In other words, if you dont treat your bacon right to begin with, it will go bad in the blink of an eye. How to tell if bacon is off If youre not sure if that extra rasher is still safe to eat, Raw turkey bacon usually stays good after opening for up to 7-14 days, but sometimes, it may begin to spoil earlier, so it is important to identify those signs. 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. Cooked bacon is a perishable food and needs to be refrigerated within two hours of cooking. Well, it is possible but not always recommended. This can be either a Ziploc bag or a glass container. After opening, youll want to use it within 5 to 14 days, depending on the package specifications. 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. With its enticing smell and delicious taste, bacon is popular around the globe. Food poisoning can be serious, especially for young children, the elderly, or people with weakened immune systems. WebAfter cooking bacon, you can store it in the fridge safely for approximately five to seven days. 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 is turkey bacon good after opening? Uncured bacon is bacon that has not been cured with nitrates or nitrites, which are often added to bacon to help preserve its pink color and to prevent the growth of bacteria. If stored properly in the fridge, you can expect precooked bacon to last for four to five days or even up to seven. 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. We prefer the Ziploc bag method because you are able to squeeze all the air out of the bag before placing it in the freezer. How long does an opened package of bacon last in the refrigerator? This happens because the bacon has now been exposed to air and bacteria. When bacon is stored in the fridge, theres no need to wait for it to thaw. The freezer is another option for storing bacon. Even if its before the use by or sell by date on your package, your bacon may still be bad. Carefully fold the wax paper so that it covers the bacon completely. What It Means When Your Ground Beef Turns Gray, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. 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. But it also increases the risk of your turkey bacon becoming contaminated with bacteria. If youre worried about your bacon going bad, pop it in the freezer and enjoy it later. This article looks at the nutritional profile of Spam, telling you. With a wife and 7 kids, I get most of my grilling practice from feeding my own family. After opening a package of lunch meats or buying sliced lunch meats at a deli, you can refrigerate them for three to five days. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out How to Tell When Bacon Is Bad for additional information. Most bacon will have a sell by date, but a use by date is not out of the question. There are several aspects to consider, including how the bacon is wrapped and if it is fresh. And it may last up to six months if it has been cooked and then carefully stored. Divide your bacon into smaller slices and spread on wax paper. 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. In fact, so many people opt for it when they cannot enjoy the regular option because of its high cholesterol content. Fresh bacon should feel soft and a bit moist. If you purchased a shelf-stable cooked bacon from the store, you can keep it unopened in the pantry until the use-by date. Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Once again, this discoloration indicates bacteria and/or fungi have colonized your bacon. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. USDA guidelines say that bacon has a safe refrigeration use-by date of one week. All rights reserved. Youre not alone. To keep your bacon fresh for a bit longer, seal it in an airtight plastic bag and pop it in the freezer. (No judgment.) Can you cook fried chicken in bacon grease? When it comes to cooked bacon, safety is always Meanwhile, bacon that has been opened but not cooked However, improper storage can cause turkey bacon to spoil. Whichever you choose will work just as well. Learn how your comment data is processed. Opened Package Whether you have opened the package or not, uncooked bacon will last for seven days in the fridge, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. Keep it from drying out (and making the other contents of your fridge smell like bacon) by storing it in a sealed container or resealable plastic ziplock bag, or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. How Long Does Bacon last in the fridge. Leaving it there for longer than a week may cause your bacon to go bad. 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. After bacon is purchased, it may be kept refrigerated for about 1 week after the sell-by date on the package if it has been properly stored. Probably not what you think. 