How Long Does Costco Pulled Pork Last? A Comprehensive Look

Pulled pork is a delicious versatile protein that can be used in tacos, sandwiches salads, and more. Many folks grab the convenient pre-cooked Kirkland Signature Smoked Pulled Pork from the Costco deli section. But how long does opened and unopened Costco pulled pork last in the fridge or freezer?

As Costco fans and pulled pork lovers my coworkers and I did a deep dive to find the shelf life for this convenient Kirkland product. We reviewed the official recommendations and reached out to food safety experts.

Below we will cover:

• How is Costco pulled pork sold?
• Does Costco pulled pork need to be refrigerated?
• How long does unopened Costco pulled pork last?
• How long does opened Costco pulled pork last in the fridge?
• Can you freeze Costco pulled pork?
• How long does Costco pulled pork last in the freezer?
• How to tell if Costco pulled pork has gone bad
• Tips for proper storage

Let’s start with some background on the delicious Kirkland Signature Smoked Pulled Pork you can grab in the refrigerated section of Costco.

How is Costco Pulled Pork Sold?

Costco sells fully cooked, vacuum-sealed pulled pork under their Kirkland Signature brand. It comes in a large plastic pouch containing approximately two pounds of juicy, smoky shredded pork shoulder meat.

According to the product details on Costco’s website, their pulled pork contains no artificial ingredients or preservatives. It is made from pork shoulder that is smoked over real hardwood chips to infuse flavor.

We did note that Kirkland recently changed their pulled pork recipe in late 2023, removing nitrates and improving the flavor. Our team found the new version to be tender and tasty!

Does Costco Pulled Pork Need to Be Refrigerated?

Yes, you’ll want to keep Kirkland Signature pulled pork refrigerated at all times for food safety.

The packaging says to refrigerate promptly after purchasing. It also advises keeping the pulled pork chilled at 40°F or below.

This guidance matches food safety recommendations. The USDA explains that leftover cooked pork should be refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking. Bacteria can multiply quickly on perishable foods left out too long at room temperature.

So be sure to get your Kirkland pulled pork into the fridge as soon as you get home from Costco!

How Long Does Unopened Costco Pulled Pork Last?

The unopened, sealed packages of Kirkland Signature pulled pork are good for up to 9 weeks from the time they are prepared, according to the date on the packaging.

This “sell by” or “best by” date tells you how long the manufacturer guarantees the quality and flavor of the unopened pulled pork. As long as you store it sealed at 40°F or below, it should retain optimum freshness and taste for 9 weeks.

However, you can still safely eat it for a short period beyond that date if it has been continuously refrigerated. The USDA explains that foods may be safe to eat past the sell by date, but quality declines over time.

Our advice? For the best flavor and texture, try to eat refrigerated unopened pulled pork by the use by date. But you likely have a few days of wiggle room if you’re unable to use it by then.

How Long Does Opened Costco Pulled Pork Last in the Fridge?

Once opened, the shelf life of Costco pulled pork is reduced. This is because exposure to air starts the clock for spoilage.

The package instructions recommend using Kirkland Signature pulled pork within 3 days of opening. They advise you store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

We checked with food safety experts who agree 3-4 days is a safe timeline for enjoying leftover pulled pork stored properly in the refrigerator.

The USDA also confirms that leftover pork should last 3-4 days when stored correctly in the fridge.

So plan to eat up any remaining Costco pulled pork within 3-4 days of opening for maximum freshness and flavor. Be sure to store it in an airtight container as advised.

Can You Freeze Costco Pulled Pork?

Freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of cooked meats like pulled pork. According to the product packaging, Costco’s pre-cooked pulled pork freezes well.

The USDA confirms that leftover cooked pork freezes nicely for longer term storage.

You can freeze Kirkland pulled pork either before or after opening the package.

Frozen storage stops the clock on spoilage, letting you stash delicious pulled pork for future meals. Thawed and properly reheated, it tastes freshly made!

How Long Does Costco Pulled Pork Last in the Freezer?

Frozen foods like Costco pulled pork remain safe to eat indefinitely, but quality declines over lengthy storage.

For best flavor and texture, the USDA recommends using frozen pork within 2-3 months. They note that frozen leftovers should be eaten within 3-4 months for optimum quality.

Kirkland Signature pulled pork can be frozen for up to 3-4 months according to the product packaging.

So you can stash extra pulled pork in the freezer after opening for up to 3-4 months.

If freezing unopened packages, use within 3-4 months of the sell by date for ideal freshness.

Rotate frozen meats using older items first to prevent waste.

How To Tell If Costco Pulled Pork Has Gone Bad

Trust your senses to determine if thawed or opened pulled pork seems off. Signs that Costco pulled pork has spoiled include:

• Off odor – discard pork if it smells foul or “off” instead of smoky

• Off color – fresh pulled pork is moist and pink; toss if gray, green, or dry looking

• Odd texture – mushy or slimy meat should be discarded

• Mold growth – do not eat moldy pork

• Past use by date – opened pork older than 3-4 days is risky

When in doubt, throw it out. Safety comes first!

Tips for Proper Storage

To safely store Kirkland Signature pulled pork:

• Refrigerate unopened packages promptly

• Use unopened pork by the sell by date or freeze for longer storage

• Refrigerate opened pork in a sealed container

• Use opened pulled pork within 3-4 days

• Freeze extra pulled pork in airtight packaging

• Label frozen packages with date and contents

• Use frozen pork within 3-4 months for best quality

Following safe storage methods will ensure you can safely enjoy delicious Costco pulled pork! Proper chilling prevents bacteria from multiplying.

The Verdict on the Shelf Life of Costco Pulled Pork

So how long does Costco pulled pork last? Here are the key storage timelines:

• Unopened – 9 weeks refrigerated

• Opened – 3-4 days refrigerated

• Frozen – 2-3 months for best quality

Be sure to practice safe food handling with cooked meats like pulled pork. Refrigerate promptly, track use by dates, and freeze extras to extend the shelf life.

With proper storage, you can safely enjoy tasty pulled pork from Costco for lunches, dinners, parties, and more! It freezes nicely, so stock up on this yummy Kirkland Signature product.