Does Oscar Mayer Fully Cooked Bacon Need Refrigeration? Storage Tips for Maximum Freshness

Oscar Mayer is one of the most trusted and popular brands when it comes to pre-cooked, ready to eat bacon. Their Original Fully Cooked Bacon offers convenient bacon slices that are pre-cooked and smoked for quick warm up and eating. But does this fully cooked bacon require refrigeration or can it be stored at room temperature?

Proper storage is important for food safety and preserving freshness For the best taste and to avoid health risks, Oscar Mayer fully cooked bacon does need to be refrigerated for most of its shelf life However, some specifics on storage conditions provide guidance on maximizing shelf life.

Overview of Oscar Mayer’s Fully Cooked Original Bacon

Oscar Mayer’s Original Fully Cooked Bacon contains smoked and pre-cooked bacon slices. It is made from pork cured with water, salt, sugar, sodium nitrite, and other natural flavors. The ingredients and nutrition info are identical to their traditional raw bacon, except the fully cooked version skips the cooking step.

Each package contains 9-11 ready to eat slices of bacon separated by parchment paper. Popular uses are as a quick add in for sandwiches, salads, appetizers, or as a fast breakfast protein.

Fully cooked bacon offers convenience, but still requires proper handling and storage for optimum safety and quality.

Does Oscar Mayer Fully Cooked Bacon Require Refrigeration?

Oscar Mayer states their fully cooked bacon can be stored

• Refrigerated
• Frozen
• At room temperature under 75°F

However, they specifically note that after opening the package, it must be refrigerated and used within 14 days for food safety.

So an unopened package can sit at room temperature, but once exposed to air, refrigeration is required. This helps prevent bacterial growth.

For best texture and taste, most experts recommend refrigerating Oscar Mayer fully cooked bacon even before opening While not always a safety issue, refrigeration better preserves freshness and quality

How Should You Store Oscar Mayer Fully Cooked Bacon?

To get the longest shelf life and optimal safety from Oscar Mayer fully cooked bacon, follow these storage tips:

• Refrigerate unopened packages for best freshness and to be extra safe
• Refrigerate opened packages and use within 14 days
• Freeze unopened packages up to 2-3 months for longer storage
• Store opened bacon in airtight packaging if freezing
• Don’t microwave in the original package to avoid hot spots

The 14 day fridge guideline provides a food safety buffer once exposed to air. Freezing unopened packages extends the shelf life. And airtight packaging prevents freezer burn.

How Long Does Oscar Mayer Fully Cooked Bacon Last When Properly Stored?

When stored properly in the refrigerator or freezer, Oscar Mayer fully cooked bacon lasts:

• Refrigerator: 14 days after opening
• Freezer: 2-3 months in air-tight packaging
• Pantry: Until sell-by date if unopened under 75°F

The sell-by date on the package provides the official guideline for max storage times. But for ideal taste and texture, try to eat it as soon as possible after purchase.

Proper refrigeration and freezing let you safely prolong the shelf life while maintaining quality.

Is It Safe to Eat Oscar Mayer Fully Cooked Bacon Past the Sell-By Date?

It’s not recommended to eat Oscar Mayer fully cooked bacon past the sell-by or use-by dates printed on the package. These dates account for max safe storage times.

However, if refrigerated continuously and the bacon still smells alright, some additional days past the date may still be safe. But quality degrades rapidly, so it’s best not to chance it. When in doubt, throw it out.

For food safety, don’t eat Oscar Mayer fully cooked bacon more than 14 days refrigerated after opening. Discard packages if they have an odd color, smell, or slimy texture.

Can You Freeze Oscar Mayer Fully Cooked Bacon?

Freezing extends the shelf life of Oscar Mayer fully cooked bacon. To freeze:

• Freeze unopened packages up to 2-3 months
• Open package and rewrap slices air-tight for longer freezing
• Defrost refrigerated overnight before using

Frozen fully cooked bacon may suffer some texture changes after thawing. It may be more prone to crumbling.

But freezing can let you stock up and save packages for later as long as properly frozen and sealed.

Is Oscar Mayer Fully Cooked Bacon Pre-Sliced?

Yes, Oscar Mayer fully cooked bacon is pre-sliced into individual strips ready to heat and eat. Each package contains 9-11 slices separated by parchment paper.

The bacon is pre-cooked, so no further cooking is required. You can simply microwave, pan fry, or bake to warm through before eating.

The pre-cooked, pre-sliced bacon offers convenience for sandwiches, salads, seasonings, and recipes. No thawing, slicing, or cooking raw bacon required.

The Bottom Line on Oscar Mayer Fully Cooked Bacon Storage

While Oscar Mayer fully cooked bacon can technically be stored at room temperature before opening, refrigeration is still best for preserving maximum freshness and quality. And refrigeration is mandatory once opened.

Follow the sell-by date for unopened packages and the 14 day guideline after opening. Freeze for extended shelf life. And discard any bacon that smells, looks, or feels off.

Proper refrigerated storage ensures you safely get the most out of each package while enjoying the convenience of this pre-cooked bacon.