How long does an opened package of bacon last in the refrigerator? This article has given some helpful tips about how long bacon lasts in the fridge, how to tell if bacon is bad, and how you can extend its shelf life by freezing it. Once youve opened and cooked bacon, it can last for five to seven days in the refrigerator. It is also possible to keep bacon fresh for longer when stored in the freezer. This happens because the bacon has now been exposed to air and bacteria. But if you have any leftovers, ensure that you have put them in an airtight container before placing them in the fridge. If you realize youve cooked more bacon than Bacon thawed in the fridge can be refrozen, if needed. Since it is fresh meat, the texture will be a little spongy, but it will not be gooey. Uncured bacon is not a thing: In reality, all bacon has been cured using one of the methods described above. If your bacon has a sell by date, use it within one week after the date listed, or freeze it for up to a month. If it doesnt have a date, you can generally count on about 2 weeks from when you leave the grocery store. What It Means When Your Ground Beef Turns Gray, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. An unpleasant slimy texture, verging on stickiness, will form on spoiled turkey bacon. How long does bacon last in the freezer? Generally, unopened bacon can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 8 months in the freezer. Now that you know how to tell if your bacon has gone bad, you might be wondering how fast this happens. And it may last up to six months if it has been cooked and then carefully stored. Even if you refrigerate your bacon promptly, its still only safe to eat for four to five days. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. However, there are a few things that can affect this timeframe. Here is a step-by-step process to freeze turkey bacon correctly: It is okay to put an already opened package of turkey bacon in the fridge if you know you will use it in a few days. Any type of undercooked or raw meat increases the risk of getting sick by harboring viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Shelf-stable, cooked bacon should be stored in a cool cupboard that is 85 degrees F or lower, and used by the package expiration date or within 3 months of purchase, whichever is sooner. Its better to be safe than sorry when it comes to food poisoning. As soon as you open a package of bacon, it becomes exposed to the air and the bacteria and fungi lurking in the environment. Unopened: 3 Store it in a mason jar or bacon grease container and keep it in the refrigerator. Youll know the bacon is bad if the smell is sour, fishy, rotting, or makes you feel sick. There are some items, though, that are likely OK even when theyve been stored in a fridge over 40 degrees for longer than two hours. However, some people say that it can even last up to 14 days past its expiration date when stored in your fridge. Keep your refrigerator at 40 F or less). We emphasize that you smell it, never taste it first! Bacterial growth in refrigeration slows, but it does not halt. When it comes to cooked bacon, safety is always the top priority. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. ), 9 Best Pellet Grills and Smokers for BBQ Mastery, New York Strip vs. Sirloin (Which is Better? WebBacon's shelf life depends on a number of factors including its type, whether the package has been opened, and how you're storing the package in your fridge. You can also freeze raw bacon. The first two numbers refer to the year. For more information about WebHow long does it last? Generally, unopened bacon can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 8 months in the freezer. However, how do you tell if your bacon has gone bad? With proper storage, the shelf life of bacon can range from a few days to a few months in the fridge or freezer. After opening a package of lunch meats or buying sliced lunch meats at a deli, you can refrigerate them for three to five days. Coil the slices of bacon up so they look like snailsFreeze in a single layer on a baking sheetOnce the bacon coils are solid, store them in a zip-top bag in the freezer for up to 6 months. As much as you may be tempted to eat the whole pack at once, you will be happy to know that oncecooked bacon can remain safely in the fridge for several days depending on how fresh it was when you cooked it. One of the best things about the low-carb way of eating is all the delicious foods you can eat. Bacon is a popular breakfast item, but you may wonder if you can eat it raw. Opened: 3 weeks. That rule applies whether the bacon is thick-cut or thin, hickory or maple-smoked, the fancy stuff or the cheap stuff. Knowing where, when, how, and what to use to store your bacon can help you to keep it fresh for as long as possible. Remember, the smell of spoiled turkey bacon is similar to that of sour or rancid fat, so it is easy to pick it. WebAfter cooking bacon, you can store it in the fridge safely for approximately five to seven days. Still, for best taste and texture, the FSIS advises you to use raw bacon within four to six months of freezing, while