Turkey bacon has become a popular lower-fat alternative to traditional pork bacon. But like any perishable food proper storage is crucial to keep turkey bacon safe to eat. So how long does turkey bacon last in the fridge before going bad?
In this ultimate guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about storing turkey bacon in the refrigerator, freezer and after cooking. You’ll learn about sell-by dates, signs of spoiled bacon and tips to maximize fridge life.
Let’s dive in so you can confidently enjoy turkey bacon without worrying about foodborne illnesses!
How Long Does Unopened Turkey Bacon Last in the Fridge?
An unopened package of turkey bacon typically lasts 1 week past the printed “sell by” date in the refrigerator.
The sell-by date is meant as a guide for stores to know when to pull a product from shelves. But turkey bacon remains fresh for about 7 days after that date if kept sealed at 40°F or below.
Some sources say unopened turkey bacon lasts up to 2 weeks refrigerated past the sell-by date. But for optimum freshness and food safety, it’s best to use within 1 week.
Once opened, turkey bacon should be used within 3-5 days. Exposure to air allows bacteria to start multiplying quickly.
Does Turkey Bacon Go Bad? Signs It’s Spoiled
Turkey bacon can absolutely go bad if left in the fridge too long. Here are signs your turkey bacon has spoiled:
- Slimy or sticky texture
- Dull or grey color instead of pink
- Rancid, sour or ammonia-like smell
- Mold growth
- Past sell-by date
If you notice any of these red flags, it’s best to throw out the turkey bacon. Consuming spoiled meat can result in foodborne illness. Don’t risk it!
Storing Opened Turkey Bacon in the Fridge
Once opened, seal turkey bacon in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible.
Opened and properly stored, turkey bacon lasts 3-5 days refrigerated before bacteria levels become dangerous.
Write the date you opened it on the package and use within that 3-5 day window for maximum freshness and safety.
You can also wrap opened turkey bacon tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil if not storing in a container. This prevents drying out and guards against contamination.
Freezing Turkey Bacon to Extend Life
Got an unopened turkey bacon package but won’t use it in time? Freezing extends the shelf life significantly.
In the freezer, unopened turkey bacon lasts 3-4 months. Make sure to check sell-by dates first.
To freeze:
-
Place turkey bacon package in freezer bag or airtight container. Squeeze out excess air.
-
Freeze at 0°F or below. Use within 3-4 months for best quality.
-
Thaw in fridge 1-2 days before planned use.
You can also freeze already-cooked turkey bacon:
-
Allow cooked turkey bacon to fully cool, about 30 minutes.
-
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Store in freezer bags or containers.
-
Frozen cooked turkey bacon keeps 2-3 months.
Reheating from frozen takes about 5 minutes in the oven or microwave. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Freezing gives you flexibility if you buy turkey bacon but don’t need it right away!
How to Store Leftover Cooked Turkey Bacon
Got leftovers after cooking up a package of turkey bacon? Follow these steps to store cooked turkey bacon safely:
-
Allow cooked turkey bacon to cool completely, about 30 minutes.
-
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil to retain moisture.
-
Store in airtight containers or resealable bags, pressing out excess air.
-
Refrigerate for 3-5 days maximum.
-
Can also freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before using.
-
When reheating, cook until steaming hot, at least 165°F.
Proper storage prevents bacterial growth and keeps turkey bacon tasting great.
How to Know When Cooked Turkey Bacon is Bad
Cooked turkey bacon only lasts 3-5 days in the fridge, so it’s important to watch for signs of spoilage. Toss turkey bacon that shows:
- Slimy texture and dull or grey color
- Rancid or sour odor
- Mold spots
- Past refrigeration time limits
Don’t take risks with cooked meat. Trust your senses – if turkey bacon seems at all off, play it safe and throw it out.
Turkey Bacon Food Safety Tips
Beyond monitoring fridge times, here are some other food safety practices for handling turkey bacon:
-
Cook turkey bacon thoroughly until crispy to kill any bacteria present.
-
Never leave turkey bacon at room temperature over 2 hours.
-
Prevent cross-contamination by washing hands, utensils and surfaces after contact.
-
Use clean plates and cooking tools when preparing turkey bacon.
-
Refrigerate promptly after cooking instead of leaving on counters.
Following basic food safety rules keeps your turkey bacon fresh and lessens the risk of foodborne illness.
Storing Turkey Bacon FAQs
Let’s do a quick rundown of common turkey bacon fridge storage questions:
How long does unopened turkey bacon last in the fridge?
About 1 week past the sell-by date when stored sealed in the fridge.
How long is opened turkey bacon good for?
3-5 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
Can you freeze unopened turkey bacon?
Yes, freeze for 3-4 months before quality decreases.
How long does cooked turkey bacon last in the fridge?
Eat within 3-5 days, or freeze for 2-3 months.
What happens if you eat turkey bacon after it expires?
Potential foodborne illness. Don’t risk eating spoiled turkey bacon.
How can you tell if turkey bacon has gone bad?
Look for slimy texture, dull grey color, rancid smell or mold.
Is it safe to eat turkey bacon after the sell-by date?
It’s best to cook or freeze turkey bacon within 1 week of the sell-by date.
The Bottom Line
There you have it! With proper refrigeration and freezing, you can enjoy turkey bacon safely for optimal freshness.
To recap:
- Unopened turkey bacon lasts 1 week past sell-by date
- Opened keeps 3-5 days in the fridge
- Freeze for 3-4 months unopened, 2-3 months cooked
- Watch for signs of spoilage like odor and slime
- Follow food safety guidelines like refrigerating promptly
With the right storage methods, you can keep turkey bacon from going bad prematurely. Just be vigilant about fridge times and foodborne illness risks.
Now go enjoy a tasty turkey bacon breakfast sandwich or salad topping without worries! Crispy turkey bacon is delicious when handled safely. Dig in!
Frequency of entities:
- 1 week: 3
- 3-5 days: 5
- sell-by date: 5
- fridge/refrigerator/refrigerated: 12
- frozen/freeze/freezer: 10
- bacteria: 4
- spoiled/spoilage: 6
- food safety: 3
- foodborne illness: 3
- crispy: 1
- tasty: 1
- delicious: 1
- optimum freshness: 2
- ultimate guide: 1
- definitve guide: 1