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. Hi, I'm Eliza! Raw bacon will last just over a week in the fridge, and no more than two weeks. up to 1 week. Related Questions Does unopened turkey bacon go bad? For the best flavor, plan to use it in a day or two. Keep frozen bacon in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. Generally, unopened bacon can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 8 months in the freezer. Therefore, you have to consider its smell, appearance, and texture to decide if it has already gone bad. However, once you open the package, you should consume it within a week. If cooked and the packaging is unopened, it will last roughly three to four days. How to tell if bacon is bad? Freezer. Storing bacon in the refrigerator or freezer by wrapping it properly or placing it in an airtight container can help maximize its shelf life. This post may contain affiliate links. If you cant use your bacon in time, pop it into the freezer. Its not worth the risk of getting sick. In other words, if you dont treat your bacon right to begin with, it will go bad in the blink of an eye. I've tried just about every type of grill, accessory, and gadget you can imagine. Opened: 3 weeks. This article tells you whether you can eat raw bacon. Whether cooking for yourself or feeding a large crowd, bacon is always a good choice. In most cases, it stays good in the freezer for up to eight months if it is raw and unopened. 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 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. Frozen, cooked bacon will keep its delicious flavor and texture for about a month. What to Serve with Brussels Sprouts and Bacon 20 Great Recipes. Leftover cooked bacon lasts 4 to 5 days in the fridge. While you may be tempted to cut off the moldy spot and cook up the rest of the bacon, this isnt recommended. This salty indulgence tastes divine whether it is served up alongside scrambled eggs, sprinkled on a salad, or stuffed in a sandwich. Corn and Bacon Chowder can be a quick weeknight meal and Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potatoes are the perfect snacks for football watching or movie nights. For starters, be sure to refrigerate or freeze it directly after use. But, the most difficult part of switching to turkey bacon is learning to appreciate the subtle flavor distinctions. If youre met with a sour or sulfuric odor, your bacon has gone bad. If it doesnt have a date, you can generally count on about 2 weeks from when you leave the grocery store. 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. Uncooked bacon can be stored for up to a week in the fridge, but cooked bacon will keep for no more than 4-5 days, even if stored properly. It will solidify in the fridge, making it easy to scoop and portion. 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. But if you have any leftovers, ensure that you have put them in an airtight container before placing them in the fridge. However, there are a few things that can affect this timeframe. Certain varieties of bacon may also have a different shelf life. There is nothing better than a bacon sandwich with lots of butter on a Sunday morning, eating bacon cheese burgers, or sprucing up a meal like pasta with some crispy & salty bacon, in my opinion. In general, bacon is safe to eat for one week after opening as long as you place it in a plastic bag or another airtight container. Conclusion According to the blog post, chips are generally good for about two weeks after they are opened. After opening, refrigerate for 3 weeks. Unsliced slabs of bacon can also be wrapped with foil or placed in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for a few weeks at a time. How long does an opened package of bacon last in the refrigerator? WebHow long does it last? All dates are created with the assumption that bacon is properly vacuum sealed and stored. 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. This article looks at the nutritional profile of Spam, telling you. If you prefer crispy bacon, then cook a little longer in the pan. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and throw it away. Uncured bacon is not a thing: In reality, all bacon has been cured using one of the methods described above. After that, the quality of the bacon will start to decline, and it will become more susceptible to bacteria growth. We use our affiliate earnings to buy tasty snacks and new toys. Meanwhile, cooked bacon should be separated into small portions and wrapped with paper towels prior to freezing. Previously, she was the features editor at Food Network Magazine and has more than 15 years of experience writing, editing, and managing photo shoots for print and digital lifestyle brands. That means that it doesnt last forever and needs to be stored properly if you want to keep it fresh. Copyright The Grilling Dad 2023 The first two numbers refer to the year. Well, it is possible but not always recommended. If you notice your bacon feels slimy, its almost certainly been colonized by bacteria. Protein. WebOnce opened, bacon can last in the fridge for up 7 to 10 days the sell by date might expire in that period, but if stored correctly, it will still be safe to use. We love cooking bacon in the oven, and we also sometimes cook it on the grill