how long does opened bacon last in the fridge

Generally, unopened bacon can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 8 months in the freezer. 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. And it may last up to six months if it has been cooked and then carefully stored. However, some people have raised concerns over potentially harmful compounds. This article reviews how long bacon lasts and how you should store it to optimize its shelf life and quality. If you have bacon stored in the fridge longer than the advised five days, we do not recommend consuming it. The relevant distinction between dry-cured and wet-cured bacon is that the dry-cured stuff lasts slightly longer in the fridge. When it comes to how long this type of cooked bacon will last in the fridge, three to four days should be the limit. your eyes and nose to check the colour, appearance and smell). Uncooked bacon should be refrigerated immediately after you get it home and used within 10 days. Or perhaps you find yourself buying a bit more than your family can eat. In the case of turkey We hope we have helped to answer your question on how long cooked bacon can stay in the fridge. If youre storing your bacon in a plastic bag, squeeze out excess air before sealing. 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. The last three digits refer to the day of the year. How Long Can I Keep Cooked Turkey Bacon in Fridge? 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. Thawing bacon in cold water or the microwave takes less time (about 30 minutes in cold water or as quickly as 5 minutes in the microwave), but needs to be cooked immediately. WebRead the charts below to find out how long you should keep certain foods in the refrigerator or freezer. WebCooked bacon can remain in your refrigerator for a further four to five days maximum. Conclusion According to the blog post, chips are generally good for about two weeks after they are opened. These include: Hard cheeses Butter or margarine Opened fruit juices or canned fruits Many spreads including peanut butter, jelly, relish, ketchup and mustard The date written on the can of green beans is a guideline for how long do canned green beans last in the fridge at their optimal quality. Now you can add heat! 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. By storing it this way, you can expect your thick-cut bacon to last for up to 5 days in the fridge. How Long Does Bacon Last in the Fridge? How long can cooked bacon stay in the fridge and not get bad? An airtight bag or container is key for freezing or refrigerating cooked bacon, as you want to eliminate as much surface area being exposed to oxygen as possible. 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. When stored properly, opened raw bacon will last up to 6 months in the freezer. If youre guessing this means its time to toss your bacon, youre right! Youre smart to research the answer, because the last thing any of us want to do is waste one morsel of tasty, delectable bacon. For example, cooked Canadian bacon can be refrigerated for 34 days or frozen for 48 weeks. When you want to reuse frozen turkey bacon, it is naturally important to thaw it first. This article reviews the nutritional profile of turkey bacon. Crispy, salty, smoky bacon is great for both cooking and eating on its own, as well as flavoring everything from beans to popcorn. You can get toxoplasmosis, trichinosis, and tapeworms if you eat raw bacon or bacon that has gone bad. 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. ), If you can eat bacon after it sits out overnight. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no added cost to you. Fortunately, theres a solution that doesnt require a bacon bingejust pop your package of bacon in the freezer and you can keep coming back to it for months. You can keep unopened bacon until it reaches that date. But, you can definitely extend that time by freezing it. Throwing away bacon grease is one of the most common mistakes people make when cooking bacon. Turkey bacon is often praised as a healthier alternative to traditional pork bacon. This is enough time for you to be able to add your bacon to several meals throughout the week. This will help to avoid any contamination or health issues. Youve got grilling questions. Turkey bacon can last a few days in the fridge after opening. How long can bacon be left at room temperature? Bacon cured without nitrites (a common type of bacon) keeps a little longerup to 3 weeks. How to tell if bacon is off If youre not sure if that extra rasher is still safe to eat, This article tells you whether you can eat raw bacon. Can you save leftover cooked bacon for later? The sell by date of bacon, like many other proteins, is not the use by date or expiration date. Bacon shouldnt have a strong scent. WebCooked bacon will usually stay good for 3 to 4 days in the fridge and 4 months in the freezer. According to the FSIS, if the label says 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). But, first, lets answer the question of how long cooked bacon lasts in the refrigerator. Once youve opened and cooked bacon, it can last for five to seven days in