If you start to see any gray discoloration then your bacon is no longer safe to cook or consume, your bacon has gone bad. In the case of turkey According to our research, opened turkey bacon stays well in the fridge for up to 7 days. But, sometimes, it may begin to show signs of spoilage within a week or so. If you realize youve cooked more bacon than you can use in the next week, you can always freeze cooked bacon, too. The cured bacon lasts for several months; If you open it, the uncured bacon will last for only several days in the refrigerator. If you have cooked bacon that you want to save, make sure to store it in an airtight container before freezing. Whether cooking for yourself or feeding a large crowd, bacon is always a good choice. It means the meat has been contaminated with bacteria and should not be eaten. Open, uncooked bacon lasts for about a week when stored in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. 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. So, first things first: pay attention to how it looks from the outside. Bacterial growth in refrigeration slows, but it does not halt. |, How to Microwave Bacon (Without Paper Towels), The Right Temperature for Storing Home-Cooked Bacon. Its best to discard any bacon that smells bad. Cooked 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 freezer. Drain ravioli; add to squash We will also tell you how to tell if bacon has gone bad and what the signs of spoilage are. 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. 1-2 months+. 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. We may earn a small commission when you buy through our links. ), 9 Best Pellet Grills and Smokers for BBQ Mastery, New York Strip vs. Sirloin (Which is Better? 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. In this article, we talk about how to store and use bacon. Therefore, you have to consider its smell, appearance, and texture to decide if it has already gone bad. 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. It is perfect to add to sandwiches or breakfast food so is great to have on hand during the week. 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. WebThat way, I can grab one on my way out the door when I head to work on those days that Im running late. Find out how long bacon lasts in the fridge and freezer, the best way to If stored properly, fresh and cooked green beans will keep for 5-7 days in the refrigerator. Our team has spent hundreds of hours researching products. If it doesnt have a date, you can generally count on about 2 weeks from when you leave the grocery store. So, lets break it down. Before you start inspecting strips of bacon, take a minute to check the package for a date. To us, this is the best way to cook your bacon. Label and date the package, then place it in the fridge or freezer. If bacon is a part of your diet, we dont need to tell you how delicious it is. Remember, bacon isnt just a breakfast food. How long does an opened package of bacon last in the refrigerator? 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. Most people love bacon. If youve found yourself with more bacon than you can manage, try incorporating it into other dishes. So how long does bacon last in the fridge? Now you can add heat! Once it turns brown, gray or has a greenish hue, its definitely time to toss it. TheGrillingDad.com is reader-supported. For example, plain potato chips will last longer than chips that are flavored or have a dip. The freezer time shown is for best quality your eyes and nose to check the colour, appearance and smell). What It Means When Your Ground Beef Turns Gray, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. On the other hand, cooked bacon has different characteristics to look out for if you suspect your bacon may have gone bad. Now, lets get into the real reason why youve come to this post. 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. She's a master of everyday baking, family cooking, and harnessing good light. Both uncooked and cooked bacon can be frozen, but youll want to use both within 4 months for best quality. But if you have any leftovers, ensure that you have put them in an airtight container before placing them in the fridge. If youre unsure what kind of bacon youre working with, just check the label and youll know whether it has been dry-cured or not. That is how you tell if bacon is bad and no longer edible. How Long Can Cooked Bacon Stay in the Fridge? How long is turkey bacon good after opening? Whichever you choose will work just as well. Otherwise, the fat will solidify in the refrigerator, causing the strips to stick together. So whats the difference between the two? We also recommend that if you plan to store your bacon in the fridge that you place layers of wax paper between the slices to prevent them from sticking to one another. Reheat the bacon on a baking sheet in a 350 degree F oven until hot, or in a large skillet over medium heat. Leaving it there for longer than a week may cause your bacon to go 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. Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information. In the case of precooked bacon that is sold unrefrigerated, it lasts for about 1-2 weeks past the best by date as long as it is unopened and is stored in a cool, dry, and dark corner of the pantry. It is perfect to add to sandwiches or breakfast food so is great to have on hand during the week. The first two numbers refer to the year. Just dont forget to put them back in the fridge when youre done. 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. Unopened: 3 After sitting in the refrigerator for a week, you may notice your bacon has taken on a green, gray, or brown hue. 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. Learn what the terms cured and uncured bacon actually mean when you see them in the store. Learn more. Bacon is a popular breakfast item, but you may wonder if you can eat it raw. It will be applied 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. Once opened, the chicken will last three to four days, as well. Find out if you can eat raw bacon. Its best to dispose of any bacon that is slimy or spongy. So how long can cooked bacon stay in the fridge? This is enough time for you to be able to add your bacon to several meals throughout the week. 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, All meat, including bacon, can go bad if not stored or cooked properly. Meanwhile, cooked bacon should be separated into small portions and wrapped with paper towels prior to freezing. While some may say that slime is just water leaking out of bacon, this isnt true. It depends on many factors including how you store it in the first place. If you experience any of these symptoms after eating bacon, its best to go to the hospital to be on the safe side. 