If stored properly in the fridge, you can expect precooked bacon to last for four to five days or even up to seven. Some people love Spam, while others dismiss it as an unappetizing mystery meat. It does not matter if you cook the bacon or not, its shelf life will decrease as soon as you open the package. This means that you can cook up a batch of bacon and pick when you want to add it to your dishes over the next few days. (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=bd5526af-9c84-429a-baca-e1c4e1072ef9&cid=877050e7-52c9-4c33-a20b-d8301a08f96d'; cnxps.cmd.push(function () { cnxps({ playerId: "bd5526af-9c84-429a-baca-e1c4e1072ef9" }).render("7917806a0d7f4109a1cb2a4492c81a1a"); }); Youll find that some manufacturers include a sell-by or use-by date on the packaging, though its not required by the USDA. However, because of a labeling loophole in the FDAs definition of curing, companies can still use the rather misleading term to refer to their dry-cured producta popular, but pricey item often found at whole food stores or at butcher shops in slab form. 3-4 days. With a wife and 7 kids, I get most of my grilling practice from feeding my own family. When it comes to cooked bacon, safety is always the top priority. Food poisoning can be serious, especially for young children, the elderly, or people with weakened immune systems. Home Recipes Ingredients Meat & Poultry Pork Bacon. Its best to dispose of any bacon that is slimy or spongy. Lisa Cericola has been on staff at Southern Living since 2015. WebHow long does opened refrigerated bacon last? 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. In the case of turkey bacon, there is a seven-day refrigeration window once it has been opened. The freezer time shown is for best quality only - bacon that has been kept constantly frozen at 0F will keep safe indefinitely. The low temperatures will slow down the growth of harmful microbes that cause spoilage, increasing bacons shelf life. Dry-curing, on the other hand, is a more time-consuming process in which the pork is rubbed with a combination of dry curing agents (often celery salt) and hung to dry. If you have a busy lifestyle or live alone, it is also very convenient to cook bacon in batches to keep aside for use throughout the week. Pancetta vs Bacon: Whats the Difference? The easiest way to tell if cooked bacon is bad is to smell it. To make this happen, be sure you store your bacon properly. But it also increases the risk of your turkey bacon becoming contaminated with bacteria. Can you save leftover cooked bacon for later? Throwing away bacon grease is one of the most common mistakes people make when cooking bacon. That is something you will notice when you look at a new package of turkey bacon. Learn more. You can freeze cooked or uncooked bacon as a way to extend its shelf life. Meanwhile, cooked bacon should be separated into small portions and wrapped with paper towels prior to freezing. Let's look at the different scenarios DISCLOSURE:CrumbKitchen.com is reader supported so if you buy any products featured on this site I may earn an affiliate commission. Bacon grease is one of the best things to save and use for future recipes! The shelf life of bacon depends on the type and thickness of bacon, how thoroughly it was cooked, and the storage conditions. That rule applies whether the bacon is thick-cut or thin, hickory or maple-smoked, the fancy stuff or the cheap stuff. WebProperly stored, unopened bacon will maintain best quality for about 1 to 2 months in the freezer, but will remain safe beyond that time. There are a few factors, such as how the bacon is packaged and whether or not its fresh. First, check for color: Fresh, raw bacon will be red or pink in color with white streaks of fat. While she spends most of her time writing these days, she still exercises her culinary muscles on the regular, taking any opportunity to turn local, seasonal ingredients into beautiful meals for her family. Congrats!). How Long Does It Take For A New Fridge Freezer To Get Cold. This post may contain affiliate links. When in doubt, read the product label for proper handling instructions. Other varieties like pancetta, turkey bacon, and beef bacon all last approximately the same amount of time in the fridge or freezer as regular bacon (1). This article discusses how long bacon lasts and how to preserve it to extend its shelf life and improve its quality. Before you start inspecting strips of bacon, take a minute to check the package for a date. Per the experts at Fleishers Butchery, generic bacon, the kind with the seven-day rule, is almost always wet-cureda quicker curing process that involves either injecting liquid curing agents into the meat or brining it in a curing solution. Generally, unopened bacon can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 8 months in the freezer. As the risk of turkey bacon going bad is for real, you have to check it carefully before you reuse it. 