How Long Do Hormel Real Bacon Bits Last? Everything You Need To Know

As a bacon lover, I’m always looking for new ways to add that smoky, salty flavor to my dishes. Hormel Real Bacon Bits are one of my go-to bacon products because they’re made with 100% real bacon and have tons of uses. But I never really thought about how long they last until I found an open bag in the back of my pantry.

If you’ve ever wondered “how long do Hormel Real Bacon Bits last?” then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’ll explain everything you need to know about the shelf life and proper storage of Hormel Bacon Bits so you can keep enjoying them without worrying about safety or quality.

An Overview of Hormel Real Bacon Bits

Before we dive into shelf life, let’s start with a quick overview of what exactly Hormel Real Bacon Bits are.

Hormel Real Bacon Bits are made from real smoked bacon that’s been cooked, crumbled into bits, and processed to remove most of the fat. The result is crispy, flavorful bacon bits that can add bacon taste to anything.

The ingredients are simple bacon, water, salt, sugar, sodium erythorbate (a preservative), sodium nitrite, smoke flavoring, and seasoning. Hormel also makes lower-sodium Real Bacon Bits

The best part about Hormel Real Bacon Bits is their versatility. Sprinkle them on salads baked potatoes, pasta eggs, soups – you name it. The smoky bacon flavor takes dishes from boring to delicious in an instant.

How to Store Hormel Bacon Bits for Maximum Freshness

To get the longest shelf life out of your Hormel Bacon Bits, proper storage is key. Here are some tips:

• Unopened – Store unopened pouches of Hormel Bacon Bits in a cool, dry place like your pantry Avoid storage in hot spots like near the oven.

• Opened – Once opened, transfer Bacon Bits to an airtight container and refrigerate. Make sure to press out excess air before sealing the container.

• Refrigerator – Properly stored in the fridge, Hormel states that Real Bacon Bits will stay fresh for about 6 weeks. I like to press out the air and seal them in zip top bags or plastic containers.

• Freezer – For maximum shelf life, you can freeze Hormel Real Bacon Bits for up to 6 months. Spread them in a single layer on a sheet pan and freeze until solid before transferring to a freezer bag or airtight container.

No matter how you store them, make sure to keep Bacon Bits in a sealed container away from moisture, air, light, and heat. This prevents them from spoiling prematurely.

How To Tell If Hormel Bacon Bits Have Gone Bad

Hormel Real Bacon Bits last a decently long time, but they can eventually spoil. Here are some signs that your bacon bits have gone bad and should be discarded:

• Change in texture – Fresh bacon bits are crispy. Discard if they become soft or mushy.

• Mold growth – Toss them if you see mold growing.

• Odd smell – Bacon bits that smell sour or unpleasant should be thrown out.

• Discoloration – They should be an even tan/reddish-brown color. Dark spots or dull, faded color indicates spoilage.

• Sliminess – The bits should feel dry to the touch. Slime or oil on the surface signals spoilage.

• Expired – If stored properly, they’ll stay fresh for 6 weeks refrigerated or 6 months frozen. Toss expired bacon bits even if they show no other signs of spoilage.

When in doubt, remember this general rule for food safety: when in doubt, throw it out! Consuming spoiled bacon bits could make you sick.

Extending the Shelf Life EVEN Longer

Want to make your Hormel Real Bacon Bits last even longer? Here are some pro tips:

• Freeze in portions – Freeze measured-out amounts rather than the whole bag. Thaw only what you’ll use up quickly.

• Vacuum seal – For the longest freezer life, vacuum seal your frozen bacon bits.

• Fight freezer burn – Prevent freezer burn by double wrapping or using high-quality freezer bags.

• Store deeply – Keep bags and containers towards the back of the freezer, where temperature stays most constant.

• Avoid temperature fluctuations – Prevent fridge/freezer temperature changes by not opening the door frequently.

Follow these tips and your Hormel Bacon Bits can stay fresh for up to 8-9 months in the freezer!

Creative Ways to Use Up Bacon Bits Before They Go Bad

I love snacking on crispy Hormel Bacon Bits straight from the bag. But when I’ve got a pouch that’s nearing its expiration date, I get creative with ways to use them up quickly. Here are some of my favorite ideas:

• Crumble them on top of salads or baked potatoes. An obvious choice but so useful!

• Mix them into dips and spreads for an instant bacon flavor boost.

• Add them to mac and cheese or pasta bakes. Kid-friendly but makes it more fun for adults too.

• Use as a topping on burgers, hot dogs, pizza and more. Again, an obvious choice but always delicious.

• Make homemade crackers or snack mixes with bacon bits stirred in. The bacon flavor permeates everything.

• Fold them into omelets, frittatas or scrambled egg mixtures. Eggs love bacon!

• Sprinkle over popcorn or roasted chickpeas for a crunchy, popcorn-bacon snack.

• Stir them into batter for bacon pancakes, waffles, scones or biscuits. Great for brunch.

• Add to cookie dough, muffin batter, quick breads for a sweet & salty twist.

The Bottom Line

So how long do Hormel Real Bacon Bits last? When stored properly in the refrigerator or freezer, you can expect them to stay fresh for up to:

• 6 weeks in the fridge
• 6 months in the freezer

Keep them sealed up tight in an airtight container away from light, air, moisture and heat. Watch for signs of spoilage like mold, smell and texture changes.

And use them up creatively in recipes before they expire! Hormel Real Bacon Bits add smoky, salty, crispy bacon flavor to just about anything. With proper storage and clever use, you can enjoy their convenience and taste without the waste.