How Long Does Deli Bacon Last in the Fridge?

Bacon is one of those versatile foods that can be used in everything from breakfast dishes to hearty dinners. It’s salty, smoky flavor adds depth and savoriness to many recipes. But like any perishable food, bacon has a limited shelf life. So how long does deli bacon last after you buy it from the store?

As a deli item, bacon is pre-sliced and pre-packaged, which gives it a slightly shorter fridge life than unsliced bacon. With proper storage though, an unopened pack of deli bacon can still last 1-2 weeks in the fridge. Once opened, it will last 3-7 days. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of how long deli bacon lasts and how to store it to optimize freshness:

How Long Does Unopened Deli Bacon Last in the Fridge?

An unopened package of deli bacon will typically last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. The sell-by date printed on the package is a good gauge – this is the last day the manufacturer recommends using the bacon for peak quality.

As long as the bacon is kept sealed in its original airtight packaging, it will retain freshness for 7-14 days past the sell-by date. The exception would be if you purchased bacon that was already close to its sell-by date – then the window for optimal freshness would be shorter.

How Long Does Opened Deli Bacon Last in the Fridge?

Once opened, the shelf life of deli bacon decreases. This is because exposure to air causes oxidation and introduces contaminants like bacteria or mold spores. Properly stored though, opened deli bacon will keep for 3-7 days in the refrigerator.

It’s important to repackage the bacon if you don’t use the entire package Simply wrap the remaining strips in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent air exposure You can also transfer the bacon to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag, The closed environment helps slow spoilage,

Make sure to check for any sliminess or stickiness, as this indicates the bacon is starting to spoil. You’ll also notice a greyish color and faded redness instead of rich pink. Off odors, such as sourness or staleness, are another sign bacon has gone bad. If you notice any of these changes it’s best to discard the bacon.

Proper Storage of Deli Bacon

To get the most fridge life out of your deli bacon, proper storage is key. Here are some tips:

Keep deli bacon in its original airtight packaging until you’re ready to use it. Don’t open the package prematurely.
Once opened, rewrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. The airtight seal helps prevent premature spoilage.
You can also store opened deli bacon in a resealable plastic bag, squeezing out excess air before sealing.
Make sure to refrigerate bacon at 40°F or below. The colder environment slows bacteria growth.
Place deli bacon on a shelf toward the back of the fridge, rather than the door. The temperature fluctuates less here.
Avoid overcrowding the fridge, as this limits air circulation and cooling efficiency.
Check packages for greyish color or sliminess, as this indicates spoilage. Discard if you see signs of spoilage.
When freezing deli bacon, wrap the package very tightly in plastic wrap or place in freezer bags. This prevents freezer burn.
For best quality, use frozen deli bacon within 2-3 months. It will last up to 6 months frozen.

How Long Does Cooked Deli Bacon Last in the Fridge?

Already cooked some of the bacon from the deli pack? Leftover cooked bacon will last 3-4 days in the fridge if stored properly. Place cooked bacon strips in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing.

The cooked bacon will develop an off odor, color fading, and slimy texture once it starts to spoil. Discard cooked bacon past 4 days, even if it doesn’t show signs of spoilage yet. As a general rule, the shorter the fridge life of cooked meats, the better.

Can You Freeze Deli Bacon?

Freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of deli bacon if you don’t plan to use it all within 1-2 weeks. Unopened packages can be frozen as-is. Simply wrap the original airtight packaging in a layer of plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This creates an extra barrier against freezer burn.

Frozen unopened deli bacon keeps for 4-6 months in the freezer before quality deteriorates. Once thawed in the fridge, it will have the same 1-2 week shelf life as fresh.

For opened packages, wrap unused bacon strips tightly in plastic wrap or foil before freezing. Place in resealable plastic bags, squeezing out excess air. Use frozen opened deli bacon within 2-3 months for best taste and texture.

Thaw frozen bacon overnight in the fridge. You can also thaw in cold water in an airtight bag, changing the water every 30 minutes. Cook bacon immediately after thawing – don’t try to refreeze thawed bacon.

Signs Deli Bacon Has Gone Bad

Here are some signs that indicate your deli bacon has spoiled and needs to be discarded:

Greyish, greenish or brownish color instead of rich pink
Dry or slimy texture
Dull, faded appearance
Rancid or sour smell
Mold growth – may appear fuzzy or discolored
Sliminess or stickiness on surface

Trust your senses! If deli bacon doesn’t look or smell appetizing, it’s safest to throw it out. With proper refrigeration and storage however, an unopened pack of deli bacon should last 1-2 weeks past its sell-by date. And opened packages can keep 3-7 days if well wrapped.

Storing Other Types of Bacon

The fridge shelf life for other types of packaged pre-cooked bacon are similar:

Turkey bacon: unopened, 2 weeks; opened, 1 week
Beef bacon: unopened, 2 weeks; opened, 1 week
Veggie bacon: unopened, 10-14 days; opened, 7 days

As always, it’s important to check for signs of spoilage no matter what the elapsed storage time. Your nose and eyes are the best tools for determining if bacon is still safe to eat or ready for the trash.

So go ahead and stock up on those handy deli bacon packs. Just follow the storage guidelines above to keep your bacon fresh for as long as possible. The tasty strips can add flavor to so many meals when you need a quick protein.

Ask the Test Kitchen: How Long Will Meat Last in the Fridge?

FAQ

How can you tell if bacon has gone bad?

The most notable sign of rancid bacon is a change in appearance. Bacon that has gone bad doesn’t retain its redness and will instead take on a brown, gray, or greenish hue, and the color itself will seem faded. Rancid bacon also takes on an unpleasant odor and may become sticky or slimy.

Is bacon OK after 10 days?

Unopened bacon may last roughly two weeks in the fridge and eight months in the freezer. Once the package has been opened, as long as it is well stored in a sealed container, uncooked bacon is good for a week.

How do you store deli bacon?

Bacon Storing Method: Zip-Top Bag About this method: Apart from leaving the bacon in its original packaging, this is probably the method I’ve enlisted most at home, thanks to its ease. Just place the bacon in a zip-top bag, make sure it’s fully sealed, and put it in the refrigerator.

Is bacon good after 3 weeks in the fridge?

Sealed, unopened bacon: Bacon just purchased at the store is typically good for 2-3 weeks in the fridge, though you should always check the package for a “use by” date.

How long does Bacon last in the fridge?

It’s critical to store your bacon properly, so it lasts in the fridge for as long as possible. Here are a few tips: Put it in the coldest part of your fridge: The temperature in the fridge door is warmer than the rest of the fridge, so bacon stored there will go bad more quickly.

How long does bacon grease last in the fridge?

Note: Bacon grease can last up to six months in the fridge and up to nine months in the freezer. Pro tip: You can seal leftover cooked bacon in a plastic bag and save cooked bacon in a freezer. Seal it well when you freeze cooked bacon; it’ll keep the flavor for a month. You can keep it frozen for longer, but it won’t taste as good.

How long can Bacon sit out if unopened?

If unopened, use the refrigerated bacon within a month (or 1 week past the sell-by date). How Long Can Bacon Sit Out? The general rule of food safety is to not let raw meat or cooked food sit out for more than 2 hours, and that rule applies to uncooked or cooked bacon.

Can bacon go bad in the fridge?

Yes, bacon can go bad in the fridge. You can refrigerate cooked bacon in an open package for about a week. It’ll go bad after this time. You also have to be careful when storing cooked bacon. It’ll go bad more quickly if it’s not properly stored.