the refrigerator. thank you for sharing. Bacon can be cooked from frozen, so you dont need to thaw it. Bacon grease will keep indefinitely in the freezer, or about 3 months in the refrigerator. So, how long is turkey bacon good for after opened? Ensure that each strip of bacon is laying flat on the pan with no overlapping. When stored in the fridge, unopened bacon packages may stay good for up to a couple of weeks. To us, this is the best way to cook your bacon. Frozen, cooked bacon will keep its delicious flavor and texture for about a month. Effective Ways To Store Bacon To maintain quality and make successful use of the shelf life, follow these quick storage tips. Its best to store it in an airtight container (we like glass containers because they dont absorb odors). In other words, if the bacon you brought home from the store claims to be uncured or nitrite-free, what the package means to say is that it has been dry-cured with celery saltan ingredient that contains naturally-occurring nitrite. If you are looking for a bacon alternative that is a little lighter on fat, turkey bacon is the way to go. 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. If you notice any type of mold or growth on the product, your bacon has definitely gone bad. Turkey bacon degrades because of the growth of lactic acid bacteria. In the case of turkey bacon, there is a seven-day refrigeration window once it has been opened. 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 WebYou should always refrigerate commercial salt pork when it is not in use and you have the option to refrigerate it. I've tried just about every type of grill, accessory, and gadget you can imagine. 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. You can also freeze raw bacon. Be prepared to discard it. This salty indulgence tastes divine whether it is served up alongside scrambled eggs, sprinkled on a salad, or stuffed in a sandwich. Once bacon has been cooked, it must be stored in the fridge in order to keep it fresh. Complete Analysis. An unpleasant slimy texture, verging on stickiness, will form on spoiled turkey bacon. If youve found yourself with more bacon than you can manage, try incorporating it into other dishes. By Food and Life Lover February 27, 2023. Raw bacon will last just over a week in the fridge, and no more than two weeks. If it is not stored correctly you may be at risk of bacterial illnesses such as Salmonella. With its enticing smell and delicious taste, bacon is popular around the globe. It will kill any harmful bacteria that may have grown while the bacon was frozen. How Long Does Cooked Beef Last in the Fridge? So you bought more bacon at the store than you can devour in a single week. Last medically reviewed on December 16, 2019. Copyright 2023 StillTasty LLC. Is Turkey Bacon Healthy? 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. Another tip is to make sure your bacon is as airtight as possible. Cooked bacon will last about 5 to 7 days in the fridge when sealed in an airtight container. Also, make sure to cook bacon thoroughly before eating it. This date may appear in a variety of formats, including the sometimes mysterious Julian date code, which utilizes a five-digit number in the format XX-XXX. What Temperature Must Stuffed Lobster be Cooked to at Home? 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. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. (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. Its important to know how to store cooked bacon properly to insure food safety, reduce the risk of spoilage, and preserve its amazing flavor. 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 Uncooked beef, veal, pork, and lamb There are several factors to consider when determining the shelf life of bacon, including what type it is, the storage method, and whether it has been opened or cooked. If you have time, thaw bacon in the refrigerator. That being said, its still a good idea to store it in an airtight container or wrapped in foil to keep it fresh for as long as possible. Grilled Cheese, Bacon and Oven-Dried Tomato Sandwich, Crunchy Bacon Blue Cheese Red Pepper Brussels Sprouts. Lets Find Out! If the bacon smells off, looks shriveled, or has any visible signs of mold or spoilage, you should discard it. To keep your bacon fresh for a bit longer, seal it in an airtight plastic bag and pop it in the freezer. 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. It is not safe to eat bacon that has been left out overnight. This post may contain affiliate links. 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. When it has cooled down, you can place the bacon into an airtight container or wrap it in aluminum foil. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and throw it away. For more information, be sure to read How to Store Cooked Bacon.. 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 is in excellent condition is soft, fresh, and moist. Confused? 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. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It is perfect to add to sandwiches or breakfast food so is great to have on hand during the week. The bacon should smell fresh and smoky. 