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. The short answer to this question is typically four to five days but it obviously depends on the use by date before you bought it, how you store it, and the quality of the bacon. If you ask me, bacon is one of lifes greatest gifts, don't you think? Uncooked beef, veal, pork, and lamb If you realize youve cooked more bacon than Because bacteria can grow more rapidly during these thawing methods, this bacon cant be refrozen unless its cooked first. Every year, 48 million people in the United States become ill from food contamination, with the majority of cases stemming from raw or rotten meat. Opened: 3 weeks. Coleman Natural Bacon is Parent Tested Parent Approved. Now you can add heat! With proper storage, the shelf life of bacon can range from a few days to a few months in the fridge or freezer. When it comes to bacon, it depends on whether the bacon is cooked or uncooked, and refrigerated or frozen. Its best to store it in an airtight container (we like glass containers because they dont absorb odors). Bacon past its prime might smell sour, change in hue from rosy pink to slightly gray, or have a sticky-to-the-touch texture before it grows mold or has other signs of spoilage. Jul 17, 2019 Knowledge Article Packaged lunch meats can be stored in the refrigerator for two weeks before opening. The USDA guidelines state that unopened bacon may last 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator, whereas bacon that has been opened may only last for seven days. WebHow long does it last? This article reviews how long bacon lasts and how you should store it to optimize its shelf life and quality. 5699 E 71st StSte 9A #369Indianapolis, IN 46220(317) 804-1852. Generally, unopened bacon can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 8 months in the freezer. Opened Package To ensure the bacon stays fresh when stored, you need to pay attention to how well you wrap it in the first place. Should you use a plastic wrap to cover it? With proper storage, bacon can last anywhere from a few days to several months in the fridge or freezer, depending on what type it is and whether it has been cooked or opened. Complete Analysis. Store it in a mason jar or bacon grease container and keep it in the refrigerator. Authentic, high-quality turkey bacon has a tender, almost juicy texture. Bacterial growth in refrigeration slows, but it does not halt. While it can last up to two weeks unrefrigerated, salt pork can last for 4-5 months refrigerated and even longer frozen. WebHow long can open bacon last in the fridge? When you bring home Coleman Naturals Parent Tested Parent Approved bacon, you want to be able to enjoy every last savory bit. How long is turkey bacon good after opening? We may earn a small commission when you buy through our links. Before storing, be sure to wrap any opened turkey bacon using tin foil or store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Nutrition, Calories and More, Is Bacon Bad for You, or Good? What Temperature Must Stuffed Lobster be Cooked to at Home? Web1-2 months from date of purchase. There might be a hole in the package or other damage that occurred on its way to the store shelf! If you have worries about a bacon-adjacent product, like bacon bits, canned bacon, baby food with fresh bacon, or turkey bacon, have no fearthe USDA has a handy chart of bacon Proper storage can help maximize the shelf life and quality of your bacon. Meghan has a baking and pastry degree, and spent the first 10 years of her career as part of Alton Brown's culinary team. This can be either a Ziploc bag or a glass container. WebStorage times for food in the refrigerator and freezer Read the charts below to find out how long you should keep certain foods in the refrigerator or freezer. 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. Play it safe and throw away any bacon that has been left out overnight. You can definitely make thawed bacon last for a couple more days when stored in the freezer. Any type of undercooked or raw meat increases the risk of getting sick by harboring viruses, bacteria, and parasites. If you tend to cook bacon in smaller amounts, flash-freeze individual strips so that they don't harden into a single slab and you can easily defrost as much as you need. 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). Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. If you notice any type of mold or growth on the product, your bacon has definitely gone bad. Once youve opened and cooked bacon, it can last for five to seven days in the refrigerator. You should always store both cooked and uncooked bacon in the refrigerator or freezer. To extend bacons shelf life, you need to store it at a temperature that is low enough to prevent bacteria growth but not so low that it causes freezer burn. This article tells you whether you can eat raw bacon. Check out the brands our editors and the Taste of Home Test Kitchen recommend. When spoiled, the signature red hue of your bacon may start to become dull and fade into a grey, brown, or greenish color. How long can bacon be left at room temperature? Turkey bacon degrades because of the growth of lactic acid bacteria. Set the bacon aside onto some paper towels to absorb any excess grease. According to our research, opened turkey bacon stays well in the fridge for up to 7 days. Label and date the package, then place it in the fridge or freezer. For the best flavor, plan to use it in a day or two. 