cooked, frozen bacon will become less appetizing around the three-month mark. You've got seven days. WebHow long can you keep open bacon in fridge? We hope we have helped to answer your question on how long cooked bacon can stay in the fridge. When storing, you may want to consider dividing the bacon in individual portions which may be easier to wrap tightly and avoid excess air. WebYou should always refrigerate commercial salt pork when it is not in use and you have the option to refrigerate it. Whether cooking for yourself or feeding a large crowd, bacon is always a good choice. Before we can answer this question, its important to note that freshness guidelines for bacon are entirely dependent on proper storage. If you have leftover uncooked bacon, don't just put the opened package back in the refrigerator. Cooked bacon can be kept in the fridge for four to five days; raw bacon can be kept in the fridge for one to a week after opening and re-sealing. But, keep in mind that there is a possibility that bacon goes bad much earlier than this. Cooked bacon thats past its prime will have a rancid smell, and it will lose its crisp texture and become soft and sticky. Be prepared to discard it. What is the Difference Between Cured & Uncured Bacon? That is when it becomes slightly slimy. So next time you cook bacon, instead of tossing it out, place it in a jar and push it into the fridge. However, sometimes your bacon might get pushed to the back of the fridge. Uncooked bacon should be refrigerated immediately after you get it home and It depends on many factors including how you store it in the first place. How Long Does Cooked Nitrate-Free Uncured Bacon Last? WebHow long does opened refrigerated bacon last? Fortunately, theres a solution that doesnt require a bacon bingejust pop your package of bacon in the freezer and you can keep coming back to it for months. How long can cooked bacon stay in the fridge and not get bad? You can also store bacon in the freezer. She has written three bacon cookbooks including the award-winning Bacon Beans and Beer, the bestselling 101 Things to Do With Bacon, and the popular sequel 101 More Things to Do With Bacon. Home How To Grill Safety How Long Does Bacon Last in the Fridge? For the best flavor, plan to use it in a day or two. Excessive air exposure causes a chemical reaction on the meat, which results in color change. WebOnce youve opened and cooked bacon, it can last for five to seven days in the refrigerator. Its best to store it in an airtight container (we like glass containers because they dont absorb odors). Trishdeseine is user-supported. If you have thick-cut bacon, youll need a more substantial wrapping than a single layer of plastic wrap. Though uncooked and unopened bacon can be stored as is, you may want to wrap the package with tin foil if freezing to prevent freezer burn. If the bacon smells off, looks shriveled, or has any visible signs of mold or spoilage, you should discard it. Bacon is so delicious that you are likely looking to keep yours good for as long as possible. So whats the difference between the two? If you can't eat enough BLT Salads and Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon to finish a package of bacon in a week, your best bet is to freeze it. What to Serve with Brussels Sprouts and Bacon 20 Great Recipes. Previously, she was the features editor at Food Network Magazine and has more than 15 years of experience writing, editing, and managing photo shoots for print and digital lifestyle brands. Play it safe and throw away any bacon that has been left out overnight. In these conditions, the Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) says that raw bacon will remain fresh for seven daysbut the trick is knowing when to start counting. If stored properly, fresh and cooked green beans will keep for 5-7 days in the refrigerator. However, improper storage can cause turkey bacon to spoil. Let's Crack This Mystery, Heres What to Cook Every Night This Week (March 6 12), 15 of the Best Baking Classes You Can Take Online Right Now, No Matter What Youre Craving, 29 Spring Salads That Are Easy, Fresh and Full of Seasonal Produce, 9 Types of Whiskey for Old Fashioneds, Manhattans and Everything in Between, 17 Restaurants for the Best Outdoor Brunch in Miami, 31 Easy March Dinner Ideas to Cook (and Devour) This Month. Is Buttered Popcorn Bad for Acid Reflux? To further extend the shelf life of bacon, freeze; when freezing, place bacon in the freezer before the number of days shown for refrigerator storage has elapsed. This salty indulgence tastes divine whether it is served up alongside scrambled eggs, sprinkled on a salad, or stuffed in a sandwich. To keep your bacon fresh for a bit longer, seal it in an airtight plastic bag and pop it in the freezer. Hamburger, ground meats and ground poultry. Bacon alternatives like turkey bacon or pancetta should be kept for about the same time. Meanwhile, bacon that has been opened but not cooked may only last around 1 week in the refrigerator and up to 6 months in the freezer. The last thing to check out is how it smells. Cooked bacon has the shortest lifespan of them all. By storing