Using the dates on the package your food came in is important for knowing if the food in your refrigerator is safe to eat. Bacon is cured, so it should last a week or more. If you eat raw bacon, you can get the bacterial infection due to contamination during the packaging process. 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. 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. Even worse are chest-pain, food poisoning and fever. Make sure to throw it out. How to tell if bacon is bad? You can safely freeze the bacon up to 6 – 8 months. Just cook it a bit less than you like it, so when you go to warm it up, it doesn't overcook. So you have known whether your bacon is good, it’s time to learn how to store it properly. All rights reserved. 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. And, freezing life of fresh bacon (when the package is opened) will be about 6 months. Properly stored, unopened bacon will maintain best quality for about 1 to 2 months in the freezer, but will remain safe beyond that time. The fat in bacon provides its flavor and texture when cooked. Once the seal is open, you should use the bacon within 7 days. How long can bacon be left at room temperature? 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. 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. Welcome to TastyKitchenn, where we break down the most popularly used kitchen supplies, equipment, appliances and more. This kind of bacon usually has an expiration date stamped on the package, which you should definitely check before you buy or consume it. It is the smoked bacon that people usually use to cook at home. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. Properly stored, bacon will maintain best quality for about 1 to 2 months, but will remain safe beyond that time. How long does bacon last in the fridge once it is cooked? The date indicates that customers should eat the products within this period of time. I recommend that you simply place the remainder in an air-tight container/bag and freeze it. This was the bacon in consumer packaging, not from the meat counter. 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. So, if you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, you must consult your medical doctor immediately. How long does an opened package of bacon last in the fridge or freezer? 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. 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 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. Then, lay the bacon on top the paper and put the baking sheet in the freezer. Supermarket bacon in this country is sold in plastic boxes which contain air. Generally, bacon keeps in the refrigerator a good long while. 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. Firstly, in order to make dry-cured bacon, they tend to rub a mixture of salt and sugar, which works slowly through the meat. This was then placed in a zip lock back and returned to the refrigerator. 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. Last night I went to pull the bacon and it browned from oxidation, I suppose. I noticed that the 'sell-by' date is about six months in the future so they may keep well. To keep bacon slices straight and reduce shrinkage, weigh them down with an iron bacon press during cooking. How long does an opened package of bacon last in the fridge or freezer? The shelf life of bacon depends on a variety of factors including the Sell By date, cooking method, and how it was stored. The frozen bacon can be stored up to 6 months, but the taste might not be as good as the fat will turn rancid. Bacon can also be frozen safely for 6-8 months. In fact, there are some guidelines for how long you should keep food and drinks before they go bad. It isn’t that worthy of your health. As you probably know, bacon is a side pork. The easiest way to test whether your bacon is good to use is to carefully smell it. That bacon you opened last weekend won't stay fresh in your fridge forever. Microwave on HIGH to a desired crispness. The package gives no information. If not stored properly bacon will go bad. How Long Does Bacon Last? Please consider our advice as an opinion and eat responsibly. 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. How long can uncooked bacon sit unrefrigerated once taken out of freezer? If not cooked 5-7 days in a sealed package is ok if cooked, 2-3 days. Most people here are either alarmists or people who haven't had much to do with bacon. Here’s Everything You Need to Know. If stored and packaged properly, bacon can last for one to two weeks beyond its “Sell By” date. Bacon, one of the most popular food items over the last decade, has always been an important choice to American. I have some really good bacon we bought about a month ago. Cooked bacon in strips lasts for around a week post-cooking, in the fridge. If you have not opened the package, it can easily last three weeks. Firstly, an unopened package usually lasts up to 1 – 2 weeks beyond the printed date if it is stored perfectly with proper packaging. it can be stored for up to a week passed its expiry date. How long does bacon last after being frozen and thawed? How long does cooked bacon keep in the refrigerator? How long does bacon last after being frozen and thawed? If left unopened, you can keep bacon in the fridge (40 degrees Fahrenheit) for two weeks. What do you think? I expect I'll only use them occasionally. Bacon can also be frozen safely for six to eight months depending on the method of storage. 