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. Probably not what you think. 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. If cooked and the packaging is unopened, it will last roughly three to four days. The exact answer to that question depends to a large extent on storage conditions - keep bacon refrigerated at all times. 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. That means you should toss your bacon rather than risk sickening yourself and your family. Meanwhile, bacon that has been opened but not cooked 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. To do this, follow our super-simple steps above which will guide you through the perfect steps to cook delicious, crispy bacon. If youve already broken the seal and enjoyed a few strips, however, be sure to consume the remaining bacon within seven days of opening the package (regardless of what the sell-by-date says). Unless you totally ignore any storage guidelines because it would make the bacon lose its crispness and become soggy. All dates are created with the assumption that bacon is properly vacuum sealed and stored. Should You Freeze A Casserole Before Or After You Bake It? If the bacon is slimy or spongy, its a sign of spoilage. That said, some types of bacon (i.e., dry-cured) will stay fresh in the fridge for longer. 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. 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 These bacteria can cause serious illness or even death. Complete Analysis. That Next, its time to get cooking. WebHow long does opened refrigerated bacon last? (No judgment.) Generally, unopened bacon can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 8 months in the freezer. Reading the If its left out at room temperature for too long, bacteria will start to grow and can cause food poisoning. If youre worried about your bacon going bad, pop it in the freezer and enjoy it later. The microbes may produce odors themselves or cause the bacon to release off-putting aromas. If you are looking for a bacon alternative that is a little lighter on fat, turkey bacon is the way to go. Most bacon will have a sell by date, but a use by date is not out of the question. Cured turkey bacon can also go bad in a couple of weeks if you store it in the fridge. 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. For example, 22 refers to 2022. With almost a decade of manning the grill and helping over 25,000 aspiring grill masters, you're in great hands! Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. Delicious recipe. If the bacon smells off, looks shriveled, or has any visible signs of mold or spoilage, you should discard it. The shelf life of bacon depends on the type and thickness of bacon, how thoroughly it was cooked, and the storage conditions. How to tell if bacon is bad? These include: Hard cheeses Butter or margarine Opened fruit juices or canned fruits Many spreads including peanut butter, jelly, relish, ketchup and mustard Generally, unopened bacon can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 8 months in the freezer. Therefore, you can expect open bacon to last for about a week in the refrigerator. So next time you cook bacon, instead of tossing it out, place it in a jar and push it into the fridge. Trishdeseine is user-supported. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Cool it completely, and then wrap the tasty strips tightly using the tips above and refrigerate. Read myfull disclosure here. Effective Ways To Store Bacon To maintain quality and make successful use of the shelf life, follow these quick storage tips. How long is turkey bacon good after opening? For more information about storing turkey bacon, be sure to check out How Long Does Turkey Bacon Last?. 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. Nitrate-free may be a new term for some people when it comes to bacon. DISCLOSURE: CrumbKitchen.com is reader supported so if you buy any products featured on this site I may earn an affiliate commission. However, sometimes your bacon might get pushed to the back of the fridge. Meanwhile, bacon that has been opened but not cooked How Long Do Farm Fresh Eggs Last? But, keep in mind that there is a possibility that bacon goes bad much earlier than this. If stored properly in the fridge, you can expect precooked bacon to last for four to five days or even up to seven. So 001 would correlate with January 1 and 365 would indicate December 31. Theres no one answer that fits all when it comes to how long you can store bacon. Coleman Natural Bacon is Parent Tested Parent Approved. In fact, it is not uncommon to see hints of blue or even green among the gray tinge. If you cant use your bacon in time, pop it into the freezer. If youre storing your bacon in a plastic bag, squeeze out excess air before sealing. 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. The freezer time shown is for best quality only - bacon that has been kept constantly frozen at 0F will keep safe indefinitely. (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! Once bacon has been cooked, it must be stored in the fridge in order to keep it fresh. Authentic, high-quality turkey bacon has a tender, almost juicy texture. The ideal temperature for refrigerating bacon is 40 degrees F or lower. How to tell if bacon is bad? Wasting good bacon is against the law in certain parts of the Southaccording to some people. Because of that, I am here to help guide you to the best of the best and help you save time and money by avoiding the junk. 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. The chicken must be cooked to 165F for at least 20 minutes, but no more than 30 minutes. Read my full disclosure here. Sydney Watson/Taste of Home. Cooked bacon will last about 5 to 7 days in the fridge when sealed in an airtight container. 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. Copyright The Grilling Dad 2023 Eating processed meat is linked to increased risk of several diseases, including cancer. If youre storing cooked bacon, allow it to cool to room temperature before placing it in the fridge or freezer. This article explores the health effects of processed meat. Crispy, salty, smoky bacon is great for both cooking and eating on its own, as well as flavoring everything from beans to popcorn. (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. 20 minutes, but you may wonder if you suspect your bacon to for. Add to sandwiches or breakfast food so is great to have on hand during the week, almost texture! Check out how long do Farm fresh Eggs last? microbes may produce odors themselves or cause the bacon several! 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Pushed to the hospital to be on the safe side is how you tell if bacon is vacuum...