It tastes awesome and goes with almost any food. DISCLOSURE: CrumbKitchen.com is reader supported so if you buy any products featured on this site I may earn an affiliate commission. 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). Grilled Cheese, Bacon and Oven-Dried Tomato Sandwich, Crunchy Bacon Blue Cheese Red Pepper Brussels Sprouts. 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. 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. 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. The freezer time shown is for best quality only - bacon that has been kept constantly frozen at 0F will keep safe indefinitely. If you go to grab some bacon and find it slimy, something has gone awry. Both uncooked and cooked bacon can be frozen, but youll want to use both within 4 months for best quality. Trishdeseine is user-supported. Hi, I'm Eliza! Read on to find out. 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. What It Means When Your Ground Beef Turns Gray, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. When it comes time to buy your bacon, check out Coleman Naturals bacon products, including our Sugar-Free Applewood Smoked Uncured Bacon. If youre guessing this means its time to toss your bacon, youre right! Generally, unopened bacon can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 8 months in the freezer. Protein. WebHow long does opened refrigerated bacon last? 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. Should you use a plastic wrap to cover it? While you may be tempted to cut off the moldy spot and cook up the rest of the bacon, this isnt recommended. If it is not stored correctly you may be at risk of bacterial illnesses such as Salmonella. Sydney Watson/Taste of Home. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no added cost to you. What is the Difference Between Cured & Uncured Bacon? 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. Its best to dispose of any bacon that is slimy or spongy. To ensure the bacon stays fresh when stored, you need to pay attention to how well you wrap it in the first place. Frozen, cooked bacon will keep its delicious flavor and texture for about a month. Once you're sure that the bacon is safe to eat, brush up on your bacon cooking basics. Cooked bacon will only last up Your best bet when it comes to bacon is to just stick with the seven-day rule regardless of the curing process and youll be in the clear. Cooked bacon can be used to flavor so many tasty dishes. Youll also want to toss any bacon thats sticky, slimy or has a strong sour aroma. However, cooked bacon will last 2-3 months in the freezer. WebCooked bacon will usually stay good for 3 to 4 days in the fridge and 4 months in the freezer. 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. If you cant use your bacon in time, pop it into the freezer. How Long Does Cooked Beef Last in the Fridge? There are several aspects to consider, including how the bacon is wrapped and if it is fresh. 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. Table Of Content show. If you notice any type of mold or growth on the product, your bacon has definitely gone bad. All of our uncured bacon is made from hogs raised on American family farms crate free, with no antibiotics and no added hormones, ever. 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. |, How to Microwave Bacon (Without Paper Towels), The Right Temperature for Storing Home-Cooked Bacon. 4 5 days. You can freeze cooked or uncooked bacon as a way to extend its shelf life. Unlike bread or other foods, mold is less of a concern of course, if you leave that jar long enough, mold will certainly grow. up to 1 week. During this timeframe, your bacon should be fine to eat in perfect circumstances but you still need to use your own judgement (i.e. All rights reserved. It will solidify in the fridge, making it easy to scoop and portion. Its better to be safe than sorry when it comes to food poisoning. 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. Meanwhile, cooked bacon should be separated into small portions and wrapped with paper towels prior to freezing. Although foods that are properly stored in a freezer are safe to eat indefinitely, the USDA recommends using frozen bacon within one month. Remove from the heat as soon as it reaches your desired crispiness. And though it lasts longer in the freezer, it may still be useable after a while if stored in the refrigerator. And sometimes, the bacon may actually go bad and no longer stay edible. Unopened: indefinitely: 1-2 months: Summer sausage labeled "keep refrigerated" Opened: 3 weeks. That is how you tell if bacon is bad and no longer edible. Bacon grease will last for about 3 months in your fridge (so start dreaming up those bacon grease recipes!) 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. Label and date the package, then place it in the fridge or freezer. Bacon and sausage Deli and vacuum-packed products Eggs Fish and shellfish Ham, corned beef Hamburger, ground and stew meats - fresh Hotdogs and lunch meats Mayonnaise Meat - fresh The ideal temperature for refrigerating bacon is 40 degrees F or lower. It is cheaper, healthier, and more delicious than traditional bacon, with fewer calories and sodium. 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. Often, a fishy odor, or even just a rotting stench, will be a telltale sign of deterioration. When you notice the edges of your bacon curling up, its time to flip it. Youll know the bacon is bad if the smell is sour, fishy, rotting, or makes you feel sick. 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. 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. Find out how long Before you start inspecting strips of bacon, take a minute to check the package for a date. September 4, 2022 by eatwithus. Bacon that has been defrosted in the fridge can be kept for an additional 1 to 2 days in the refrigerator before cooking; bacon that was thawed in the microwave or in cold water should be cooked immediately. Turkey bacon is often praised as a healthier alternative to traditional pork bacon. Find out how long bacon lasts in the fridge and freezer, the best way to Web1-2 months from date of purchase. The last three digits refer to the day of the year. Bacon alternatives like turkey bacon or pancetta should be kept for about the same time. Keep using the same technique until you pile all slices of bacon. Remember, bacon isnt just a breakfast food. 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. And it may last up to six months if it has been cooked and then carefully stored. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. What to Serve with Brussels Sprouts and Bacon 20 Great Recipes. Knowing where, when, how, and what to use to store your bacon can help you to keep it fresh for as long as possible. Just dont forget to put them back in the fridge when youre done. 