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. And you might have to consider slightly different storage guidelines when storing different packages. Use a few layers of wax paper, heavy-duty freezer bags, or freezer wrap to insulate the slices. (You Managed Not To Eat It All First Time Round? https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/meat/bacon-and-food-safety, https://ask.usda.gov/s/article/What-is-the-2-Hour-Rule-with-leaving-food-out. These include: Hard cheeses Butter or margarine Opened fruit juices or canned fruits Many spreads including peanut butter, jelly, relish, ketchup and mustard How Long Does Bacon last in the fridge. Bacon is so delicious that you are likely looking to keep yours good for as long as possible. This is the big question Does bacon expire ? and its the answer is easy: bacon does go bad, just like Ham does. yet, it depends on a lot of factors. such as the way of storing, if its opened or not, and so on. As a general rule, unopened bacon can stay in the fridge for as long as two weeks. Make sure it does not get a freezer burn by wrapping it twice and placing it in a freezer bag if you have to store it in the freezer. We have the answer, plus some additional tips on how to double-check for freshness so you can enjoy this prized pork product at peak quality every time. Uncooked beef, veal, pork, and lamb If youre storing cooked bacon, allow it to cool to room temperature before placing it in the fridge or freezer. 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. Meanwhile, bacon that has been opened but not cooked Keep your refrigerator at 40 F or less). Some important things to remember are that bacon is a meat product so you must ensure that it is cooked and stored properly. Its critical to store your bacon properly, so it lasts in the fridge for as long as possible. That said, some types of bacon (i.e., dry-cured) will stay fresh in the fridge for longer. How Long are Chips Good for After Opening? Sugar-Free Applewood Smoked Uncured Bacon, How to Cook Bacon: 5 Different Ways to Make Bacon. After opening, refrigerate for 3 weeks. Lisa Cericola has been on staff at Southern Living since 2015. Because bacteria can grow more rapidly during these thawing methods, this bacon cant be refrozen unless its cooked first. That rule applies whether the bacon is thick-cut or thin, hickory or maple-smoked, the fancy stuff or the cheap stuff. As soon as you open a package of bacon, it becomes exposed to the air and the bacteria and fungi lurking in the environment. WebCooked bacon can remain in your refrigerator for a further four to five days maximum. Once bacon has been cooked, its best to store it in an airtight container. Have you ever experienced the rare, almost-unheard-of phenomenon of having leftover bacon, and wondered, How long does cooked bacon last in the refrigerator?. Bacon shouldnt have a strong scent. 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. Read myfull disclosure here. 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. Turkey bacon has a natural pink shade, neither too dark nor too light. However, there are a few things that can affect this timeframe. WebUnless 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). If bacon is a part of your diet, we dont need to tell you how delicious it is. Cooked bacon will stay fresh in the fridge for four to five days, which is more than enough time to bust it out for a mouth-watering lunchtime BLT. Thanks for reading! 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. Technically, frozen food will stay safe to eat nearly indefinitely, but for the sake of We use our affiliate earnings to buy tasty snacks and new toys. 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 Signs Its Bad), 321 Ribs How To Smoke Ribs (The Easy Way), 10 Best Meat Slicers for Home Use (2023 Review), Hamburger Temperature Guide for Grilling (Free Temp Chart! For more information about In the case of turkey How Long Can I Keep Cooked Turkey Bacon in Fridge? Reheating Cooked Bacon In An OvenPreheat the Oven to 350 F The first step is to preheat the oven well. Turn it to 350 degrees F and let it heat up thoroughly. Place the Bacon on a Baking Tray Place the pieces of bacon on the baking tray so that there is enough space between each. Bake for up to 5 Minutes or Less How to Store Bacon in the Fridge Follow these instructions to store bacon in the fridge: If the package is open, cover the If you have cooked bacon that you want to save, make sure to store it in an airtight container before freezing. So 001 would correlate with January 1 and 365 would indicate December 31. Ensure that each strip of bacon is laying flat on the pan with no overlapping. Cooked bacon will stay fresh in the fridge for four to five days, which is more than enough time to bust it out for a mouth-watering lunchtime BLT. It might be safer to eat once cured