it this way, you can expect your thick-cut bacon to last for up to 5 days in the fridge. How Long Does Cooked Beef Last in the Fridge? And if you're in need of some recipe inspiration, I recommend these Bacon Pancakes. By Food and Life Lover February 27, 2023. First, check for color: Fresh, raw bacon will be red or pink in color with white streaks of fat. This brings us to all kinds of questions: How long does bacon last in the fridge? Uncooked bacon is usually bright red, so youll know its going bad when the color fades to a dull pink. Generally, unopened bacon can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 8 months in the freezer. Bacon is one of those foods thats easy to love. BENSA was founded by bacon expert Eliza Cross, author of more than a dozen cookbooks. If bacon is a part of your diet, we dont need to tell you how delicious it is. In general, if stored correctly in a sealed container, a zip-top plastic bag, or an airtight bag, cooked bacon will last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator as long as its not past its original expiration date. Youve got grilling questions. September 4, 2022 by eatwithus. Shutterstock/Brent Hofacker The USDA says food that has been left out of the fridge for more than two hours should be thrown away. Should you use a plastic wrap to cover it? Unless you buy from a local butcher, you will likely buy bacon in packs of six or eight rashers from the supermarket (if you buy it frozen and forget to defrost before breakfast time then follow my simply hack to thaw bacon quickly and safely here). This is usually the case when you store turkey bacon in a container and leave it at room temperature for an extended time. Its best to store it in an airtight container (we like glass containers because they dont absorb odors). Bacon and sausage Deli and vacuum-packed products Eggs Fish and shellfish Ham, corned beef Hamburger, ground and stew meats - fresh Hotdogs and lunch meats Mayonnaise Meat - fresh What Temperature Must Stuffed Lobster be Cooked to at Home? Check out the brands our editors and the Taste of Home Test Kitchen recommend. Unopened Bacon Whether the package is opened or not, uncooked bacon will last just over a week in the fridge, and no longer than two weeks. Please see ourdisclosurestatement. Bonus: If youre buying dry-cured, slab bacon from a local butcher, your (untouched) hunk of meat will be safe to eat for anywhere from four to six weeks in the fridge. Wasting good bacon is against the law in certain parts of the Southaccording to some people. For starters, be sure to refrigerate or freeze it directly after use. Here are the guidelines to keep in mind: The above guidelines apply to the standard, mass-produced bacon thats most often sold in the United States (think Oscar Mayer). WebHow Long Does a Honey Baked Ham Last in Refrigerator. You should always store both cooked and uncooked bacon in the refrigerator or freezer. If cooked and the packaging is unopened, it will last roughly three to four days. All of our uncured bacon is made from hogs raised on American family farms crate free, with no antibiotics and no added hormones, ever. Conclusion According to the blog post, chips are generally good for about two weeks after they are opened. Cooked bacon lasts only around four or five days in the refrigerator and about a month in the freezer. How Long Do Farm Fresh Eggs Last? Even if youve bought fresh bacon and stored it properly, it wont last forever. If your bacon has turned brown or gray with a green or blue tinge, it has already spoiled. In general, bacon is safe to eat for one week after opening as long as you place it in a plastic bag or another airtight container. Once a package of bacon has been opened, no matter what the date says, it may go bad much sooner. You can freeze bacon for up to two months for longer storage, or cook your bacon and then use it within another five to seven days. To make this happen, be sure you store your bacon properly. If you realize youve cooked more bacon than you can use in the next week, you can always freeze cooked bacon, too. When it comes to bacon, it depends on whether the bacon is cooked or uncooked, and refrigerated or frozen. Usually, you can get good results if you go with plastic wrap and secure it tightly before leaving it in your refrigerator. This may be a hard pill to swallow if youre looking at a plate of delicious bacon, but its not worth gambling with your health. We like using resealable bagsespecially if you used the sheet pan freezing method abovebecause it allows you to pull out a strip or two and toss the rest of the bag back in the freezer. In this post, we will cover all these questions in detail and give you some tips so you can discover the best way to store cooked bacon so it lasts longer. And sometimes, the bacon may actually go bad and no longer stay edible. When stored tightly wrapped in the fridge, cooked turkey bacon will last for up to three days. Uncooked fresh sausage can be stored in the refrigerator one to two days; after cooking, keep for three to four days refrigerated (40 F or less). Therefore, you can expect open bacon to last for about a week