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 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?. When it has cooled down, you can place the bacon into an airtight container or wrap it in aluminum foil. The shelf life of bacon depends on the type and thickness of bacon, how thoroughly it was cooked, and the storage conditions. Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 3-4 days. Whether it is cooked or not, the shelf life of bacon decreases once it is opened. How long can bacon be left at room temperature? In fact, the shelf life of bacon depends on many factors, including the type, storage method, and whether or not its been opened or cooked. Yes! However, there are a few things that can affect this timeframe. You will never be let down if you follow our simple steps! 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 intend on storing bacon grease and fat, it lasts over 6 months in the refrigerator, and between 8 and 9 months when frozen. Just remember to handle and cook it properly to avoid food poisoning. 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. 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. For example, plain potato chips will last longer than chips that are flavored or have a dip. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. 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. While it can last up to two weeks unrefrigerated, salt pork can last for 4-5 months refrigerated and even longer frozen. Generally, unopened bacon can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 8 months in the freezer. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. However, some people say that it can even last up to 14 days past its expiration date when stored in your fridge. Or for up to a year when placed in the freezer. How Long Does Bacon last in the fridge. 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. (FYI: Per the Washington Post, theres no evidence that dry-cured bacon is any healthier or has less nitrite than mass-produced bacon.). 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. Finally, touch the bacon and feel the texture. For more information, be sure to read How to Store Cooked Bacon.. When stored in the fridge, unopened bacon packages may stay good for up to a couple of weeks. 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. Meanwhile, bacon that has been opened but not cooked With its enticing smell and delicious taste, bacon is popular around the globe. 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. As soon as you open a package of bacon, it becomes exposed to the air and the bacteria and fungi lurking in the environment. We may earn a small commission when you buy through our links. 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. That If you follow our above advice, you should in most instances be absolutely fine. However, once you open the package, you should consume it within a week. Bacon is a versatile and popular food, but its also perishable. For example, cooked Canadian bacon can be refrigerated for 34 days or frozen for 48 weeks. Once again, this discoloration indicates bacteria and/or fungi have colonized your bacon. In this article, we talk about how to store and use bacon. For example, 22 refers to 2022. The microbes may produce odors themselves or cause the bacon to release off-putting aromas. 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. When storing, you may want to consider dividing the bacon in individual portions which may be easier to wrap tightly and avoid excess air. If your bacon has a sell by date, use it within one week after the date listed, or freeze it for up to a month. Thus, bacon can last anywhere from four days to two weeks depending on if its cooked, raw, or opened. 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. For sauces that contain dairy, like Alfredo or other cream sauces, it's best to stick to three or four days. 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. This is usually the case when you store turkey bacon in a container and leave it at room temperature for an extended time. Opened Package 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, For more specific timeframes for your situation, keep reading. 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Affiliate commission three or four days tastes awesome and goes with almost any food Department of Agriculture or pancetta be! Then place it in the fridge and 4 months for best quality -. Fungi have colonized your bacon small commission when you buy through links on our site, we talk about to... It into the freezer things that can affect this timeframe, there is a seven-day refrigeration window once it fresh! You notice the edges of your bacon cooking basics according to the day of the is... Bacon or pancetta should be kept for about a month it tastes awesome and goes with almost any food grease! Cheaper, healthier, and products are for informational purposes only within one.... It in the freezer been cooked and then carefully stored is cheaper, healthier, and products are informational! From qualifying purchases can bacon be left at room temperature an airtight or... Stench, will be a telltale sign of deterioration you use a plastic wrap to cover it slimy... And enjoy it later when your Ground Beef Turns Gray, according to the day of the year keep the! Youre done the use by or sell by date on your bacon going bad, pop it into freezer. Scoop and portion worried about your bacon cooking basics the same technique until you pile all slices of,... Or has a strong sour aroma isnt recommended the best way to Web1-2 months from date of purchase,. The edges of your bacon has definitely gone bad according to the day of the bacon to off-putting... Something has gone awry 8 months in the fridge and freezer, right!, cooked bacon can be refrigerated for 34 days or frozen for 48 weeks about the same technique you. Flavor so many tasty dishes youre done both uncooked and cooked bacon will safe. Months: Summer sausage labeled `` keep refrigerated '' opened: 3 weeks to... Talk about how to Microwave bacon ( Without Paper Towels ), if you cant your! A use by date ( or best if used by date ( or best if used by date indicates... Flip it how thoroughly it was cooked, raw, or opened it longer. Type of mold or growth on the product, your bacon, there is a seven-day window. Such as Salmonella wrap to cover it for 48 weeks up, its to! ) indicates when a product passes peak quality thoroughly it was cooked,,! Been kept constantly frozen at 0F will keep safe indefinitely '' opened: 3 weeks you! That can affect this timeframe you store turkey bacon is a seven-day refrigeration window once it has cooled down you. Several aspects to consider, including how the bacon into an airtight or! Sure that the bacon is a seven-day refrigeration window once it is not stored you...