How Long Can Turkey Bacon Stay Frozen?

As a food blogger and busy home cook, I get asked this question a lot: how long is that package of turkey bacon going to last in my freezer? It’s a great question, because buying turkey bacon in bulk when it’s on sale saves money. But we all know nobody wants to eat sketchy, freezer-burned meat!

In this article, I’ll go over everything you need to know about turkey bacon’s freezer shelf life You’ll get

Freezer storage timelines for unopened and opened packages
Signs that frozen turkey bacon has spoiled
Proper storage methods to maximize freshness
Safe defrosting tips
What to do if the power goes out

My goal is to give you confidence in storing turkey bacon so you can enjoy its convenience and flavor without worries about safety or waste! Let’s dive in.

How Long Does Turkey Bacon Last in the Freezer?

First, let’s look at how long turkey bacon lasts in the freezer:

Unopened packages: 6 months
Opened packages: 4 months

These timelines assume proper freezer storage at 0°F or below. Freezing stops bacteria growth that causes spoilage keeping turkey bacon safe.

For optimal quality and taste, use frozen turkey bacon within the shelf life above. But if stored continuously at 0°F, it may last a few weeks beyond that.

Now let’s talk about how to know if your frozen turkey bacon has gone bad…

Signs Turkey Bacon Has Spoiled in the Freezer

It’s important to check frozen turkey bacon for any signs of spoilage before cooking. Look for:

Unpleasant or off odors
Change in color – grayish, greenish, or brownish tones
Dry, aged texture
Mold growth – fuzzy spots or webbing
Slimy surface or spots

Trust your senses! If thawed turkey bacon smells, looks or feels bad, throw it out. Don’t risk getting sick.

Storing Turkey Bacon for Maximum Freshness

To get the longest freezer life, be sure to store turkey bacon properly:

Set freezer to 0°F or below. Consistent cold prevents spoilage.
Seal packages tightly or rewrap in freezer bags or foil. Excludes moisture and air.
Wrap individual slices if opened. Avoids sticking together.
Place on interior freezer shelves. Colder than door.
Label with date. Use oldest packages first.

Proper freezing and storage keeps turkey bacon fresher for longer!

Thawing Frozen Turkey Bacon Safely

Always thaw using one of these safe methods:

Fridge: Thaw overnight in refrigerator.
Cold water: Seal in bag and submerge in cold water. Change water every 30 mins.
Microwave: Use “defrost” setting or low power. Cook immediately after thawing.
Skillet: Cook frozen turkey bacon straight from freezer. May take a bit longer.

Avoid thawing at room temperature. Bacteria multiply quickly in the “danger zone” between 40-140°F.

What If the Power Goes Out?

Power outages can happen anytime. If you lose power, follow these tips:

Keep freezer closed unless necessary to reduce cold air escaping.
Use frozen items within about 1-2 days, before they start to fully thaw.
If after 2+ days, toss turkey bacon to be safe. Bacteria may start growing.
When in doubt, throw it out! Don’t take risks with suspect food.

Storing Unused Turkey Bacon After Cooking

Got leftovers after cooking up some turkey bacon? Let it cool, then store:

Refrigerate: 3-5 days
Freeze: 4 months (double wrap/seal)

Reheat refrigerated turkey bacon within 2 hours to prevent bacteria overgrowth.

Key Takeaways on Freezing Turkey Bacon

Freeze unopened packs up to 6 months; opened packs up to 4 months.
Check for spoiled signs like smell, texture, mold before use.
Store at 0°F or below tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn.
Label packages and rotate old to front.
Thaw fridge/cold water/microwave/skillet – not room temp.
Toss after 2+ days if power goes out.
Cooked leftovers last 3-5 days refrigerated or 4 months frozen.

How long can food stay in your freezer?

FAQ

Can frozen turkey bacon go bad?

It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw frozen cooked bacon, simply transfer it to the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave.

How do you know if turkey bacon has gone bad?

If you have cooked turkey bacon, you should check for any signs of spoilage before consuming it. Spoiled turkey bacon will have a sour smell and may have a slimy texture. If the turkey bacon has any discoloration or an off odor, it is best to discard it.

Can bacon last 1 year in the freezer?

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).

Is 3 year old frozen bacon still good?

Although foods that are properly stored in a freezer are safe to eat indefinitely, the USDA recommends using frozen bacon within four months. Prevent freezer burn by wrapping the unopened package in a layer of aluminum foil (and label it with the date).

How long does turkey bacon last in the freezer?

Turkey bacon lasts significantly longer when frozen. It stays good for about a week in the fridge, but can last for several months in the freezer. If the turkey bacon was still good when you put it into the freezer, it would stay good for another four to six months.

Can turkey bacon be frozen?

Turkey bacon can be frozen for extended periods. Freeze it in heavy-duty freezer bags or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Properly packaged, turkey bacon can maintain its quality in the freezer for up to 6 months.

How long does raw turkey bacon last?

Raw turkey bacon lasts for up to 2 days in the fridge and up to 2 months in the freezer. After this period, turkey bacon can go bad. Turkey bacon is typically smoked and doesn’t require additional cooking for food safety.

How long does smoked turkey bacon last?

Smoked turkey bacon lasts 1 week in the fridge and up to 2 months in the freezer. After this period, it can go bad. Most turkey bacon is smoked and doesn’t require additional cooking for food safety.