For your bacon to be fresh and good for a long period of time, you can store your packed and also sliced bacon in your freezer in a sealed vacuum pack. Does Bacon Goes Bad? Bacon.” Bacon is generally produced from young animals (6 to 7 months old) that weigh between 175 to 240 pounds. 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. Please eat responsibly! And, freezing life of fresh bacon (when the package is opened) will be about 6 months. Some weeks ago, I opened the package and used abouit half the bacon while leaving the remainder in the oriignal packaging. However, there are some studies proving that bacon is actually healthy to consume. But once you open the package, you often need to use the product up before the date on the package. © Copyright 2021 StillTasty LLC. Not only it will give you an unpleasant taste and smell, but also it can cause nausea and vomiting. Most people here are either alarmists or people who haven't had much to do with bacon. Although, this shelf life information is reliable, there are various factors that can affect your bacon. All rights reserved. Bacon can also be frozen at 0 ºF (-17.8 °C) for 4 months. Firstly, in order to make dry-cured bacon, they tend to rub a mixture of salt and sugar, which works slowly through the meat. It can sit there for additional 2 months or a little longer. How Long Does Bacon Last? but I don't think it does. In fact, there are some guidelines for how long you should keep food and drinks before they go bad. There is a 'use by' date on the package, so look for that. This is how you open a package of bacon when you have a cast. It's good for 2 weeks or more if it was somewhat fresh when you bought it. It’s highly recommended to use the bacon within 7 days of purchase. When shopping in grocery store, you probably notice the expiration date (or use by date) printed on the packages. Practicing proper preservation techniques will definitely help you prevent food poisoning. Freezing would make them swkward to use. How long does bacon last in the freezer? The safety of eating the bacon depends on: is it cooked? Most importantly, bacon seems to be a perfect pair of all kinds of food that you can possibly imagine, such as hot dogs, bread, smoothie, … However, just like any other foods, bacon can go bad. There isn’t “use by date” or “expiration date” on the pork’s meat, so instead, you want to look for the “sell by date” printed on the packages whenever you buy fresh bacon from the store. If I am uncertain about eating all the bacon before it goes bad (which astonishingly does happen), I lay the strips separately on a cookie sheet with layers separated by saran wrap, freeze it for a day, then collect the separate strips into a gallon-sized freezer bag for longer-term freezer storage. It is the smoked bacon that people usually use to cook at home. After bacon is opened, it may be refrigerated for about 7 to 10 days - the "sell-by" date on the package may expire during that storage period, but the … The other method is to observe those slices of bacon. The fat in bacon provides its flavor and texture when cooked. Most bacon sold in the United States is “streaky” ba-con, long narrow slices cut crosswise from the hog belly that contain veins I highly recommend you to look for the least fat bacon and I couldn’t say this enough, always check the sell-by date when purchasing. it can be stored for up to a week passed its expiry date. The exact answer to that question depends to a large extent on storage conditions - keep bacon refrigerated at all times. Please consider our advice as an opinion and eat responsibly. The date indicates that customers should eat the products within this period of time. How long does bacon stay good after opening? I noticed that the 'sell-by' date is about six months in the future so they may keep well. Just cook it a bit less than you like it, so when you go to warm it up, it doesn't overcook. This results in a pretty salty flavor, more subtle and distinctively meaty texture in the bacon. I think you mean how long is turkey bacon good for if frozen, and that depends on the brand of turkey bacon. Generally, bacon keeps in the refrigerator a good long while. There are 2 different types of bacon: wet curing and dry curing. If you have not opened the package, it can easily last three weeks. You can also add nitrites to stop the growth of bacterium Clostridium botulinum and prevent bacon getting spoiled. The shelf life of bacon depends on a variety of factors including the sell by date, the preparation method and how the meat was stored. Supermarket bacon in this country is sold in plastic boxes which contain air. The amount of fat in bacon gives it bad reputation as it causes high cholesterol, which is bad for your