Bacon is one of those ingredients that seems to make everything taste better. A few crispy strips can instantly elevate sandwiches, burgers, salads and more. But if you don’t use an entire package right away, you may wonder – how long does uncooked bacon last in the fridge?
Knowing the shelf life of uncooked bacon helps prevent wasting food and avoid possible foodborne illness. With proper storage, an unopened pack of raw bacon keeps 1-2 weeks beyond the sell-by date in the refrigerator. Once opened, it will maintain quality for 4-7 days.
Read on for more details about bacon’s fridge life, signs of spoilage, optimal storage methods and freezing guidance.
Unopened Raw Bacon – Fridge Life
An unopened package of raw bacon typically has a sell-by date stamped on the packaging. This date indicates the last day the manufacturer recommends using the bacon for peak freshness and quality.
As long as the vacuum-sealed packaging remains intact unopened raw bacon lasts 1-2 weeks beyond the sell-by date when properly refrigerated at 40°F or below.
Some variables like the type of bacon may affect exact fridge life
- Regular sliced pork bacon – 14 days
- Thick-cut bacon – 14 days
- Turkey or beef bacon – 7 days
- Artisanal dry-cured bacon – 1 month
Always rely on your senses along with the date. Look for off-odors, sliminess or discoloration. If the bacon seems fine, it should be safe to cook and eat within the 1-2 week period after the sell-by date.
Opened Raw Bacon – Fridge Life
Once opened and exposed to air, raw bacon has a shorter shelf life. The oxygen creates an environment where bacteria can flourish faster.
To maximize fridge life, re-wrap open packages tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Store raw bacon this way and use within:
- 4-7 days for regular sliced bacon
- 7 days for thick-cut bacon
- 3-5 days for turkey or beef bacon
Check for changes in color and odor. Discard if bacon becomes greyish, slippery or smells off. Cook bacon within the recommended time frames for safety and optimal freshness.
Proper Storage of Raw Bacon
Storing uncooked bacon correctly helps prolong its shelf life. Here are some storage tips:
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Keep bacon sealed in its original packaging until ready to use. After opening, rewrap tightly.
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Store bacon on lower fridge shelves where the temperature is coldest. Avoid door storage.
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Organize the fridge to allow cold air circulation. Don’t overcrowd.
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If any liquid or slime accumulates in packaging, discard bacon. This indicates spoilage.
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Place raw bacon on a plate or tray when thawing to catch drips. Don’t let raw meat juices drip on other foods.
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When handling raw bacon, be sure to wash hands and surfaces after to prevent bacteria spread.
Freezing Uncooked Bacon
Freezing unopened raw bacon enables it to last significantly longer – up to 6 months versus 2 weeks refrigerated.
To freeze an unopened pack:
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Double wrap the original vacuum-sealed packaging in freezer wrap or foil.
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Label the package with the date and contents.
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Place flat in a freezer bag to prevent damage.
To freeze opened raw bacon:
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Tightly wrap leftover bacon strips in plastic wrap or foil. Stack aligned strips to save space.
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Put wrapped bacon stack in a labeled freezer bag, removing excess air.
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Freeze up to 2 months for optimal freshness.
Thaw frozen bacon overnight in the fridge before cooking. Bacon holds up to 1 week refrigerated once thawed.
Signs Raw Bacon Has Spoiled
It’s important to watch for signs of spoilage with raw bacon. Look for:
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Grayish or greenish tinged fat instead of pink or red
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Dull or slimy appearance instead of glossy
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Strange odor – rancid, sour or ammonia-like
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Mold growth – may appear fuzzy or discolored
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Very sticky or tacky feel
When inspecting the bacon, trust your senses. If it seems off in any way, play it safe and discard.
Key Takeaways
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Unopened raw bacon keeps 1-2 weeks past the sell-by date when properly refrigerated.
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Once opened, use raw bacon within 4-7 days for optimal safety and quality.
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Monitor for odd colors, textures and smells that indicate spoilage.
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Freeze unopened packs up to 6 months, and opened packages 2 months.
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Thaw frozen bacon in the fridge before cooking.
With proper storage techniques, it’s possible to keep raw bacon on hand in the fridge or freezer for moments when that bacon craving hits! Just be diligent about storage times and signs of spoilage.
How long is open bacon good for in the refrigerator?
FAQ
Does uncooked bacon go bad in fridge?
How can you tell if bacon has gone bad?
Is bacon good after 3 weeks in the fridge?
How long does bacon from butcher last in fridge?
How long can you keep uncooked bacon?
The best way to keep uncooked bacon is in the refrigerator or freezer. You can store unopened, uncooked bacon in the fridge for up to two weeks and in the freezer for six to eight months. If you’ve already opened the package, you can store uncooked bacon in the fridge for one week and in the freezer for six months.
How long do lemons stay fresh in the refrigerator?
Whole or uncut lemons generally last for 2 to 3 weeks in the fridge when it is properly stored, but could last up to 4 weeks. You can generally tell when fruits begin to expire by the skin becoming wrinkly and shrunken.
Can Bacon be refrigerated?
Here’s How to Tell When It Does USDA guidelines say that bacon has a safe refrigeration use-by date of one week. Uncooked bacon should be refrigerated immediately after you get it home and used within 10 days. You can freeze bacon for up to two months for longer storage, or cook your bacon and then use it within another five to seven days.
How long does Bacon last in the freezer?
You can also store bacon in the freezer. Uncooked, unopened bacon will last up to eight months in the freezer, while leftover raw bacon that’s properly stored will last up to six months in the freezer. Cooked bacon, stored properly, will last up to one month in the freezer. How Long Does Bacon Grease Last?