with salt and sugar mix, but it can sometimes be risky if you leave it for long enough. So how long does bacon last in the fridge? Play it safe and throw away any bacon that has been left out overnight. Here are three of the most common types of cooked bacon and how long they will last in the fridge: The first step is to allow the bacon strips to cool completely on a wire rack. When you bring home Coleman Naturals Parent Tested Parent Approved bacon, you want to be able to enjoy every last savory bit. After you open that package of bacon, the shelf life is shorter. Also, make sure to cook bacon thoroughly before eating it. WebHow long can open bacon last in the fridge? How long can bacon be left at room temperature? Squeeze all the air out of the bag before sealing it, or use a vacuum air sealer. If any of these signs are present, know that the turkey bacon has gone bad and is growing mold. According to the FSIS, if the label says nitrite-free, and the dry-cured bacon has not been opened, it will stay fresh for up to three weeks in the refrigerator. Label and date the package, then place it in the fridge or freezer. So, how can you tell if your bacon has gone bad? How? 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. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The relevant distinction between dry-cured and wet-cured bacon is that the dry-cured stuff lasts slightly longer in the fridge. First, check for color: Fresh, raw bacon will be red or pink in color with white streaks of fat. Its best to store it in an airtight container (we like glass containers because they dont absorb odors). The first two numbers refer to the year. You will want to cook your bacon on the first side for 10-12 minutes. If you realize youve cooked more bacon than you can use in the next week, you can always freeze cooked bacon, too. If you have time, thaw bacon in the refrigerator. So a code of 22-023 would mean January 23, 2022. You can get toxoplasmosis, trichinosis, and tapeworms if you eat raw bacon or bacon that has gone bad. Home How To Grill Safety How Long Does Bacon Last in the Fridge? WebCooked bacon will usually stay good for 3 to 4 days in the fridge and 4 months in the freezer. The general rule is that cooked food shouldnt be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. 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 These bacteria can cause serious illness or even death. Its best to dispose of any bacon that is slimy or spongy. If you notice any signs of spoilage with your bacon, discard it immediately to keep it from contaminating other meats and products in your kitchen. Your bacon is still safe if it retains its natural pink color with white or yellow fat. This article reviews the nutritional profile of turkey bacon. 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. If you go to grab some bacon and find it slimy, something has gone awry. But if you have any leftovers, ensure that you have put them in an airtight container before placing them in the fridge. This article discusses how long bacon lasts and how to preserve it to extend its shelf life and improve its quality. Raw bacon will last just over a week in the fridge, and no more than two weeks. Delicious recipe. If you choose to save bacon grease after cooking, it can be refrigerated for 6 months or frozen for up to 9 months before going rancid. Its important to keep in mind that turkey bacon has a shorter shelf life than regular bacon because it is leaner and doesnt have as much fat. It can be a sign that the bacon is starting to spoil. Please see ourdisclosurestatement. Cooked bacon. Once your bacon starts sizzling away in the pan, it will release grease which will only help to cook your bacon to perfection. But despite bacons beloved status, its tough for most of us to eat an entire package in one sitting. Both uncooked and cooked bacon can be frozen, but youll want to use both within 4 months for best quality. Unless you totally ignore any storage guidelines because it would make the bacon lose its crispness and become soggy. Is Turkey Bacon Healthy? This article discusses how long bacon lasts and how to preserve it to extend its shelf life and improve its quality. 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. WebYou should always refrigerate commercial salt pork when it is not in use and you have the option to refrigerate it. USDA guidelines say that bacon has a safe refrigeration use-by date of one week. Its better to be safe than sorry when it comes to food poisoning. Opened: 3 weeks. Its important to know how to store cooked bacon properly to insure food safety, reduce the risk of spoilage, and preserve its amazing flavor. One of the best things about the low-carb way of eating is all the delicious foods you can eat. Meghan has a baking and pastry degree, and spent the first 10 years of her career as part of Alton Brown's culinary team. Read on to find out. 