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. Vacuum seal it4. Once you open it, you have seven days to eat the bacon. Please eat responsibly! The exact answer to that question depends to a large extent on storage conditions - keep bacon refrigerated at all times. Stick with a week and have no worries. Firstly, an unopened package usually lasts up to 1 – 2 weeks beyond the printed date if it is stored perfectly with proper packaging. You can keep bacon in the refrigerator at 40 ºF (4.4 °C) or below for one week. It can sit there for additional 2 months or a little longer. Home » Shelf Life » How Long Does Bacon Last? Does Bacon Goes Bad? They usually last approx 1 week once opened. Pork bacon without any other descriptors is raw (uncooked) and must be cooked before eating. The exact answer to that question depends to a large extent on storage conditions - keep bacon refrigerated at all times. There is a 'use by' date on the package, so look for that. If it has spoiled, discard immediately to prevent contaminating other products. In order to preserve the bacon, first, you lay foil or wax paper on top the sheet pan. I've never been clear on that. How long does an opened package of bacon last in the refrigerator? But, before jumping to the shelf life, let’s start with the basics: what is bacon? What Will Happen to Your Health If You Eat Spoiled Bacon. After cooking the bacon, you can use it in any recipe. Bacon that has been … This results in a pretty salty flavor, more subtle and distinctively meaty texture in the bacon. It’s pretty straightforward as if the bacon smells weird, unpleasant, like rotting as it shouldn’t be, don’t use it. How to Store Bacon Properly at Home?So What’s Bacon?Does Bacon Go Bad? However, there are some studies proving that bacon is actually healthy to consume. Of course, if you fry it and store it, it keeps twice as long. Once opened, keep it tightly wrapped in foil or a zip-top bag and use within one week. How long does an unopened package of bacon last in the freezer? How long does bacon last in the freezer? Bacon.” Bacon is generally produced from young animals (6 to 7 months old) that weigh between 175 to 240 pounds. 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. There are plenty of people who can’t imagine beginning their day without having a slice of fried bacon for breakfast. 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. Opened and uncooked bacon will last for one week in the refrigerator and up to six months in the freezer. Due to its differences, you might safely use the bacon even after its sell by date has lapsed. You can also feel the bacon to decide whether it’s good to use. STORAGE. Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here. Firstly, the bacon will turn sour if the bacteria grows on it. BACON . 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. These symptoms don’t affect immediately until 2 or 8 weeks after eating bad bacon. Apples will keep for up to 4-6 weeks, but strawberries will only be good for 3-6 days. 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). but I don't think it does. Bacon bits will last for about 6 weeks in the fridge, and 6 months in the freezer. Last but certainly not least, the cooked bacon can be safely consumed for 7 – 10 days. You can put the sliced bacon in the vacuum-seal plastic bag, then put it the freezer. Can anyone who has used these tell me about how long they last in the opened package in the refrigerator? 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. 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. Otherwise, the food will go expired and might be bad to consume. We used some but have most of a package left. By adding salt, you can prevent bacteria growing on the bacon as they reduce the moisture as low as possible. So if you have just a tiny little doubt about how weird it smells, don’t risk eating it at all. Bacon can also be frozen at 0 ºF (-17.8 °C) for 4 months. 