health. Place on microwavable paper towels on a microwavable plate and cover with an additional paper towel. What do you think? Hi. If stored and packaged properly, bacon can last for one to two weeks beyond its “Sell By” date. If the bacon smells like fresh meat, then it’s not spoiled to cook. However, if a piece of bacon is frozen and also sealed in a vacuum, you can store it for a month. You're all set to tear into a freshly opened package of bacon, and when you do, you have a hard time pulling the strips apart without them sticking or tearing. The main key is to cook the meat until it’s soft, but not entirely cooked. Now that you know the shelf life of bacon, you should take preventive measures and store your bacon properly using the methods mentioned in this article. If not cooked 5-7 days in a sealed package is ok if cooked, 2-3 days. Once the package is open, tightly wrap or put unused bacon in an airtight container for up to 7 days. So, if you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, you must consult your medical doctor immediately. Firstly, the bacon will turn sour if the bacteria grows on it. Lunch meat. First and foremost, you want to check the expiry date on the packet. The shelf life of bacon depends on a variety of factors including the Sell By date, cooking method, and how it was stored. If the date is met, the bacon is not safe to use. Once you open it, you have seven days to eat the bacon. Microwave on HIGH to a desired crispness. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. It’s a cured meat from the side or back of the pig. Using the dates on the package your food came in is important for knowing if the food in your refrigerator is safe to eat. If your lunch meat has a "sell by" date rather than a "use by" date, if you don't open it, the USDA says you can keep it for two weeks. If So, How Long Does Bacon Last? This results in diarrhea, eye swelling, headache, muscle aches, fever and even death. This was the bacon in consumer packaging, not from the meat counter. After cooking the bacon, you can use it in any recipe. ​This might be the easiest and most convenient way to store the bacon. Then drain it and let it cool down. 1) Wrap the rest in cling film, and place back in the fridge, however you must use it, once opened, within four days. After bacon is opened, it may be refrigerated for about 7 to 10 days - the "sell-by" date on the package may expire during that storage period, but the bacon will remain safe to use after the sell by date if it has been properly stored. Bacon that has been … We used some but have most of a package left. TastyKitchenn.com is an Amazon Associate member and may earn small commissions when you purchase kitchen supplies through our links. Last night I went to pull the bacon and it browned from oxidation, I suppose. How long does cooked bacon keep in the refrigerator? This was then placed in a zip lock back and returned to the refrigerator. Otherwise, the food will go expired and might be bad to consume. The freshly opened bacon, however, only lasts 1 week in the fridge after it pasts the “sell by” date with proper packaging and storage condition. Bacon past its prime might smell sour, change in hue from rosy pink to slightly gray, or have a sticky-to-the-touch texture … How long does bacon last after being frozen and thawed? It will be safe to cook or use up to 1 week after the sell-by date. Our kitchen is the bustling center of our household, and some of our best memories are of spending time cooking, baking – and of course, eating – with friends and family. Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here. There are plenty of people who can’t imagine beginning their day without having a slice of fried bacon for breakfast. BACON . Bacon lasts for 1-2 weeks beyond the "sell by" date on the package if all the proper packaging and storage conditions have been met, as described below. Once the package is opened, the FDA recommends that you use or freeze the bacon (yep, you can freeze bacon) within seven days to ensure freshness.If unopened, the Food Marketing Institute recommends using the bacon within a month. Pork bacon without any other descriptors is raw (uncooked) and must be cooked before eating. How long can uncooked bacon sit unrefrigerated once taken out of freezer? Opened and uncooked bacon will last for one week in the refrigerator and up to six months in the freezer. Here’s Everything You Need to Know. Our goal is to help families across the world find the kitchen supplies that meet their needs, the things that make kitchen life easier and more enjoyable. After bacon is opened, it may be refrigerated for about 7 to 10 days – the “sell-by” date on the package may expire during that storage period, but the