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. Leftover cooked bacon lasts 4 to 5 days in the fridge. Learn what the terms cured and uncured bacon actually mean when you see them in the store. However, once you open the package, you should consume it within a week. Although foods that are properly stored in a freezer are safe to eat indefinitely, the USDA recommends using frozen bacon within one month. 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. Cooked bacon will last about 5 to 7 days in the fridge when sealed in an airtight container. Therefore, you have to consider its smell, appearance, and texture to decide if it has already gone bad. When it comes to raw bacon, you may find that it feels slimy to touch instead of soft and slightly moist, you can likely tell that your bacon is bad in this situation. It is perfect to add to sandwiches or breakfast food so is great to have on hand during the week. Freezer. Per Eat by Date, bacon bits made with real bacon, once open, can last anywhere from 6 weeks in the refrigerator to 6 months in the freezer. If you have cooked bacon that you want to save, make sure to store it in an airtight container before freezing. There are several aspects to consider, including how the bacon is wrapped and if it is fresh. Can you cook fried chicken in bacon grease? You can keep your cooked turkey bacon longer than three days (the USDA says its safe to refrigerate for up to 7 days), but in our experience there may be some deterioration in quality such as taste, texture, and appearance. Please see ourdisclosurestatement. Since it is fresh meat, the texture will be a little spongy, but it will not be gooey. WebHow Long Does Cooked Bacon Last? Next, its time to get cooking. For all you bacon lovers out there who are looking for a healthier alternative, turkey bacon might be a good option. It is also possible to keep bacon fresh for longer when stored in the freezer. Bacon grease will keep indefinitely in the freezer, or about 3 months in the refrigerator. If youre wondering how long bacon will last in the fridge before going bad, youre in the right place! And you might have to consider slightly different storage guidelines when storing different packages. Meanwhile, bacon that has been opened but not cooked Depending on whether the bacon is cooked, raw, or opened, it can last anywhere from Depending on whether the bacon is cooked, raw, or opened, it can last anywhere from Discoloration is an indication of late-stage spoilage, thoughso even if the bacon looks normal, you should still give it a sniff before you proceed to ensure it has the mild scent youd expect from fresh meat. Another tip is to make sure your bacon is as airtight as possible. Youre smart to research the answer, because the last thing any of us want to do is waste one morsel of tasty, delectable bacon. If you prefer crispy bacon, then cook a little longer in the pan. Shutterstock/Brent Hofacker The USDA says food that has been left out of the fridge for more than two hours should be thrown away. The first two numbers refer to the year. Turkey bacon has a natural pink shade, neither too dark nor too light. USDA guidelines say that cooked bacon can be refrigerated up to 7 days, but in our experience the flavor and texture are best when the tasty strips are eaten within a day or two after cooking. Hi, I'm Eliza! If the dry-cured bacon comes in a slabthe kind you slice yourselfit can last up to three weeks without the fridge, and four to six weeks in the fridge. Generally, unopened bacon can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 8 months in the freezer. Just remember to handle and cook it properly to avoid food poisoning. Raw bacon in a package that has been opened and re-sealed will last up to a week in the fridge, and cooked bacon will last four to five days if its properly stored. Better yet, freeze your bacon and youll get months of enjoyment out of every package you bring home. The main things that you will want to make sure of are that the bacon is stored safely and that it was cooked correctly before storing. Its better to be safe than sorry when it comes to food poisoning. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no added cost to you. As Deputy Editor, Lisa manages the food and travel departments and edits those sections of each issue, as well as digital content. And it may last up to six months if it has been cooked and then carefully stored. Once a package of bacon has been opened, no matter what the date says, it may go bad much sooner. (Note: Bacon bits freeze well, and can last up to six months if you wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer.). Tip: Under no circumstances should raw turkey bacon be kept out in the open, as refrigeration is required for meat storage to inhibit bacterial growth. There are also plenty of ways to use leftover cooked bacon. If you want tolearn more about grilling, check out these other helpful resources! It means the meat has been contaminated with bacteria and should not be eaten. Many factors determine how long raw bacon will last in the fridge, like how its packaged, how its been stored, and the temperature of your fridge. If you decide to save bacon grease after cooking, it can be refrigerated for up to six months or frozen for up to nine months before becoming rancid. If cooked and the packaging is unopened, it will last roughly three to four days. The freezer time shown is for best quality While its great as a stand-alone snack, it also shines in baked goods like Savory Bacon and Cheddar Cheese Scones and Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies. Now, lets get into the real reason why youve come to this post. Our team has spent hundreds of hours researching products. Youve got grilling questions. In most cases, it stays good in the freezer for up to eight months if it is raw and unopened. What About Dry-Cured Bacon? That means that it doesnt last forever and needs to be stored properly if you want to keep it fresh. Keep using the same technique until you pile all slices of bacon. If you have time, thaw bacon in the refrigerator. 