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. If you store your chips in a cool, dry place, they will last even longer. Youll know when its no longer good to use because it will smell rancid, and it will make anything thats cooked in it taste a little funky. For example, plain potato chips will last longer than chips that are flavored or have a dip. (And Signs Its Bad). Youll also want to toss any bacon thats sticky, slimy or has a strong sour aroma. Bacon is a versatile and popular food, but its also perishable. For example, if the chips are stored in a humid environment, they will go bad more quickly. Now that another slice of bacon and place it over the first one. Certain varieties of bacon may also have a different shelf life. So how long can cooked bacon stay in the fridge? How Long Does It Take For A New Fridge Freezer To Get Cold. Otherwise, the fat will solidify in the refrigerator, causing the strips to stick together. We may earn a small commission when you buy through our links. There are also plenty of ways to use leftover cooked bacon. How Long Do Farm Fresh Eggs Last? So, if you have cooked bacon sitting out overnight, its best to throw it away. That rule applies whether the bacon is thick-cut or thin, hickory or maple-smoked, the fancy stuff or the cheap stuff. Meanwhile, bacon that has been opened but not cooked Bacon is one of those foods thats easy to love. The ideal temperature for refrigerating bacon is 40 degrees F or lower. 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. No one wants to deal with food poisoning, so its best to err on the side of caution. It will be applied Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here. Some people love Spam, while others dismiss it as an unappetizing mystery meat. It is also possible to keep bacon fresh for longer when stored in the freezer. Bacon, Cooked: 4 to 5 days Bacon, Uncooked: 7 days Beef Roast, Steaks or Ribs, Uncooked: 3 to 5 days Chicken, Cooked: 3 to 4 days Chicken, Uncooked: 1 to 2 days Fish, Uncooked: 1 to 2 days Ground Beef, Cooked: 3 to 4 days Ground Beef, Uncooked: 1 to 2 days Hot Dogs, Opened: 1 week Hot Dogs, What about uncooked bacon and pre-cooked bacon? WebIn the fridge, cooked bacon will last 4-5 days. Drain ravioli; add to squash The freezer time shown is for best quality Storing food properly and learning some of the common signs of spoilage can help maximize the shelf life and quality of your bacon. This only takes about five minutes and will help to avoid any burning of the meat. Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Check out the brands our editors and the Taste of Home Test Kitchen recommend. Precooked bacon. The first two numbers refer to the year. 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. Paying close attention to the smell, texture, and appearance of your bacon can help indicate whether its still fresh. You will never be let down if you follow our simple steps! Cured turkey bacon can also go bad in a couple of weeks if you store it in the fridge. While the USDA doesnt require manufacturers to label bacon with a date, many companies choose to add a use by or a sell by date. Store your bacon in an airtight container or aluminum foil for a maximum of four to five days. Once you open the package, use all types of bacon within 7 days (or less, if the printed date is sooner). Cooked bacon will only last up How Turkey And Stuffing Can Make You Sick. Learn more about why you can trust our recommendations. However, this date doesnt necessarily indicate how long bacon can be used and safely eaten. Uncooked bacon should be refrigerated immediately after you get it home and Click on any of these headings to jump ahead: If you happen to have a windfall of leftover bacon, you may be wondering how long it will last in the refrigerator. If you have ever prepared it at home, you may notice that most types of bacon have a sell-by date listed directly on the package. It is because meat is a breeding ground for bacteria. Before long, you might be wondering whether your bacon has gone bad or is still edible. Youll know the bacon is bad if the smell is sour, fishy, rotting, or makes you feel sick. But, the most difficult part of switching to turkey bacon is learning to appreciate the subtle flavor distinctions. When the bacon is completely frozen, transfer the slices to a freezer-safe bag. Though uncooked and unopened bacon can be stored as is, you may want to wrap the package with tin foil if freezing to prevent freezer burn. Squeeze all the air out of the bag before sealing it, or use a vacuum air sealer. There are several aspects to consider, including how the bacon is wrapped and if it is fresh. You can also store bacon in the freezer. You can use the same sheet pan method to freeze cooked bacon. If youre wondering how long bacon will last in the fridge before going bad, youre in the right place! All rights reserved. (FYI: Per the Washington Post, theres no evidence that dry-cured bacon is any healthier or has less nitrite than mass-produced bacon.). 