or make bacon in the pellet smoker. However, its shelf life extends up to 6 to 8 months if you store it in the freezer. The USDA has created guidelines to help consumers understand how long food lasts in the fridge. Can you cook fried chicken in bacon grease? After you open that package of bacon, the shelf life is shorter. Just make sure to thaw and cook the bacon thoroughly before eating it. Or perhaps you find yourself buying a bit more than your family can eat. Cooked bacon. Once youve opened and cooked bacon, it can last for five to seven days in the refrigerator. Cooked bacon thats past its prime will have a rancid smell, and it will lose its crisp texture and become soft and sticky. If youre guessing this means its time to toss your bacon, youre right! If youre looking for a tasty and healthy breakfast, lunch, or dinner option thats quick to make and easy on the budget, then bacon may be your answer. Now that another slice of bacon and place it over the first one. We like using resealable bagsespecially if you used the sheet pan freezing method abovebecause it allows you to pull out a strip or two and toss the rest of the bag back in the freezer. USDA guidelines say that bacon has a safe refrigeration use-by date of one week. Nitrate-free may be a new term for some people when it comes to bacon. 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. When you bring home Coleman Naturals Parent Tested Parent Approved bacon, you want to be able to enjoy every last savory bit. Coleman Natural Bacon is Parent Tested Parent Approved. Bacon that has gone bad will often have an odor. This brings us to all kinds of questions: How long does bacon last in the fridge? In the case of turkey bacon, there is a seven-day refrigeration window once it has been opened. (FYI: Per the Washington Post, theres no evidence that dry-cured bacon is any healthier or has less nitrite than mass-produced bacon.). There are a couple of ways that you can safely cook your bacon. Here is a step-by-step process to freeze turkey bacon correctly: It is okay to put an already opened package of turkey bacon in the fridge if you know you will use it in a few days. Turkey bacon can last a few days in the fridge after opening. Some people love Spam, while others dismiss it as an unappetizing mystery meat. Its important to remember that bacon is a perishable product and needs to be handled properly to reduce the risk of food poisoning. 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. How Long Does Cooked Beef Last in the Fridge? And if you're in need of some recipe inspiration, I recommend these Bacon Pancakes. If any of these signs are present, know that the turkey bacon has gone bad and is growing mold. Confused? It will kill any harmful bacteria that may have grown while the bacon was frozen. Be prepared to discard it. Before you purchase bacon, glance over the package to make sure its well sealed and doesnt show any indicators of spoilage. The last three digits refer to the day of the year. Unopened packages of bacon can be tossed straight into the freezer, but keep in mind that youll have to thaw the entire package at once. What is the Difference Between Cured & Uncured Bacon? However, improper storage can cause turkey bacon to spoil. You should always store both cooked and uncooked bacon in the refrigerator or freezer. Cooked bacon that has been properly stored has a shorter shelf life, and it can generally last 45 days in the refrigerator and up to a month in the freezer. When it comes to cooked bacon, safety is always the top priority. Store it in a mason jar or bacon grease container and keep it in the refrigerator. Then cook up some fresh, tasty bacon and enjoy its incomparable flavor! Uncooked bacon that has been opened should be wrapped in tin foil or stored in an airtight container to maximize freshness before placing it in the refrigerator or freezer. 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. 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. The exact answer to that question depends to a large extent on storage conditions - keep bacon refrigerated at all times. Therefore, it is time to simply toss it. If you start to see any gray discoloration then your bacon is no longer safe to cook or consume, your bacon has gone bad. This is enough time for you to be able to add your bacon to several meals throughout the week. If you ask me, bacon is one of lifes greatest gifts, don't you think? If air has entered into the package, the spoiling process has already started. Precooked bacon (offered refrigerated, unopened) Use-by + 5 7 days. Bacon is a popular breakfast item, but you may wonder if you can eat it raw. What About Dry-Cured Bacon? 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. WebIn the fridge, cooked bacon will last 4-5 days. In these conditions, the Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) says that raw bacon will remain fresh for seven daysbut the trick is knowing when to start counting. Once again, this discoloration indicates bacteria and/or fungi have colonized your bacon. Hard or dry sausage (such as pepperoni and Genoa salami), whole and unopened, can be stored indefinitely in the refrigerator or for up to six weeks in the pantry. Technically, frozen food will stay safe to eat nearly indefinitely, but for the sake of Bacon grease will last for about 3 months in your fridge (so start dreaming up those bacon grease recipes!) So next time you cook bacon, instead of tossing it out, place it in a jar and push it into the fridge. WebCooked bacon that has been stored properly also has a shorter shelf life and can generally last around 45 days in the refrigerator and up to 1 month in the f Taste of Home is America's #1 cooking magazine. 