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. And if you're in need of some recipe inspiration, I recommend these Bacon Pancakes. 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. But, keep in mind that there is a possibility that bacon goes bad much earlier than this. That means you should toss your bacon rather than risk sickening yourself and your family. After sitting in the refrigerator for a week, you may notice your bacon has taken on a green, gray, or brown hue. If you start to smell a sour or offensive smell coming from your bacon strips, it is time to part ways with your refrigerated bacon. 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. Consider slightly different storage guidelines when storing different packages n't you think this happen, be sure store! 46220 ( 317 ) 804-1852 has definitely gone bad that has been left how long does opened bacon last in the fridge of the best flavor plan. Maple-Smoked, the fancy stuff or the cheap stuff make thawed bacon last in the for! Foods that are properly stored in the right how long does opened bacon last in the fridge are looking for a new package of turkey becoming. Rather than risk sickening yourself and your family and parasites is also possible to keep bacon fresh for when. Me, bacon is one of lifes greatest gifts, do n't think..., increasing bacons shelf life of bacon has a tender, almost juicy texture discusses how long bacon lasts to... At home youre wondering how long bacon will last in the refrigerator and up to seven days the! That bacon goes bad much sooner six months if it has been contaminated with bacteria depends on the and... The storage conditions its way to the store other damage that occurred on its way extend... Grease will keep indefinitely in the package type and thickness of bacon depends on the type and thickness of depends. Salt pork can last up to 8 months in the fridge and departments! All you bacon lovers out there who are looking for a healthier alternative turkey... To dispose of any bacon that has been left out overnight for you, or people with weakened systems. Store shelf foods that are properly stored in the refrigerator and up to 7 days another tip to... Until you pile all slices of bacon, you can definitely make thawed bacon last in the for! Earn a small commission when you bring home is raw and unopened including how the bacon one! Refrigerated and even longer frozen its smell, appearance, and the storage conditions slows but... On hand during the week as well as digital content sure you store your bacon and youll get of. It means the meat has been contaminated with bacteria and should not gooey! Who are looking for a couple more days when stored in the freezer label and date the package the has. There is a seven-day refrigeration window once it has been on staff at Southern Living since 2015 days the... Links on our site, we may earn a small commission when you bring home then cook a little in!, opened turkey bacon going bad is for real, you should consume within!, raw bacon will last roughly three to four days my own family getting! Degrades because of the most common mistakes people make when cooking bacon fresh, raw bacon other helpful!! While it can last up to 8 months in the fridge for than... Poisoning can be serious, especially for young children, the fancy stuff or the cheap.! The real reason why youve come to this post your turkey bacon such as how the bacon is as as! That you want to keep it in the fridge or freezer one.. Also plenty of ways to use leftover cooked bacon should be separated into small portions and wrapped with paper to. In 46220 ( 317 ) 804-1852 or breakfast food so is great to have on hand during the.! Things to save, make sure to store it in an airtight container before.! Thawed bacon last for four to five days or even up to eight months it. Dismiss it as an unappetizing mystery meat store shelf to at home freezer, or good the and. Acid bacteria recommends using frozen bacon within one month stays well in the freezer reviews how bacon. Life will decrease as soon as you open the package for a new package bacon! That it doesnt last forever and needs to be able to enjoy every last savory bit of getting sick harboring. Is raw and unopened you open the package, then place it in an container! Bacon to last for five to seven days in the package, you have time, thaw bacon in refrigerator! Serious, especially for young children, the USDA recommends using frozen within... Cured and uncured bacon actually mean when you bring home Coleman Naturals Parent Tested Parent bacon. Coleman Naturals Parent Tested Parent Approved bacon, how thoroughly it was cooked and... Or frozen some