Bacon is a cherished breakfast food for many. But with its high fat content, you may wonder – does sealed bacon go bad? How long does unopened bacon last in the fridge or freezer?
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about sealed bacon’s shelf life and signs of spoilage. Read on to learn how long you can keep bacon fresh, plus storage tips to extend its lifespan
Overview of Sealed Bacon’s Shelf Life
The shelf life of sealed unopened bacon depends on how it is stored
- Refrigerated – 2 weeks from the sell-by date
- Frozen – 6 months in airtight packaging
The sell-by date indicates when the bacon is freshest and at peak quality. But refrigerated, unopened bacon lasts up to 2 weeks beyond that date if kept constantly at 40°F or below.
Freezing unopened bacon extends the shelf life significantly to 6 months. However, freezing may impact texture and cause freezer burn over time.
Once opened, bacon only lasts 1 week in the fridge. So for maximum freshness, keep bacon sealed until ready to use.
How To Tell If Sealed Bacon Has Gone Bad
Check for these signs that indicate sealed bacon has spoiled and should be discarded:
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Slimy or sticky texture – Fresh bacon feels smooth and dry to the touch. Sticky, slimy meat indicates bacteria growth.
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Off odor – Bacon should smell mildly meaty. Rancid, sour or ammonia-like odors signal spoilage.
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Discoloration – Good bacon is pink to red with white fat streaks. Gray, green or brown spots show it’s gone bad.
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Mold growth – Bacon develops fuzzy white, green or black mold when old. Any mold means toss it.
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Damaged packaging – Punctures, tears or opened seals allow air exposure and shorten shelf life. When in doubt, throw it out.
Following safe food handling and storage best practices helps prevent premature bacon spoilage.
Proper Storage and Handling for Sealed Bacon
To maximize sealed bacon’s shelf life:
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Keep unopened packages refrigerated at 40°F or below.
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Freeze unopened bacon for longer storage. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
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Avoid temperature fluctuations. Don’t leave bacon out on the counter.
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Check sell-by dates and use bacon within 1-2 weeks. Discard if expired.
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Open package only when ready to use. Reseal opened packages tightly.
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Cook bacon thoroughly until crispy. Raw bacon contains harmful bacteria.
Proper refrigeration and freezing are key for bacon freshness. Follow the sell-by date and discard bacon immediately at any signs of spoilage.
How to Make Sealed Bacon Last Longer
You can extend the shelf life of sealed, unopened bacon with these tips:
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Vacuum seal – Vacuum sealing removes oxygen and doubles fridge life up to 4 weeks unopened.
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Freeze earlier – Freeze bacon 1 week before the sell-by date for maximum freezer storage time.
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Portion package – Divide bulk bacon packs into smaller portions you can thaw as needed.
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Avoid temperature changes – Prevent moisture condensation by letting fridge-cold bacon sit 30 minutes before opening.
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Use airtight containers – Store opened bacon tightly wrapped in plastic or sealed containers.
Keeping bacon dry and limiting air exposure prevents bacteria growth and oxidation that causes spoilage. Follow the sell-by date, freeze bacon for long-term storage, and discard at any signs of mold, sliminess or off-odors.
The Takeaway on Sealed Bacon Storage
With proper refrigeration and freezing, sealed unopened bacon lasts 1-2 weeks beyond the sell-by date, or 6 months in the freezer. Always cook bacon thoroughly and store opened packages no more than 1 week.
Check for signs of spoilage like stickiness, off smells and discoloration. Discard bacon immediately at any mold growth or foul odor. Follow the sell-by date and freeze unopened packs for maximum shelf life.
With proper handling, packaging and storage temperatures, you can safely keep and enjoy delicious sealed bacon.
How Do You Know if Your Bacon Is Good? : Nutritious Dishes & Advice
Does bacon go bad?
This would only occur if the bacon contains viruses, bacteria, parasites, or toxins. With that being said, if you pay attention to the dates on the packaging, be mindful of the four signs bacon has gone bad, and choose trusted, high-quality bacon, this can reduce your chances of food poisoning.
Can one eat bacon with diverticulosis?
You can eat bacon with diverticulosis, but it is not the most recommended. In a person with diverticulosis, it is recommended to consume foods with soluble fiber such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes.
How do you reseal Bacon before it expires?
Extend your bacon’s shelf life by cooking it before its expiration date, and then storing it in the fridge in an airtight, resealable container. In addition, wrap the bacon strips in a paper towel to absorb any excess grease that may make your bacon soggy during its stay in the fridge.
What happens if you eat expired Bacon?
The USDA advises tossing bacon that has exceeded its “use by” date. Even if it’s before the “use by” or “sell by” date on your package, your bacon may still be bad. How? There might be a hole in the package or other damage that occurred on its way to the store shelf!