You'll find several mozzarella styles to fit different recipes and tastes.

• Fresh mozzarella: Soft and delicate, often packed in water or brine. Comes as balls, logs, pre-sliced logs, or mini pearls. Great for salads and fresh dishes.
• Low-moisture mozzarella: Firmer with a balanced melt. Available as shredded, block, sliced, and string cheese. Offered in whole milk and part-skim options.
• Specialty options: Burrata (a mozzarella pouch with a creamy center) and marinated mozzarella balls in oil with herbs.

Choosing a format (shredded, block, sliced, pearls, or string) can help match your cooking style—whether you’re baking, topping a sandwich, or snacking. You can shop these formats online for pickup or delivery in many areas.

For most home ovens, many pizza fans prefer low-moisture mozzarella because it tends to melt evenly and brown without excess moisture.

• Low-moisture whole milk: Often gives a richer melt and classic stretch.
• Low-moisture part-skim: Can offer a slightly firmer chew and balanced browning.
• Pre-shredded vs. block: Pre-shredded is convenient for quick topping; shredding a block at home can offer a different melt and texture.
• Using fresh mozzarella: Slice, pat dry, and space pieces to manage moisture; a hotter oven can help reduce sogginess.

Your oven, dough style, and sauce all play a role, so it can be worth trying a couple of formats to find your favorite.

The main difference is moisture, which affects texture, flavor, and how each performs in recipes.

• Fresh mozzarella: Higher moisture, soft and milky, usually packed in water or brine. It shines in uncooked or lightly heated dishes like salads.
• Low-moisture mozzarella: Drier and firmer, with a saltier profile. It typically melts in a more controlled way, making it popular for pizzas and baked pastas.
• Formats: Fresh comes as balls, logs, pearls, and pre-sliced; low-moisture appears shredded, in blocks, deli-style slices, and string sticks.
• Storage: Fresh is best kept in its liquid and used sooner; low-moisture usually lasts longer when sealed and refrigerated.

Keeping fresh mozzarella cold and moist can help maintain its texture and flavor.

1. If water-packed: Transfer to a clean container, cover with fresh, cool water, and refrigerate. Some people refresh the water daily to maintain quality.
2. If vacuum-wrapped or pre-sliced: Wrap tightly or place in an airtight container and refrigerate.
3. Keep it cold: Store in the fridge’s main compartment, not the door.
4. Use promptly: Fresh styles are best enjoyed within a short time once opened for optimal taste and texture.
5. Freezing note: Many avoid freezing fresh mozzarella, as texture can become crumbly after thawing. Low-moisture shreds generally hold up better when frozen.

Always check the package for handling tips and date guidance.

If you’re packing snacks or lunches, easy, portion-friendly formats can save time.

• String cheese sticks: Individually wrapped low-moisture mozzarella for grab-and-go portions.
• Mozzarella pearls: Tiny fresh balls that toss easily into lunch salads or snack packs.
• Deli-style slices: Low-moisture slices stack neatly for sandwiches and wraps.
• Snack packs: Pre-portioned fresh or low-moisture options can simplify prep.
• Keep it chilled: Use an insulated bag with an ice pack to help maintain quality until lunch.

You can shop these convenient formats online and choose pickup or delivery where available, making it easier to stock up for the week.