How Long is Uncured Bacon Good For? A Guide to Maximizing Freshness

Uncured bacon has risen in popularity as a healthier alternative to traditional cured bacon. Without artificial preservatives, uncured bacon relies on proper storage to maximize freshness and shelf life. But exactly how long does uncured bacon stay fresh?

In this article we’ll cover everything you need to know about the shelf life of uncured bacon and how to keep it fresh as long as possible.

What is Uncured Bacon?

First let’s look at what makes uncured bacon unique

Made from pork belly like regular bacon
Brined and smoked like traditional bacon
Does NOT use artificial curing agents like sodium nitrite
Uses natural cures like celery powder instead
Has subtle flavor differences from cured bacon
Requires refrigeration and proper storage

While uncured bacon undergoes a similar brining and smoking process, the lack of chemical preservatives means it spoils faster than cured bacon. Proper storage is key to longevity.

How Long Does Unopened Uncured Bacon Last?

For unopened packages stored in the refrigerator, uncured bacon generally lasts:

Uncooked, unopened: 1-2 weeks
Cooked, unopened: 1 week

The fridge environment helps uncured bacon stay fresh for a short time even when sealed in original packaging.

How Long Does Opened Uncured Bacon Last?

Once opened, the clock starts ticking faster on freshness:

Uncooked, opened: 5-7 days
Cooked, opened: 3-5 days

Exposure to air and handling speeds up spoilage. Use opened packages of uncured bacon within a week for optimum freshness and quality.

Freezing Uncured Bacon

Freezing extends the shelf life of uncured bacon considerably:

Uncooked: 4-6 months
Cooked: 2-3 months

Freeze uncured bacon in original packaging up to 2 weeks past printed sell-by date. For longer freezing, rewrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Portioning cooked bacon in servings makes thawing easier.

Thaw frozen uncured bacon overnight in the fridge before using. Do not refreeze after thawing.

Proper Storage of Uncured Bacon

Storing uncured bacon properly helps maintain freshness and quality for as long as possible:

Refrigerate unopened packages quickly after purchase.
Keep opened uncured bacon tightly wrapped in original packaging or an airtight container.
Place loose bacon slices between paper towels before storing in an airtight container.
Wrap cooked bacon portions individually in plastic wrap or wax paper before freezing.
Monitor fridge temperature and keep below 40°F at all times.

Following the storage timeline and tips above allows you to enjoy uncured bacon while it’s at peak quality.

Signs Uncured Bacon Has Spoiled

Check uncured bacon for the following signs of spoilage before cooking:

Grayish, dull or darker color
Dry or sticky texture
Slimy coating on the meat
Mold growth
Off odors – sour, rancid or fishy smell

Discard any uncured bacon displaying these signs. Eating spoiled uncured bacon can cause foodborne illness.

Safely Enjoying Uncured Bacon

Uncured bacon offers a minimally processed alternative to traditional bacon. Follow these tips for safely enjoying uncured bacon:

Read package dates and only purchase fresh uncured bacon.
Freeze extra uncured bacon if you won’t use it within 1-2 weeks.
Cook uncured bacon until crispy to destroy any bacteria present.
Refrigerate or freeze leftover cooked uncured bacon within 2 hours of cooking.
Reheat cooked uncured bacon thoroughly before eating.
Discard any bacon that smells or looks suspicious.

With proper handling and storage, you can safely reap the benefits of chemical-free uncured bacon for 1-2 weeks. Freezing extends the use-by date even further. Enjoy the subtly different flavor of uncured bacon knowing it’s as fresh as possible!

Does uncured bacon taste good?

FAQ

How long can uncured bacon stay in the fridge?

Information. You can keep bacon in the refrigerator at 40 ºF or below for one week. Bacon can also be frozen at 0 ºF for four months (for best quality).

How do you know when bacon has gone bad?

The most notable sign of rancid bacon is a change in appearance. Bacon that has gone bad doesn’t retain its redness and will instead take on a brown, gray, or greenish hue, and the color itself will seem faded. Rancid bacon also takes on an unpleasant odor and may become sticky or slimy.

How long does uncured meat last in the fridge?

Food	Type	Refrigerator [40°F (4°C) or below]
Fresh beef, veal, lamb, and pork	Roasts	3 to 5 days
Ham	Fresh, uncured, uncooked	3 to 5 days
	Fresh, uncured, cooked	3 to 4 days
	Cured, cook-before-eating, uncooked	5 to 7 days or “use by” date

How long does bacon last not in the fridge?

The general rule of food safety is to not let raw meat or cooked food sit out for more than 2 hours, and that rule applies to uncooked or cooked bacon. It’s wise to be careful with uncooked pork products since they can harbor and grow bacterial pathogens like salmonella and trichinosis.

How long does Bacon last if cooked?

Once you open that package, bacon’s shelf life shortens whether you cook it or not. Raw bacon in a package that has been opened and re-sealed will last up to a week in the fridge, and cooked bacon will last four to five days if it’s properly stored. You can also store bacon in the freezer.

Can Bacon be cured?

You can cure foods yourself with smoke or by packing them with salt. A combination of salt, sugar, and other flavors tastes better, though. Cured bacon technically means any form of preserved bacon. Since all bacon is preserved with either smoke or salt, there is no such thing as uncured bacon.

How is cured bacon preserved?

Cured bacon is preserved with a commercial preparation of salt and sodium nitrites. Nitrites are additives responsible for giving bacon its pink color, among many things. There are two methods of curing: pumping and dry-curing.

Is uncured bacon bad for You?

Policy Uncured bacon is a misnomer. It’s still cured (or preserved) using natural nitrates found in celery instead of artificial nitrates, but that doesn’t mean you should fry up a sizzling stack. Evidence is still conflicting whether plant-based nitrates are less harmful than synthetic sodium nitrite.