Bacon is a breakfast staple in many households. The smoky, salty flavor takes eggs, pancakes, and sandwiches to the next level. But after you open a pack of bacon, how long does it stay fresh? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about bacon’s shelf life after opening, proper storage methods, and signs it may be spoiled.
Overview of Opened Bacon Shelf Life
In general, an opened package of raw bacon will last 5-7 days in the refrigerator The exact shelf life depends on a few factors
- Storage temperature – Ideal is 40°F or below
- Expiration date – Bacon lasts 1 week past sell by date
- Packaging – Air-tight storage prevents drying out
- Signs of spoilage – Rely on sight, smell and touch
For optimal safety and quality cook or freeze bacon within 5-7 days of opening the package. Proper storage and monitoring for spoilage signs will help maximize shelf life.
How to Store Opened Bacon
To help extend the shelf life of opened bacon
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Keep it on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator, the coldest area.
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Wrap opened bacon very tightly in plastic wrap or freezer paper. This prevents drying out.
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Place wrapped bacon slices in a zip-top freezer bag, squeezing out excess air.
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Consider breaking full bacon strips in half. Smaller pieces expose less surface area to air.
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Label the package with the date it was opened. Use opened bacon within 5-7 days.
Proper refrigeration and air-tight storage are key to prolonging the shelf life after opening.
Shelf Life of Unopened Bacon Packages
For comparison, unopened raw bacon lasts longer than opened packages. Follow these guidelines:
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Unopened bacon lasts 2-3 weeks past the sell by date.
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Keep unopened bacon on the bottom refrigerator shelf until opening.
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Once opened, rewrap tightly and use within 5-7 days.
The sealed environment of an unopened pack keeps bacon fresher longer compared to once air exposure occurs.
Freezing Bacon to Extend Shelf Life
Freezing is the best way to prolong bacon’s shelf life for several months. Here are some freezing tips:
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Wrap uncooked bacon very tightly in plastic wrap and foil. This prevents freezer burn.
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Place wrapped bacon in a freezer bag, removing excess air. Freezer burn causes dryness.
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Label packages with contents and freeze-by date. Store frozen bacon for 4-6 months at 0°F.
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Thaw frozen bacon overnight in the fridge. Cook within 1-2 days for food safety.
With proper freezing techniques, the shelf life can be extended significantly longer than refrigerated storage.
How to Tell If Bacon Is Bad
Rely on your senses to determine if bacon has gone bad:
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Look for mold, sliminess, or unnatural colors like green, grey or blue. Good bacon is pink.
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Smell the bacon. It should have a mild meaty, smoky scent. Rancid or sour smells mean spoilage.
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Feel the texture. Bacon should be moist but not slippery. Dryness and stickiness are red flags.
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Check the sell-by date. Bacon should be discarded 1 week past this date unless frozen.
When inspecting older bacon, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If in doubt, throw it out.
Safe Bacon Handling and Cooking Tips
Follow these tips for safely cooking and storing cooked bacon:
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Cook bacon thoroughly until crispy to kill bacteria. Raw pork can harbor pathogens.
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Let bacon rest 1-2 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute.
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Store cooked bacon in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. Toss after this time.
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When reheating, cook to 165°F. Microwave or bake in a 300°F oven 5-10 minutes.
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Don’t leave bacon sitting out for over 2 hours. Bacteria multiply rapidly at room temperature.
Following proper food safety practices will reduce your risk of foodborne illness.
Common Bacon Fridge Life FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about bacon storage:
How long does bacon grease last in the fridge? Bacon grease will keep for up to 1 month in an airtight container in the fridge. Discard if smelling rancid or smoking excessively during cooking.
Can you freeze raw bacon? Yes, freezing uncooked raw bacon is recommended for long term storage. Wrap tightly and use within 4-6 months for best quality.
Is it safe to eat bacon after the sell-by date? Bacon will typically last 5-7 days past the sell-by date if continuously refrigerated. Inspect closely and rely on your senses before cooking.
How can you tell if bacon is bad? Look for unusual sticky or slimy textures, foul odors, or unnatural colors. Bacon that smells rancid or shows signs of spoilage should be discarded.
Can you refreeze thawed bacon? No, it’s unsafe to refreeze raw bacon after thawing. Cook defrosted bacon within 1-2 days and refrigerate leftovers 3-5 days.
The Bottom Line
An opened pack of bacon will keep 5-7 days refrigerated. Freezing extends shelf life significantly, up to 4-6 months frozen. Follow the sell-by date and inspect packs closely using sight, smell and touch to determine if bacon is spoiled before cooking. With proper storage and handling, you can enjoy bacon safely even after opening the package.