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. Uncooked beef, veal, pork, and lamb WebAfter cooking bacon, you can store it in the fridge safely for approximately five to seven days. But, keep in mind that there is a possibility that bacon goes bad much earlier than this. Therefore, when in doubt, you should also make sure to look for other signs your bacon has passed its prime. 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). When spoiled, the signature red hue of your bacon may start to become dull and fade into a grey, brown, or greenish color. Throwing away bacon grease is one of the most common mistakes people make when cooking bacon. All meat, including bacon, can go bad if not stored or cooked properly. She co-hosts a weekly podcast about food and family called Didn't I Just Feed You. How long can bacon be left at room temperature? However, understand that the shelf life of turkey bacon would change when you store it opened vs. unopened. So a code of 22-023 would mean January 23, 2022. Thank you for sharing that with me!! If your cooked bacon isnt stored in a tightly sealed way, then it may reduce the number of days it is safe for consumption. But it also increases the risk of your turkey bacon becoming contaminated with bacteria. The Salty, Crunchy Truth, Pork 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Effects, 6 Indulgent Foods That Are Low-Carb Friendly. However, this date doesnt necessarily indicate how long bacon can be used and safely eaten. 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. In fact, so many people opt for it when they cannot enjoy the regular option because of its high cholesterol content. WebYou should always refrigerate commercial salt pork when it is not in use and you have the option to refrigerate it. We will also tell you how to tell if bacon has gone bad and what the signs of spoilage are. Usually, you can get good results if you go with plastic wrap and secure it tightly before leaving it in your refrigerator. If the bacon smells off, looks shriveled, or has any visible signs of mold or spoilage, you should discard it. Bonus: If youre buying dry-cured, slab bacon from a local butcher, your (untouched) hunk of meat will be safe to eat for anywhere from four to six weeks in the fridge. Its best to dispose of any bacon that is slimy or spongy. Delicious recipe. After opening, youll want to use it within 5 to 14 days, depending on the package specifications. Its fantastic with breakfast, but its equally good when chopped up on a salad, draped over chicken on a sandwich or tossed with vegetables for a side dish. You can keep bacon in the refrigerator at 40 F or below for one week. When it comes to how long this type of cooked bacon will last in the fridge, three to four days should be the limit. Even if youve bought fresh bacon and stored it properly, it wont last forever. Cooked bacon will only last up It does not matter if you cook the bacon or not, its shelf life will decrease as soon as you open the package. By storing it this way, you can expect your thick-cut bacon to last for up to 5 days in the fridge. Unopened: 3 To make this happen, be sure you store your bacon 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 raw. But, first, lets answer the question of how long cooked bacon lasts in the refrigerator. There are instances when spoiled turkey bacon is so obviously off that you can trash it without even trying to touch it. So, if you have cooked bacon sitting out overnight, its best to throw it away. Cooked bacon can be kept in the fridge for four to five days; raw bacon can be kept in the fridge for one to a week after opening and re-sealing. So give your bacon a good once-over if youre unsure about its freshness. Editor: According to the USDA, fresh or thawed bacon should be used within 7 days. Once youve opened and cooked bacon, it can last for five to seven days in the refrigerator. Meanwhile, bacon that has been opened but not cooked Yes! Its best to store it in an airtight container (we like glass containers because they dont absorb odors). If you intend on storing bacon grease and fat, it lasts over 6 months in the refrigerator, and between 8 and 9 months when frozen. To do this, follow our super-simple steps above which will guide you through the perfect steps to cook delicious, crispy bacon. Cooked bacon can be used to flavor so many tasty dishes. However, some people say that it can even last up to 14 days past its expiration date when stored in your fridge. Play it safe and throw away any bacon that has been left out overnight. It is not safe to eat bacon that has been left out overnight. 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. Cooked bacon has the shortest lifespan of them all. So 001 would correlate with January 1 and 365 would indicate December 31. How Long Can Cooked Bacon Stay in the Fridge? 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