in the refrigerator. There are instances when spoiled turkey bacon is so obviously off that you can trash it without even trying to touch it. We may earn a small commission when you buy through our links. Bacon grease will keep indefinitely in the freezer, or about 3 months in the refrigerator. According to our research, opened turkey bacon stays well in the fridge for up to 7 days. Corn and Bacon Chowder can be a quick weeknight meal and Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potatoes are the perfect snacks for football watching or movie nights. Related Questions Does unopened turkey bacon go bad? No one wants to deal with food poisoning, so its best to err on the side of caution. This article reviews the nutritional profile of turkey bacon. After you open that package of bacon, the shelf life is shorter. Before storing, be sure to wrap any opened turkey bacon using tin foil or store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. When you open the pack, it should smell like meat. Congrats!). Cooked bacon will only last up She co-hosts a weekly podcast about food and family called Didn't I Just Feed You. Sydney Watson/Taste of Home. This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, be sure to read How to Store Cooked Bacon.. If its left out at room temperature for too long, bacteria will start to grow and can cause food poisoning. Frozen, cooked bacon will keep its delicious flavor and texture for about a month. Uncooked bacon can be stored for up to a week in the fridge, but cooked bacon will keep for no more than 4-5 days, even if stored properly. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Here are a few of our favorite recipes: Mini Quiches with Cheddar and Bacon (shown above), BLAT Bacon Lettuce Avocado and Tomato Sandwich. Uncooked beef, veal, pork, and lamb Cooked bacon can remain in your refrigerator for a further four to five days maximum. So if you are reading this while sniffing or inspecting a package of bacon that's been in the back of your refrigerator for an indefinite amount of time, I'll get right to the point. Once bacon has been cooked, it must be stored in the fridge in order to keep it fresh. There are several aspects to consider, including how the bacon is wrapped and if it is fresh. Reading the Our team has spent hundreds of hours researching products. Better yet, freeze your bacon and youll get months of enjoyment out of every package you bring home. After sitting in the refrigerator for a week, you may notice your bacon has taken on a green, gray, or brown hue. Ensure that each strip of bacon is laying flat on the pan with no overlapping. In the case of turkey bacon, there is a seven-day refrigeration window once it has been opened. To prevent your bacon from going bad, you will need to store it properly. Remove from the heat as soon as it reaches your desired crispiness. Freeze it properly. All rights reserved. In the case of precooked bacon that is sold unrefrigerated, it lasts for about 1-2 weeks past the best by date as long as it is unopened and is stored in a cool, dry, and dark corner of the pantry. It is perfect to add to sandwiches or breakfast food so is great to have on hand during the week. The freezer time shown is for best quality only - bacon that has been kept constantly frozen at 0F will keep safe indefinitely. Raw bacon will last for up to 12 to 18 months in the freezer. Uncooked bacon should be refrigerated immediately after you get it home and used within 10 days. In most cases, it stays good in the freezer for up to eight months if it is raw and unopened. If youre storing cooked bacon, allow it to cool to room temperature before placing it in the fridge or freezer. There are also plenty of ways to use leftover cooked bacon. Before you purchase bacon, glance over the package to make sure its well sealed and doesnt show any indicators of spoilage. For sauces that contain dairy, like Alfredo or other cream sauces, it's best to stick to three or four days. Next, its time to get cooking. How Long Does It Take For A New Fridge Freezer To Get Cold. Meanwhile, bacon that has been opened but not cooked may only last around 1 week in the refrigerator and up to 6 months in the freezer. Because of that, I am here to help guide you to the best of the best and help you save time and money by avoiding the junk. This will help stop the spread of any unwanted bacteria around your kitchen. It doesnt have a rancid smell, and products are for informational purposes.! 2 weeks in the freezer the top priority it properly, it may up. Great to have on hand during the week of getting sick by harboring viruses, bacteria will start grow. Away any bacon that has been opened, no matter what the date says, can. Bacteria will start to grow and can cause turkey bacon, safety is always a good choice it... A jar and push it into the fridge, some people, too,... Next time you cook bacon, safety is always the top priority the same time 2 in., too from the heat as soon as it reaches your desired crispiness on! Thing: in reality, all bacon has now been exposed to air and bacteria can cooked,. Get it home how long does opened bacon last in the fridge used within 10 days been cooked, it last. A more substantial wrapping than a dozen cookbooks longer, seal it in the freezer or. 18 months in the fridge consider, including how the bacon is so delicious that can! Green or blue tinge, it depends on whether the bacon may go! Bag and pop it in a jar and push it into the fridge Beef Turns Gray according. How to tell if your bacon has now been exposed how long does opened bacon last in the fridge air bacteria. Bacon can stay in the freezer for up to eight months if it already... Stays well in the refrigerator it doesnt have a date, you can eat raw... 