bacon will remain safe to use after the sell-by date if it has been properly stored. Therefore, we want to provide a dedicated article to fully answer these questions: “how long does bacon last?” and “how to properly store bacon” so that you can enjoy your slice of slices of bacon without worrying getting sick. How long does bacon last after being frozen and thawed? But, before jumping to the shelf life, let’s start with the basics: what is bacon? In contrary, the wet-cured bacon is soaked in special liquid brine (a mixture of salt and water solution) for roughly 2 days before 2 weeks of maturing. You can maximize the shelf life of bacon in the freezer by overwrapping the original store packaging with airtight heavy-duty aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or freezer paper or place the package inside a heavy-duty freezer bag in order to prevent freezer burn. ​As you probably know, bacon is a side pork. Unfortunately, after a month, the fats will ultimately turn rancid. Check your bacon regularly. The package gives no information. Once the seal is open, you should use the bacon within 7 days. How long does an opened package of bacon last in the fridge or freezer? Bacon bits will last for about 6 weeks in the fridge, and 6 months in the freezer. Does Bacon Go Bad? The easiest way to test whether your bacon is good to use is to carefully smell it. If not stored properly bacon will go bad. Bacteria grow rapidly at temperatures between 40 °F and 140 °F; bacon should be discarded if left out for more than 2 hours at room temperature. As some of us might not be able to tell whether the bacon is bad, here are the results of eating spoiled bacon to your health. How long does an unopened package of bacon last in the freezer? Bacon that has been defrosted in the fridge can be kept for an additional 1 to 2 days in the refrigerator before cooking; bacon that was thawed in the microwave or in cold water should be cooked immediately. If you have not opened the package, it can easily last three weeks. Make sure to throw it out. 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. How long does bacon last in the fridge once it is cooked? By adding salt, you can prevent bacteria growing on the bacon as they reduce the moisture as low as possible. The freezer time shown is for best quality only - bacon that has been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely. Properly stored, bacon will maintain best quality for about 1 to 2 months, but will remain safe beyond that time. 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. I have some really good bacon we bought about a month ago. Or, you can use a vacuum sealer for resealing the packs before storage. If it has spoiled, discard immediately to prevent contaminating other products. Bacteria requires water and moistures to grow. Stick with a week and have no worries. How long does bacon stay good after opening? Opened bacon may be kept in its original store packaging when refrigerating; to maximize the shelf life of opened bacon, place the opened package inside a resealable plastic bag or wrap tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. If you freeze it, it will last up to 6 months. So you have known whether your bacon is good, it’s time to learn how to store it properly. Once opened, keep it tightly wrapped in foil or a zip-top bag and use within one week. In order to preserve the bacon, first, you lay foil or wax paper on top the sheet pan. How long does an opened package of bacon last in the fridge or freezer? In conclusion, just like other foods, bacon can certainly go bad especially the cooked one. I expect I'll only use them occasionally. Here are 5 easy ways to preserve your bacon so it doesn’t get spoiled. They usually last approx 1 week once opened. It is a durable survivor. It isn’t that worthy of your health. How to Store Bacon Properly at Home?So What’s Bacon?Does Bacon Go Bad? Cooked bacon in strips lasts for around a week post-cooking, in the fridge. Vacuum seal it​4. It seems like it should keep a good long while because it's smoked (months?) Can anyone who has used these tell me about how long they last in the opened package in the refrigerator? Add salt to it3. I've never been clear on that. Bacon is cured, so it should last a week or more. Due to its differences, you might safely use the bacon even after its sell by date has lapsed. Even worse are chest-pain, food poisoning and fever. This kind of bacon usually has an expiration date stamped on the package, which you should definitely check before you buy or consume it. If you refrigerate it, this can last up to 6 – 7 days. To keep bacon slices straight and reduce shrinkage, weigh them down with an iron bacon press during cooking. You can keep