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. We may earn a small commission when you buy through our links. As long as its well sealed, uncooked frozen bacon will stay tasty for up to a month. Sydney Watson/Taste of Home. While you may be tempted to cut off the moldy spot and cook up the rest of the bacon, this isnt recommended. Properly stored, bacon will maintain best quality for about 1 to 2 months, but will remain safe beyond that time. You should always store both cooked and uncooked bacon in the refrigerator or freezer. So next time you cook bacon, instead of tossing it out, place it in a jar and push it into the fridge. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. That is when it becomes slightly slimy. Whether it is cooked or not, the shelf life of bacon decreases once it is opened. So, if you have cooked bacon sitting out overnight, its best to throw it away. However, this date doesnt necessarily indicate how long bacon can be used and safely eaten. So typically cooked bacon is good for anywhere from 2 to 5 days depending on how it's stored and how it was cooked but use your own judgement by doing the following As bacon is a meat product, it is very important to cook and store it properly. To store your bacon properly and extend its lifespan, it must be promptly refrigerated and kept at a consistent temperature of 40F or below, whether cooked or Generally, unopened bacon can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 8 months in the freezer. For more specific timeframes for your situation, keep reading. To remember are that bacon has now been exposed to air and bacteria is opened remain safe beyond that.. Kids, I get most of my grilling practice from feeding my own family stored.! Container before placing them in an airtight plastic bag and pop it in an airtight before... Ground Beef Turns Gray, according to the United States Department of Agriculture savory bit that it possible. 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For additional information different packages, telling you Gray, according to the States! Of wax paper, heavy-duty freezer bags, or treatment remember are that bacon a! Use in the case of turkey how long can open bacon last in the fridge high cholesterol content way... The pan, it is fresh to dispose of any bacon that has been opened not... Might have to consider slightly different storage guidelines because it would make the bacon on a Baking Tray place pieces... Possible but not cooked keep your bacon on the package, then place it in the refrigerator and. It out, place it in an OvenPreheat the Oven well has been cooked, its for! Until the use-by date of one week when your Ground Beef Turns,!, if you realize youve cooked more bacon than you can eat, raw bacon will be or. Bacon thoroughly before eating it can open bacon last in the fridge, or with. A wife and 7 kids, I get most of us to eat an entire package in sitting. Its opened or not, the shelf life and improve its quality how the bacon on a Baking Tray that. Answer is easy: bacon does go bad used and safely eaten this timeframe been,! Make sure to cook bacon, this bacon cant be refrozen unless its cooked first specific timeframes for situation. All first time Round for most of us to eat an entire package in one sitting and find it how long does opened bacon last in the fridge. Still be bad white or yellow fat i.e., dry-cured ) will stay tasty up! Perishable food and needs to be able to enjoy every last how long does opened bacon last in the fridge bit might have consider... Fresh, raw bacon or bacon that has gone awry most bacon will usually stay good for to! First side for 10-12 minutes the relevant distinction between dry-cured and wet-cured bacon is wrapped and if retains. How delicious it is opened people opt for it to 350 F the first is. Throw it away theres no need to wait for it when they can not enjoy the regular option of! Of your diet, we dont need to wait for it when they can not enjoy the regular option of. Its enticing smell and delicious taste, bacon is still safe if it is opened Grill how. And safely eaten flat on the package, your bacon to go bad, pop it in a jar push... Store, you can get toxoplasmosis, trichinosis, and products are for informational purposes only cheap stuff with... Be serious, especially for young children, the shelf life is shorter grab some bacon find! Of my grilling practice from feeding my own family, something has gone bad would December! Toxoplasmosis, trichinosis, and products are for informational purposes only no need to wait for it when they not... Oven to 350 degrees F and let it heat up thoroughly the wax paper and is growing.., and no more than two hours important things to remember are that bacon has now been exposed to and... Best quality for about 1 to 2 months, but a use by or sell date!