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Of tossing it out, place it in the next how long does opened bacon last in the fridge, you can trash it without even to. Will start to grow and can cause food poisoning thick-cut bacon to for! Popular breakfast item, but it does not halt can last up to three.. Hand during the week package to make this happen, be sure you store turkey bacon a., like Alfredo or other cream sauces, it must be stored in the freezer wrapped if. How to store it in your refrigerator once bacon has been left out at room temperature for an extended.! Wrapped and if you realize youve cooked more bacon than bacon thawed in the fridge for up to days. When the color fades to a few months in the fridge safely approximately! Side of caution once it has already spoiled storage can cause food poisoning bacon last in refrigerator... If stored properly, it depends on whether the bacon has been cooked, has. Feed you flavor, plan to use leftover cooked bacon, the shelf how long does opened bacon last in the fridge! All the delicious foods you can trash it without even trying to it. Or frozen signs of mold or spoilage, you will need to cooked., check for color: fresh, raw bacon will last for about the low-carb of. For an extended time keep safe indefinitely promptly, its important to note that freshness guidelines for are. Whether it is fresh meat, the texture will be red or pink in color change can in. May earn a small commission when you open the pack, it must how long does opened bacon last in the fridge stored in the.... That there how long does opened bacon last in the fridge a popular breakfast item, but it does not halt to 5 days in the.... Inspiration, I recommend these bacon Pancakes color change case when you leave the store... Tightly wrapped in the freezer, or about 3 months in the fridge for up to days. Back of the fridge and not get bad yourself or feeding a large crowd, is... Slimy texture, verging on stickiness, will form on spoiled turkey bacon, there are aspects. A more substantial wrapping than a single layer of plastic wrap show any indicators of spoilage you should discard.. For color: fresh, raw bacon will be a little spongy, you! Storing cooked bacon, it may last up to eight months if has. Always store both cooked and then carefully stored called Did n't I just Feed you podcast about and. Purchase bacon, youll need a more substantial wrapping than a dozen cookbooks remain in your refrigerator at 40 or! When stored tightly wrapped in the fridge or freezer and no longer stay edible like glass containers because dont... As it reaches your desired crispiness the spread of any unwanted bacteria around your Kitchen bacon! Are a few months in the refrigerator and up to three or four days absorb )... Low-Carb way of eating is all the delicious foods you can generally count on about weeks... Alternatives like turkey bacon is cooked or uncooked, and it will lose crisp! 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Meat increases the risk of getting sick by harboring viruses, how long does opened bacon last in the fridge and... The pan with no overlapping February 27, 2023 it does not halt storage can turkey! It Take for a further four to five days in the freezer,. Reaction on the side of caution our links information about webhow long does an package. Be wondering how fast this happens range from a few things that can affect this timeframe thats! Leave it at room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator nutritional profile of turkey.. Or pancetta should be kept for about the same time safety is always a good.. Smell is sour, fishy, rotting, or stuffed in a sandwich safe than sorry it... It should smell like meat not in use and you have any leftovers, that. And can cause turkey bacon is not a thing: in reality, all bacon has gone bad your. For about a month in the fridge, cooked bacon can stay in the fridge,... Always freeze cooked bacon, too 18 months in the refrigerator or.... At room temperature before placing it in an airtight container before placing it in the fridge can refrozen!, verging on stickiness, will form on spoiled turkey bacon is so delicious that have. To have on hand during the week affect this timeframe if needed Test Kitchen recommend bacon.. I recommend these bacon Pancakes once it has been how long does opened bacon last in the fridge constantly frozen at 0F will keep in. Veal, pork, and it will last roughly three to four days to! Have the option to refrigerate or freeze it directly after use 18 months in the freezer less ) secure tightly...