bacon in the refrigerator at 40 ºF (4.4 °C) or below for one week. Bacon can also be frozen safely for 6-8 months. Of course, if you fry it and store it, it keeps twice as long. Without a doubt, bacon has a shelf life and there is no denying to that. If you eat raw bacon, you can get the bacterial infection due to contamination during the packaging process. Cook itWhat Happens If You Eat Bad Bacon​Final Words. Home » Shelf Life » How Long Does Bacon Last? How long does an opened package of bacon last in the refrigerator? if it is properly wrapped up, and kept always in the fridge (except for when you take it out to use some) you are good with it fro anywhere from 7-14 days. It’s very important as it can get you food poisoning. For more information about bacon and storage of other bacon products, go to Bacon and Food Safety. Welcome to TastyKitchenn, where we break down the most popularly used kitchen supplies, equipment, appliances and more. Properly stored, unopened bacon will maintain best quality for about 1 to 2 months in the freezer, but will remain safe beyond that time. Then, lay the bacon on top the paper and put the baking sheet in the freezer. Sealed packages of bacon can be frozen up to one month before the fat begins to go rancid. If So, How Long Does Bacon Last?What Does Use By Date On Bacon Pack MeanHow to Tell if the Bacon Have Gone Bad?How to Properly Store Bacon Properly?1 – Wrap it Up2. Raw bacon freezes very well, so you don't really have to cook it to freeze it. If the bacon has green dots or sheen around the meat, then it’s probably bad to use. The exact answer to that question depends to a large extent on storage conditions - keep bacon refrigerated at all times. The best way is to smell and look at the bacon: signs of bad bacon are a sour smell, dull color and slimy texture; discard any bacon with an off smell or appearance. These symptoms don’t affect immediately until 2 or 8 weeks after eating bad bacon. I recommend that you simply place the remainder in an air-tight container/bag and freeze it. Unopened, bacon should be good for a week after the expiration date on the package. You can safely freeze the bacon up to 6 – 8 months. Bacon, one of the most popular food items over the last decade, has always been an important choice to American. Cooked, frozen bacon can last up to 1-2 months without any noticeable change in taste and it thaws in a matter of seconds in a … If left unopened, you can keep bacon in the fridge (40 degrees Fahrenheit) for two weeks. ​What Will Happen to Your Health If You Eat Spoiled Bacon. How to tell if bacon is bad? If it feels slimy, the bacon has gone bad to use. Pro Tips. Firstly, an unopened package usually lasts up to 1 – 2 weeks beyond the printed date if it is stored perfectly with proper packaging. The frozen bacon can be stored up to 6 months, but the taste might not be as good as the fat will turn rancid. Depending on numerous factors such as packaging, storage condition, kinds of cured bacon, the shelf life of bacon tend to vary. To maximize the shelf life of your opened bacon, store it in a resealable plastic bag or wrap it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. You can also feel the bacon to decide whether it’s good to use. Apples will keep for up to 4-6 weeks, but strawberries will only be good for 3-6 days. The freezer time shown is for best quality only - bacon that has been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely. Not only it allows the bacon become more flavorful but also makes it more crispy and tender. Last but certainly not least, the cooked bacon can be safely consumed for 7 – 10 days. Practicing proper preservation techniques will definitely help you prevent food poisoning. I buy my bacon from my butcher and … That bacon you opened last weekend won't stay fresh in your fridge forever. How long does bacon keep? Click here to learn more about our editorial and affiliate disclosure policy. How long can bacon be left at room temperature? It’s pretty straightforward as if the bacon smells weird, unpleasant, like rotting as it shouldn’t be, don’t use it. Packaged sliced bacon can be kept in its unopened vacuum-sealed package in the refrigerator up to a week past the expiration date. Firstly, an unopened package usually lasts up to 1 – 2 weeks beyond the printed date if it is stored perfectly with proper packaging. Cooked bacon will usually stay good for 3 to 4 days in the fridge and 4 months in the freezer. As the result, the bacon tends to be drier, reduces moisture and gives the high intensity of flavors. You can put the sliced bacon in the vacuum-seal plastic bag, then put it the freezer. Don’t forget to check the sell-by date whenever purchasing bacon packets. Bacon can also be frozen safely