Why is one cup of shredded cheese only 4 oz. and not 8oz. which a cup?

You're right, a cup of shredded cheese is usually 4 ounces, not 8. This is because shredded cheese takes up more space than a solid block of cheese.

Here's why:

* Air pockets: Shredding creates air pockets between the strands of cheese, increasing the volume.

* Density: Shredded cheese is less dense than a solid block, meaning the same weight takes up more space.

So, while a cup is generally considered 8 ounces for most ingredients, it's important to note that this doesn't apply to shredded cheese due to its unique properties.