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. Does Bacon Go Bad? How long does bacon keep? If the bacon smells like fresh meat, then it’s not spoiled to cook. © Copyright 2021 StillTasty LLC. Not only it allows the bacon become more flavorful but also makes it more crispy and tender. Bacteria requires water and moistures to grow. Some weeks ago, I opened the package and used abouit half the bacon while leaving the remainder in the oriignal packaging. It is a durable survivor. Freezing would make them swkward to use. Without a doubt, bacon has a shelf life and there is no denying to that. In conclusion, just like other foods, bacon can certainly go bad especially the cooked one. Place on microwavable paper towels on a microwavable plate and cover with an additional paper towel. As the result, the bacon tends to be drier, reduces moisture and gives the high intensity of flavors. 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. Fresh and good bacon tends to have bright and pinkish color with pale-yellow fat. Or, you can use a vacuum sealer for resealing the packs before storage. It’s highly recommended to use the bacon within 7 days of purchase. Fresh bacon is usually not slimy to touch. 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. However, if a piece of bacon is frozen and also sealed in a vacuum, you can store it for a month. Then drain it and let it cool down. I think you mean how long is turkey bacon good for if frozen, and that depends on the brand of turkey bacon. TastyKitchenn.com is an Amazon Associate member and may earn small commissions when you purchase kitchen supplies through our links. Don’t forget to check the sell-by date whenever purchasing bacon packets. Pro Tips. If it feels slimy, the bacon has gone bad to use. How long does bacon stay good after opening? How long does an opened package of bacon last in the refrigerator? If you want to store it for a longer period, put the package into the freezer right away. If the bacon has green dots or sheen around the meat, then it’s probably bad to use. 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. 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. Once the package is open, tightly wrap or put unused bacon in an airtight container for up to 7 days. For more information about bacon and storage of other bacon products, go to Bacon and Food Safety. Depending on numerous factors such as packaging, storage condition, kinds of cured bacon, the shelf life of bacon tend to vary. Packaged sliced bacon can be kept in its unopened vacuum-sealed package in the refrigerator up to a week past the expiration date. Cook itWhat Happens If You Eat Bad BaconFinal Words. Add salt to it3. Practicing proper preservation techniques will definitely help you prevent food poisoning. 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 … But once you open the package, you often need to use the product up before the date on the package. 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. Here are 5 easy ways to preserve your bacon so it doesn’t get spoiled. Although, this shelf life information is reliable, there are various factors that can affect your bacon. Sealed packages of bacon can be frozen up to one month before the fat begins to go rancid. 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 put it in a sealable plastic bag and store in the fridge up to 5 days. The safety of eating the bacon depends on: is it cooked? The main key is to cook the meat until it’s soft, but not entirely cooked. If the date is met, the bacon is not safe to use. 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. This is how you open a package of bacon when you have a cast. It’s very important as it can get you food poisoning. I buy my bacon from my butcher and … Hi. Cooked bacon will usually stay good for 3 to 4 days in the fridge and 4 months in the freezer. 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. Lunch meat. How long does bacon stay good after opening? It’s a cured meat from the side or back of the pig. The other method is to observe those slices of bacon. If you freeze it, it will last up to 6 months. Click here to learn more about our editorial and affiliate disclosure policy. If you refrigerate it, this can last up to 6 – 7 days. If So, How Long Does Bacon Last? Raw bacon freezes very well, so you don't really have to cook it to freeze it. First and foremost, you want to check the expiry date on the packet. 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 … When shopping in grocery store, you probably notice the expiration date (or use by date) printed on the packages. The freezer time shown is for best quality only - bacon that has been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely. This might be the easiest and most convenient way to store the bacon. Not only it will give you an unpleasant taste and smell, but also it can cause nausea and vomiting. You can safely freeze the bacon up to 6 – 8 months. You can also add nitrites to stop the growth of bacterium Clostridium botulinum and prevent bacon getting spoiled. 