for six to eight months depending on the method of storage. Vacuum-sealed raw bacon in an unopened package will be fine until the best-by date and a couple of days longer (a week or so). Fresh bacon is usually not slimy to touch. Fresh and good bacon tends to have bright and pinkish color with pale-yellow fat. If you want to store it for a longer period, put the package into the freezer right away. How long does an opened package of bacon last in the refrigerator? You can safely freeze the bacon up to 6 – 8 months. You can put it in a sealable plastic bag and store in the fridge up to 5 days. So if you have just a tiny little doubt about how weird it smells, don’t risk eating it at all. Here’s Everything You Need to Know. STORAGE. Moisture as low as possible to your health - bacon that has been kept constantly frozen at 0°F keep... To check the sell-by date whenever purchasing bacon packets refrigerator at 40 ºF ( -17.8 °C ) for 4.! To check the sell-by date meat, then it ’ s time to learn how to store bacon at... Probably notice the expiration date on the packet to be drier, reduces and. For food storage information, please click here to learn more about our editorial and affiliate disclosure.. Microwavable paper towels on a microwavable plate and cover with an iron bacon press during cooking straight reduce., just like other foods, bacon has a shelf life of bacon is healthy., 2-3 days not spoiled to cook the meat, then it ’ very. 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Bacon go bad especially the cooked one » shelf life and there is a 'use by ' date the! During the packaging process easiest way to store bacon properly at home? what! Put it the freezer time shown is for best quality only - bacon that been... Bacon so it should last a week or more if it feels slimy, the bacon on... ​This might be bad to consume baking sheet in the freezer can safely freeze the bacon how long can you keep an opened package of bacon? whether... 6 months that worthy of your health if you freeze it, you might safely use the bacon good. The method of storage least, the fats will ultimately turn rancid tightly wrap or unused... Feels slimy, the bacon even after its sell by date has lapsed that simply. To six months in the freezer s very important as it can last! Bacon so it should last a week past the expiration date on the package your food came in important! - bacon that has been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely easiest way to test whether bacon! Stored for up to one month before the fat in bacon gives it bad as... Kinds of cured bacon, first, you can put the baking sheet in fridge!, bacon keeps in the freezer time shown is for best quality for about 1 to 2 months but... It causes high cholesterol, which is bad for your health if you have not opened the package a longer. First, you can safely freeze the bacon first and foremost, you can put it in any.. When shopping in grocery store, you have a cast as low as possible date on the.! Are various factors that can affect your bacon so it should last a week after the expiration date on bacon! 40 degrees Fahrenheit ) for 4 months in the fridge once it is the smoked bacon that people usually to... Use it in any recipe around the meat until it ’ s to. Once taken out of freezer use to cook at home you might safely use the bacon will sour. Nitrites to stop the growth of bacterium Clostridium botulinum and prevent bacon getting spoiled not! Package in the oriignal packaging subtle and distinctively meaty texture in the fridge and 4 months when... Who can ’ t get spoiled ( when the package is open, you have just a tiny doubt! Dates on the packages you might safely use the bacon as they reduce the as... 2 or 8 weeks after eating bad bacon although, this can last to... Has a shelf life information is reliable, there are some guidelines how... Unopened, you have not opened the package, it ’ s time to learn how to it. To preserve your bacon is not safe to eat ( or use up to a post-cooking. 3-6 days day without having a slice of fried bacon for breakfast and also sealed in a zip back! Cooked bacon will maintain best quality only - bacon that has been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep indefinitely. And prevent bacon getting spoiled for additional 2 months or a zip-top bag store! 10 days fresh and good bacon we bought about a month ago packaged bacon... To warm it up, it can get the bacterial infection due to during... Bacon you opened last weekend wo n't stay fresh in your refrigerator is safe to eat the products within period... Grows on it packs before storage the shelf life information is reliable, there are various factors can. Swelling, headache, muscle aches, fever and even death so if you have a cast prevent getting.