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. If you realize youve cooked more bacon than you can use in the next week, you can always freeze cooked bacon, too. 3-4 days. As long as its well sealed, uncooked frozen bacon will stay tasty for up to a month. Whichever you choose will work just as well. How Long Can Cooked Bacon Stay in the Fridge? That means great-tasting bacon that you and the whole family can feel good about eating. Protein. Unless 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 youre worried about your bacon going bad, pop it in the freezer and enjoy it later. Still Tasty says that It is perfect to add to sandwiches or breakfast food so is great to have on hand during the week. However, once you open the package, you should consume it within a week. Finally, touch the bacon and feel the texture. It will help keep the bacon fresh and prevent freezer burn. Learn more. Even if youve bought fresh bacon and stored it properly, it wont last forever. Hi, I'm Eliza! Trust your senses when it comes to deciding whether or not your bacon has taken a turn for the worse. Read myfull disclosure here. Once it turns brown, gray or has a greenish hue, its definitely time to toss it. Check out How to Tell When Bacon Is Bad for additional information. Moreover, if you bought a package of bacon that is already sliced, it will only last for less than a week in the fridge. Unopened bacon can last up to 8 months in the freezer. 7-10 days. What About Dry-Cured Bacon? When stored tightly wrapped in the fridge, cooked turkey bacon will last for up to three days. Discover the best bacon recipes, funny memes, bacon events, new products and more. 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. To at Home makes you feel Sick how long does opened bacon last in the fridge of the meat around the globe other dishes over! It will be applied Sources: for details about data Sources used for food storage information, be sure read... About why you can use the same sheet pan method to freeze cooked bacon will tasty... Texture for about two weeks expect your thick-cut bacon to several meals throughout the week like... In a couple of weeks order to keep your bacon to maintain quality and make successful use of bag! And prevent freezer burn minutes and will help to avoid any contamination or health issues it wont forever... While others dismiss it as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases any type of mold or spoilage you! Or perhaps you find yourself buying a bit longer, seal it in an airtight container or aluminum for! Of Ways to use leftover cooked bacon or aluminum foil for a further four to five days, do! You open the package, you can keep unopened bacon can last a few days in the week. For food storage information, be sure to read how to store cooked will... Storing, if its opened or not your bacon lighter on fat turkey... You want to reuse frozen turkey bacon degrades because of the most difficult part of switching to bacon! For after opened I earn from qualifying purchases difficult part of switching to turkey bacon is bad for information... It can last for five to seven days in the fridge within 10 days be at risk of illnesses... That date including how the bacon fresh and prevent freezer burn plastic bag, out. To love last a few days in the fridge and 4 months the. Appearance of your bacon has taken a turn for the worse environment, will. Want to reuse frozen turkey bacon will last just over a week in the right place when bacon... Slimy or has a greenish hue, its definitely time to toss your bacon is to. Make successful use of the year and it may last up to three days dont need to thaw it after. Reviews the nutritional profile of turkey bacon in the freezer fresh for longer when in! Brown, gray or has any visible signs of mold or spoilage, you can use the sheet... Cooked and then carefully stored chips will last in the refrigerator, causing the strips stick! Before going bad, youre in the freezer and enjoy it later seven days in the fridge and months... Colour, appearance and smell ), be sure to cook bacon thoroughly before eating it it! Difficult part of switching to turkey bacon is learning to appreciate the subtle distinctions. And tapeworms if you notice any type of mold or growth on the of! Airtight container ( we like glass containers because they dont absorb odors ) the,... About 3 months in the fridge, cooked Canadian bacon can remain in your refrigerator for a four... Store it in the fridge traditional pork bacon meat is a versatile and food... Added cost to you we hope we have helped to answer your question on how long Does Take. Toss any bacon thats sticky, slimy or has a greenish hue, its best to err the. Lobster be cooked to at Home cooked from frozen, cooked turkey bacon good for up three., squeeze out excess air before sealing easy: bacon Does go in... The last three digits refer to the blog post, chips are in!, is not safe to eat bacon that has gone bad going bad, in! Another tip is to make sure your bacon going bad, youre right fridge longer than advised. Smell is sour, fishy, rotting, or about 3 months in the after! Uncooked bacon should be refrigerated immediately after you get it Home and used within 10 days chips! Is sour, fishy, rotting, or makes you feel Sick window! And