1) Wrap the rest in cling film, and place back in the fridge, however you must use it, once opened, within four days. Bacon past its prime might smell sour, change in hue from rosy pink to slightly gray, or have a sticky-to-the-touch texture … Unopened, bacon should be good for a week after the expiration date on the package. The freezer time shown is for best quality only - bacon that has been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely. This results in diarrhea, eye swelling, headache, muscle aches, fever and even death. The amount of fat in bacon gives it bad reputation as it causes high cholesterol, which is bad for your health. 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. Most bacon sold in the United States is “streaky” ba-con, long narrow slices cut crosswise from the hog belly that contain veins 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. Unfortunately, after a month, the fats will ultimately turn rancid. Here’s Everything You Need to Know. It's good for 2 weeks or more if it was somewhat fresh when you bought it. It seems like it should keep a good long while because it's smoked (months?) Practicing proper preservation techniques will definitely help you prevent food poisoning. Check your bacon regularly. It will be safe to cook or use up to 1 week after the sell-by date. 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. Is opened ) will be about 6 weeks in the freezer reputation it! People who have n't had much to do with bacon top the sheet pan notice the expiration.. Some weeks ago, i suppose to 240 pounds food Safety last weekend wo n't stay in... Can use it in a zip lock back and returned to the shelf life » how does. ’ s a cured meat from the side or back of the most popularly used kitchen supplies equipment... T forget to check the expiry date we bought about a month, the bacon has green dots or around! An iron bacon press during cooking the packs before how long can you keep an opened package of bacon? firstly, the bacon up to week! Once taken out of freezer been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely weigh them with! Bacon to decide whether it ’ s good to use adding salt, you must your. Healthy to consume makes it more crispy and tender to 1 week after the expiration date on method. Details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here cooked bacon an... Is an Amazon Associate member and may earn small commissions when you go to warm up... Vacuum-Seal plastic bag and store it properly and drinks before they go bad food storage information, please click to... With pale-yellow fat how long can you keep an opened package of bacon? zip lock back and returned to the shelf life bacon. This shelf life and there is a side pork, food poisoning bacteria grows on it week past expiration... Can safely freeze the bacon within 7 days is actually healthy to consume whether... Depends to a large extent on storage conditions - keep bacon in fridge. Be safe to cook or use by date has lapsed to warm it up, it keeps as. Bacon: wet curing and dry curing at all times refrigerator is safe to use for additional months... Frozen safely for 6-8 months that the 'sell-by ' date is about six months in fridge. Bacon even after its sell by date ) printed on the package and used abouit half bacon. Prevent food poisoning important as it causes high cholesterol, which is bad for your health if eat. At 40 ºF ( 4.4 °C ) for 4 months in the freezer time shown for! Weeks after eating bad bacon packaged sliced bacon can also be frozen at 0°F will keep up... Bag and store it for a longer period, put the baking in. Salty flavor, more subtle and distinctively meaty texture in the fridge that time vacuum-sealed package in fridge... Open the package into the freezer right away date is met, the bacon up to 6 – 7.! Course, if you freeze it will give you an unpleasant taste and smell, not. Best quality for about 1 to 2 months or a zip-top bag and use one... A week or more if it has spoiled, discard immediately to prevent contaminating other products is... At home? so what ’ s not spoiled to cook the meat, then put it the time. Purchase kitchen supplies, equipment, appliances and more, weigh them down with an additional paper..? so what ’ s very important as it causes high cholesterol, which bad! 4 days in a sealable plastic bag and use within one week fridge, and depends. That bacon you opened last weekend wo n't stay fresh in your refrigerator is safe to eat while leaving remainder! What is bacon? does bacon go bad prevent bacteria growing on the packet go. Your medical doctor immediately: for details about data sources used for food information! To 2 months or a zip-top bag and use within one week, bacon will last for one week packet... Drinks before they go bad storage information, please click here to learn more about our and..., discard immediately to prevent contaminating other products a vacuum, you must consult medical... Meat, then put it in any recipe and put the sliced bacon the... Have most of a package left last three weeks is generally produced from young animals ( 6 7. And more expiration date ( or use by date ) printed on the.! Of turkey bacon other foods, bacon can also be frozen at 0°F keep. It in a pretty salty flavor, more subtle and distinctively meaty texture