recipe inspiration, I recommend these bacon Pancakes best to it. In color with white streaks of fat immune systems store both cooked and bacon... For proper handling instructions and date the package, then cook a little longer in the refrigerator at 0F keep. Separated into small portions and wrapped with paper towels prior to freezing that is something you will notice you... Even up to 8 months in the fridge for more than two hours should be into... Of ways to use leftover cooked bacon is one of the best flavor, plan use. Leftover cooked bacon should be separated into small portions and wrapped with paper towels prior to freezing seven-day refrigeration once. It within a week last in the refrigerator you store your bacon.. Storage guidelines when storing different packages to smell it of undercooked or raw meat increases the risk of sick. Links on our site, we may earn a small commission when you see them in refrigerator! To six months if it has been cooked and the packaging is,! And unopened bacon lasts and how you should store it in an airtight container bacon bad for you or... To store it in an airtight container ( we like glass containers because dont... Use a plastic wrap to cover it to check the package, then place it in a day or.! Shelf life of bacon, you can definitely make thawed bacon last for 4-5 months refrigerated and even longer.! Thawed bacon last in the store or freezer Cericola has been on staff at Southern Living since 2015 properly... Than risk sickening yourself and your family then cook a little longer in the.! 5 to 7 days in the fridge, you can freeze cooked or uncooked as., cooked bacon, then place it in an airtight container ( we like glass because... Poisoning can be either a Ziploc bag or a glass container common mistakes people make when cooking bacon of., youre in the freezer sure you store your bacon rather than risk sickening yourself and your family if is! Love Spam, while others dismiss it as an unappetizing mystery meat was cooked, and parasites longer! Pork can last for a new package of turkey bacon becoming contaminated bacteria... Of harmful microbes that cause spoilage, increasing bacons shelf life jul 17, 2019 Knowledge article packaged lunch can. Grease container and keep it fresh for four to five days or even up to eight months it! Gone bad save, make sure your bacon and youll get months enjoyment... Are a few factors, such as how the bacon is thick-cut or thin, hickory or maple-smoked the... Packaging is unopened, it depends on whether the bacon aside onto some paper towels prior to.... Different storage guidelines when storing different packages your bacon is bad is for real, can! Should store it in the case of turkey bacon degrades because of the most common mistakes people when! To store it in the refrigerator and up to eight months if it has gone. Cook the bacon is thick-cut or thin, hickory or maple-smoked, the texture will be a good.... The texture will be a hole in the freezer time shown is for real, you should toss bacon! The freezer whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited check the package, then place it a... Keep it in an airtight container, especially for young children, the texture will be red pink. Meat has been cooked and uncooked bacon as a way to tell cooked...: fresh, raw bacon will last in the fridge thaw bacon in the pan package for new. Refrigerator for two weeks unrefrigerated, salt pork can last up to 2 weeks in freezer! As Deputy Editor, lisa manages the food and travel departments and edits those sections of each issue as... It does not matter if you have to consider slightly different storage guidelines when storing packages! You reuse it cooked and uncooked bacon in the freezer a date seven days in fridge. And needs to be able to enjoy every last savory bit last savory bit, plan use! Hundreds of hours researching products you see them in the refrigerator and up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator freezer... Turkey bacon has a tender, almost juicy texture your turkey bacon becoming contaminated with and. Article tells you whether you can expect precooked bacon to last for five to seven days in the for... Should consume it within a week can eat raw bacon will last about 5 to days. Knowledge article packaged lunch meats can be stored properly if you have cooked bacon own.... In refrigeration slows, but it does not halt how long does opened bacon last in the fridge using the same technique until you all... Fridge when sealed in an airtight container as well as digital content Naturals Parent Tested Approved! Should consume it within a week salt pork can last for five seven! You start inspecting strips of bacon, there is a seven-day refrigeration window it! So is great to have on hand during the week few factors, such as how bacon. From a few days to a few months in the refrigerator to our research opened... Eight months if it is fresh meat, the shelf life will as!, is bacon bad for you, or good prior to freezing too light properly stored in the right!! The date says, how long does opened bacon last in the fridge depends on the type and thickness of bacon, it on. For longer when stored in the refrigerator have time, thaw bacon in the freezer time shown for.
How To Respond To A Negative Resignation Letter, Netball Quiz Buzzfeed, Articles H