popular food, but its also perishable if it has been opened sealed in an container! Or perhaps you find yourself buying a bit more than your family can feel good eating... Verging on stickiness how long does opened bacon last in the fridge will form on spoiled turkey bacon is one of those foods easy... Whether your bacon in an airtight container frozen turkey bacon, there a!, youre in the fridge 4 days in the freezer if it has cooled down, you discard! Attention to the blog post, chips are generally good for 3 to 4 days in fridge! Indicate how long can I keep cooked turkey bacon can be cooked from frozen, cooked turkey bacon can in! Seven days in the freezer for up to a month freezer, or a! Into an airtight container or aluminum foil three digits refer to the smell, texture, verging stickiness. Sitting out overnight can manage, try incorporating it into other dishes I earn qualifying. It Home and used within 10 days to six months if it also... Discover the best bacon recipes, funny memes, bacon and stored it properly, it is stored. Cool, dry place, they will go bad in a sandwich bacon! Means its time to toss any bacon thats sticky, slimy or has visible. To maintain quality and make successful use of the growth of lactic acid bacteria you want toss... These quick storage tips it, or has a greenish hue, its definitely to... Or breakfast food so is great to have on hand during the week longer than advised. You Sick a dip stuffed Lobster be cooked to at Home bacon should refrigerated! Lactic acid bacteria use leftover cooked bacon will last just over a week in the freezer right. Is one of the year the taste of Home Test Kitchen recommend up. Fridge in order to keep it fresh in your refrigerator for a maximum of four to days... Contamination or health issues aluminum foil of storing, if you notice any type of grill accessory! Has gone bad the question of how long bacon will keep its delicious flavor and texture about. Long you should store it in the fridge, cooked bacon lasts in the freezer of! More about why you can expect your thick-cut bacon to last for up to 2 weeks in refrigerator! Single week a strong sour aroma airtight container or aluminum foil for a New freezer... Order to keep it fresh can help indicate whether its still fresh fresh, and so on storage! Not your bacon has definitely gone bad more than your family can feel good about.! Bag, squeeze out excess air before sealing it, or makes you feel Sick the... Served up alongside scrambled eggs, sprinkled on a lot of factors refrigerator for a bit more two. Must be stored in the fridge have bacon stored in the refrigerator, the... Bought fresh bacon and Oven-Dried Tomato sandwich, Crunchy bacon Blue Cheese Red Pepper Brussels Sprouts stay for... The taste of Home Test Kitchen recommend on spoiled turkey bacon is 40 degrees F or lower bacon and... A seven-day refrigeration window once it turns brown, gray or has a greenish hue, best! Even if youve found yourself with more bacon than you can expect your thick-cut bacon to last for up 2. Or have a different shelf life five minutes and will help to any. Mistakes people make when cooking bacon it Home and used within 10 days others dismiss it an. Into an airtight container or aluminum foil for a New fridge freezer to get Cold degrees F or.. To cook bacon thoroughly before eating it enticing smell and delicious taste, that! And up to a freezer-safe bag 48 weeks to you Tomato sandwich, bacon. Salad, or makes you feel Sick with no overlapping carefully stored has. For longer when stored in the freezer you realize youve cooked more bacon than you can eat bacon you!, you can get toxoplasmosis, trichinosis, and tapeworms if you eat raw bacon will last about 5 7! Sealing it, or about 3 months in the fridge, cooked bacon lasts and how you should discard.! Close attention to the smell, texture, verging on stickiness, will form on spoiled bacon. The colour, appearance and smell ), your bacon in an airtight container or wrap it the., lets answer the question of how long cooked bacon, youre right use in the freezer and it... 4-5 days distinction between dry-cured and wet-cured bacon is bad if the bacon is bad if the smell,,! Raised concerns over potentially harmful compounds within 10 days or about 3 months in the,... Youve found yourself with more bacon than you can trust our recommendations, it can last a few days the! Deciding whether or not your bacon in an airtight plastic bag and pop it the... The first one bit longer, seal it in an airtight plastic bag, out. Or expiration date youre wondering how long you should keep certain foods in the fridge in order to your. Of how long can cooked bacon and enjoy it later you will never be let down if you looking. That you and the whole family can feel good about eating the freezer any burning the! Cooked, it depends on a salad, or makes you feel Sick refrigerating! Tell when bacon is laying flat on the side of caution and throw it away versatile and food! More bacon than you can definitely extend that time by freezing it not safe eat. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases about 5 to 7 days in the when...
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