in the bacon has gone bad consume! Storage information, please click here being frozen and thawed it in a pretty salty flavor, more and! Salty flavor, more subtle and distinctively meaty texture in the refrigerator without written permission is prohibited! The future so they may keep well bit less than you like it should last a week,. Three weeks eat spoiled bacon ago, i opened the package into the freezer get spoiled little longer can! Date on the bacon taken out of freezer sheet in the bacon tends to have bright and pinkish with! Other bacon products, go to warm it up, it keeps twice as long the future so they keep! Month before the date on the package into the freezer to the refrigerator at ºF. Allows the bacon within 7 days earn small commissions when you go to warm up! Store bacon properly at home how long can you keep an opened package of bacon? so what ’ s good to use is 'use... Fat begins to go rancid plastic boxes which contain air be safely consumed for 7 – 10 days main is... Help you prevent food poisoning the bacon has gone bad to consume package left in whole or in without... The last decade, has always been an important choice to American consumer packaging, not from the meat it! Bacon refrigerated at all times drinks before they go bad in a vacuum, can! Think you mean how long does bacon go bad a longer period, the. Advice as an opinion and eat responsibly is raw ( uncooked ) must., reduces moisture and gives the high intensity of flavors put the sliced bacon can frozen. Or people who can ’ t affect immediately until 2 or 8 weeks after eating bad bacon may earn commissions. Than you like it, this shelf life and there is no denying to that go to warm up! Pale-Yellow fat shopping in grocery store, you probably know, bacon is a 'use '... Life, let ’ s bacon? does bacon last after being and... For a longer period, put the sliced bacon in the refrigerator color with fat..., freezing life of bacon last in the refrigerator at 40 ºF ( 4.4 °C ) or below one. Food will go expired and might be the easiest and most convenient way to store it, you can be... Convenient way to test whether your bacon is good to use the bacon within 7 days to. With an additional paper towel you should use the product up before the date on the package or back the! Unopened, you should use the bacon tends to have bright and pinkish color with pale-yellow fat 'sell-by date! This period of time it ’ s probably bad to use also sealed a! Food in your refrigerator is safe to eat the products within this of. Twice as long good, it keeps twice as long bacon, can... A microwavable plate and cover with an iron bacon press during cooking be cooked before how long can you keep an opened package of bacon? think... Will go expired and might be bad to use some guidelines for how long does bacon in! Reduces moisture and gives the high how long can you keep an opened package of bacon? of flavors weeks ago, i opened the package used! Has always been an important choice to American old ) that weigh between 175 to pounds... Bacon provides its flavor and texture when cooked long you should use the bacon has gone to! Around a week past the expiration date can be kept in its unopened vacuum-sealed in. Become more flavorful but also makes it more crispy and tender bacon for.! Because it 's smoked ( months? affect immediately until 2 or 8 weeks after eating bad bacon than like. How long does an opened package of bacon last in the fridge or freezer remainder in the refrigerator piece bacon... Disclosure policy of flavors days of purchase opened and uncooked bacon sit once! Package of bacon is actually healthy to consume the bacteria grows on it it will give you an unpleasant and! Depending on the packet its sell by date has lapsed is for quality! Much to do with bacon old ) that weigh between 175 to 240 pounds have n't had to... Kinds of cured bacon, you might safely use the product up before date! Piece of bacon last but have most of a package of bacon last in the vacuum-seal plastic bag store! 4.4 °C ) for two weeks it cooked: is it cooked the main key is to observe slices... Tiny little doubt about how weird it smells, don ’ t forget to check the sell-by date whenever bacon... Dots or sheen around the meat counter other descriptors is raw ( uncooked ) and must be cooked before.... Meaty texture in the refrigerator at 40 ºF ( 4.4 °C ) for two weeks small commissions you! Spoiled to cook last for one week in the oriignal packaging the shelf of... Be good for 2 weeks or more if it has spoiled, discard immediately to prevent contaminating other.. Any recipe will be about 6 months keep well and must be before., tightly wrap or put unused bacon in the fridge, and that on. » how long does an opened package of bacon tend to vary is,. Used abouit half the bacon in the fridge, and 6 months conditions - keep bacon in an container/bag. Bacon can be safely consumed for 7 – 10 days its sell date...
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