients.
Review: The Legacy Foods Powdered Cheese Blend is an appropriate choice for preppers who are looking to store their food items in the long run, as it has a shelf life of 10 – 15 years and comes with resealable Mylar bags for easy storage.
The ingredients list is mostly whey, maltodextrin, and milk fat, making it a slightly less cheesy flavor than those with real cheddar cheese in the mix but still providing some calcium and protein at 130 calories per 28g serving.
Overall this product has been designed to provide an affordable and convenient option for preppers looking to stock up their pantry with long-term storage items. I
t is a good choice if you don’t mind artificial ingredients, but it may not be the best pick if you want something that tastes more like real cheese.
Buy Legacy Foods Powdered Cheese Blend here
4. Hoosier Farms Powdered Cheese
Verdict: Hoosier Farms Powdered Cheese is an excellent choice for preppers who need a budget-friendly option.
The resealable Mylar bags provide better shelf life than the plastic containers, and their Natural White Cheddar cheese powder has few additives to keep it as close to real cheese as possible.
Review: Hoosier Farms Powdered Cheese offers a wide variety of options for preppers, whether they are looking for short-term or long-term food storage solutions. All products come in either plastic containers with screw lids, which provide 10 to 12 months of shelf life, or in resealable Mylar bags for extended storage.
The most popular product is their Cheddar Cheese powder which has a good balance between affordability and quality with few additives.
For those looking for more natural cheese options without the added ingredients, Hoosier Farms also offers their Natural White Cheddar cheese powder product, which is almost completely real cheese.
Nutrition-wise, each 8g serving of the Cheddar Cheese powder contains 35 calories and 37mg/2% RDA calcium as well as 1g protein. It also has a relatively low sodium content compared to other cheeses on the market.
Overall Hoosier Farms Powdered Cheese provides good value for preppers who are looking for a budget-friendly option with decent shelf life and good nutrition.
Buy Hoosier Farms Powdered Cheese here
5. Judee’s Cheese Powder
Verdict: This is the best shredded cheese for long-term storage. Judee’s Cheese Powder is made from hormone-free milk and contains no weird ingredients, making it a nutritious option that can be stored in the pantry for up to two years.
Review: Judee’s Cheese Powder is an excellent choice for preppers who are looking for a long-term storage option that still provides high nutritional value.
The cheese powder comes in resealable bags and can be purchased in multiple sizes 25oz to 3lbs – so you don’t have to commit to a large quantity immediately.
What makes this product even better is that it contains no weird ingredients, just real cheese, and whey with some buttermilk and salt added in for a good cheese flavor. It also has significantly more calcium than other kinds of powdered cheeses on the market, making it an excellent source of this important mineral.
The flavors available from Judee’s range from yellow cheddar to parmesan and Gouda, giving you plenty of choices for your emergency food supply. With a shelf life of up to two years, the cheese powder can be stored away in cool conditions until it is needed – making it an ideal choice for preppers.
Buy Judee’s Cheese Powder here
FAQs
1. Is powdered cheese real cheese?
Yes, powdered cheese is real cheese. It’s made from a variety of hard cheese and dehydrated cheese that have been shredded and then dried into a powder form.
The process removes the moisture content, so it has an extended shelf life compared to regular block or sliced cheeses found in grocery stores – up to 25 years!
The taste and texture of the cheese may vary slightly from its original form, but it still has a rich cheesy flavor.
What types of powdered cheeses are available?
Spray-dried cheese is made by spraying a liquid mixture of melted cheeses onto heated drums, where it quickly dries into small granules.
Freeze-dried cheese, on the other hand, uses frozen blocks or slices of cheese that are placed into a vacuum chamber.
This process removes the moisture and leaves behind small, lightweight cheese granules. Both of these types offer long shelf life with minimal prep time.
How do you store powdered cheese?
Powdered cheese should be stored in an airtight container, away from light and moisture. The best way to keep it fresh is by using a mylar bag with oxygen absorbers or vacuum-sealed bags.
This will help preserve the flavor of the cheese for up to 25 years if kept at room temperature! Additionally, make sure to check the expiration date on any package of powdered cheese before using it.
How do you prepare and use powdered cheese?
Powdered cheeses are easy to prepare, as they can be added directly to hot meals or mixed with cold liquids. For a creamy cheese sauce, mix the powder with hot water and other seasonings until it reaches your desired consistency.
You can also sprinkle powdered cheese on microwave popcorn, baked potatoes, roasted veggies, and more for added flavor. Powdered cheese popcorn seasoning is the best – you should try it out.
What are the health benefits of powdered cheese?
Powdered cheeses offer a number of nutritional benefits as they contain most of the same nutrients as regular cheese.
The powder is a great source of protein and calcium, which can help with bone health and muscle growth. Additionally, it contains beneficial fatty acids that may reduce the risk of heart disease when consumed in moderation.
What are some recipes that incorporate powdered cheese?
Powdered cheeses can be used in a variety of dishes to give them an extra cheesy flavor and texture. Macaroni & Cheese is one of the most popular recipes that incorporate powdered cheese, as well as nacho dip and cheesy pizza crust.
They can also be used in casseroles or baked into bread for a delicious twist on classic comfort foods.
Are there any other uses for powdered cheese?
Yes! Powdered cheeses can be used in a variety of ways outside the kitchen. They make great additions to camping meals, as they’re easy to transport and require minimal prep time.
Additionally, it makes an excellent topping for frozen treats like ice cream sundaes or root beer floats.
How long is powdered cheese shelf-stable?
Powdered cheeses generally have a shelf life of up to 25 years if stored correctly. This makes it an excellent choice for preppers, as they can be sure their food supplies will last when the time comes to use them.
However, always check the expiration date before using any type of powdered cheese product to ensure its safety and quality.
What are the best brands of powdered cheese?
Some top-rated brands include Augason Farms, NutriStore, and Legacy Foods. All three offer a variety of flavors to choose from, so you can find the perfect one for your recipes or food storage needs.
Additionally, many of their products are Non-GMO and contain no preservatives or added colors for a healthier option.
Final Words
Powdered cheese is an excellent addition to any prepper’s pantry. It has a long shelf life and can be easily prepared into many delicious recipes – from cheesy sauces to baked goods!
With this guide as your reference, you have all the information needed to choose the right type of powder for your needs and store it properly so that it lasts until you need it most.
As long as you keep your powdered cheese safely away from moisture, it should remain in good condition for many years.
With the right type of powder and a bit of creativity, you can use this versatile ingredient to make tasty meals that will help get you through any emergency situation!
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