How Long Does Canadian Bacon Keep In The Refrigerator? The Complete Guide

Canadian bacon, sometimes called back bacon, is a tasty alternative to regular bacon made from pork loin. Its leaner texture and slight sweetness make it popular for breakfast sandwiches, pizza, salads and more. But like any perishable food, it’s important to store canadian bacon properly to maximize its shelf life. So how long does canadian bacon actually last in the refrigerator? Here’s a complete guide to canadian bacon storage times and what to look for to know if it’s gone bad.

Overview of Canadian Bacon Shelf Life

In general, here are the timelines for how long canadian bacon lasts refrigerated:

• Unopened raw canadian bacon: 2 weeks past the sell by date
• Opened raw canadian bacon: 1 week
• Cooked canadian bacon: 5-7 days

These timelines can vary based on storage methods. Properly wrapped raw canadian bacon lasts 1-2 weeks, while loosely wrapped bacon only lasts 3-5 days. Cooked canadian bacon in an airtight container can last up to 10 days.

Freezing canadian bacon extends its shelf life significantly. Frozen raw canadian bacon lasts 4-6 months, while cooked canadian bacon lasts 2-3 months frozen.

So while canadian bacon doesn’t last quite as long as regular bacon, proper storage can help you get the most out of it before it goes bad.

Factors That Shorten Shelf Life

There are a few main factors that can shorten the shelf life of canadian bacon

• Exposure to air – Like other meats, canadian bacon is prone to oxidation when exposed to air. This causes it to develop an off flavor and dry, sticky texture.

• Temperature fluctuations – Repeated warming to room temperature and cooling back down in the fridge speeds up spoilage.

• Contamination – Introducing new bacteria through contact with hands, surfaces, raw meats, etc. increases spoilage rate.

• Damage to packaging – Any tears or holes in vacuum sealed packages or plastic wrap allow air contact and growth of bacteria.

Following best practices for refrigerated storage, freezing, and food handling helps guard against these shortening factors.

Refrigerator Storage Tips

Proper refrigerator storage is key to maximizing how long canadian bacon stays fresh. Here are some storage tips:

• Store unopened canadian bacon in original packaging until the sell by date. Once opened, rewrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in a resealable plastic bag.

• Make sure canadian bacon is wrapped securely to prevent air exposure and freezer burn. Squeeze out excess air from bags.

• Place canadian bacon on a shelf rather than the door, which experiences more temperature fluctuations.

• Cooked canadian bacon should be stored in an airtight container to prevent drying out.

• Monitor refrigerator temperature and keep between 34-40°F.

• Use opened canadian bacon within 5 days for optimal freshness. Discard if slimy, sticky or smells off.

Following proper cold storage methods can extend the shelf life of canadian bacon by days or even weeks.

Freezer Storage Times

For maximum refrigerator life, freezing canadian bacon is recommended. Here are some freezer storage guidelines:

• Raw canadian bacon can be frozen for 4-6 months. Portion into quantities needed for recipes before freezing.

• Cooked canadian bacon keeps for 2-3 months frozen. Allow to cool completely before freezing.

• Use freezer bags or airtight containers to prevent freezer burn. Remove as much air as possible.

• Freeze canadian bacon as soon as possible after opening or cooking.

• Once thawed, use refrigerated canadian bacon within 3-5 days. Do not refreeze thawed canadian bacon.

With proper freezer storage, you can keep canadian bacon on hand for months rather than weeks.

How To Tell If Canadian Bacon Is Bad

Being able to identify signs of spoiled canadian bacon can help avoid foodborne illness. Here’s what to look for:

• Slimy texture – Fresh canadian bacon should be firm and dry to the touch. Sliminess indicates bacterial growth.

• Grey color – Canadian bacon should be pink or pale red when fresh. Grey, brown or greenish colors are a sign it has spoiled.

• Off odors – Rotten, sour or ammonia-like smells mean canadian bacon has gone bad.

• Mold growth – Any fuzzy growth, white or green, means canadian bacon should be discarded.

• Expired date codes – Don’t use canadian bacon more than 1 week past the sell by date if unopened, or 5-7 days past opened.

When inspecting canadian bacon, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If in doubt, throw it out.

Storing Leftover Cooked Canadian Bacon

Got leftovers after cooking up canadian bacon? Here are some storage tips:

• Allow cooked canadian bacon to cool completely, then store in an airtight container.

• Refrigerate cooked canadian bacon within 2 hours of cooking.

• Use leftovers within 3-5 days for best quality.

• Frozen leftovers maintain quality for about 2 months.

• Reheat cooked canadian bacon to 165°F until hot and steaming.

• Avoid reheating more than once to prevent spoilage.

With proper storage and reheating, cooked canadian bacon stays tasty for several days.

Creative Ways To Use Leftover Canadian Bacon

Don’t let leftover canadian bacon go to waste! Here are some delicious ways to use it up:

• Breakfast sandwiches – Add an egg, cheese and canadian bacon on an english muffin.

• Quiche/frittata – Dice up canadian bacon for a tasty addition.

• Mac and cheese – Stir chopped canadian bacon into macaroni and cheese.

• Pizza topping – Canadian bacon is a tasty low-fat alternative to pepperoni.

• Salad mix-ins – Chop or crumble canadian bacon over green or pasta salads.

• Omelets and scrambles – Sautee diced canadian bacon for extra flavor.

• Baked potatoes – Top baked potatoes with shredded canadian bacon and cheddar.

• Soup mix-ins – Add to bean, potato, or broccoli cheese soups.

With a little creativity, you can give leftover canadian bacon new life in lots of dishes.

The Bottom Line

Canadian bacon can be a tasty addition to many different recipes. Following proper refrigeration and freezer guidelines allows you to keep it on hand without worry. Store opened packages tightly, monitor for spoilage signs, and use within recommended timelines. With the right storage, canadian bacon stays fresh for 1-2 weeks refrigerated or 4-6 months frozen.

Implementing good food safety practices like using products before expiration dates, avoiding cross-contamination, and cooking meats thoroughly prevents foodborne illnesses. So stock up on versatile canadian bacon for breakfasts, pizzas, salads and more while keeping these storage tips in mind. This ensures you’ll have tasty canadian bacon on hand that lasts as long as possible.