How Long Does Uncured Bacon Last in the Fridge?

Uncured bacon has become a popular alternative to traditional cured bacon thanks to its natural flavor and lack of artificial ingredients But there is some confusion around how long uncured bacon actually lasts in the refrigerator compared to regular bacon, This article will provide a complete guide to maximizing the shelf life of uncured bacon

Overview of Uncured Bacon’s Shelf Life

In general, unopened packages of uncured bacon will last around 1-2 weeks past the sell-by date when stored in the fridge. Once opened uncured bacon will last for 5-7 days refrigerated.

Here are some of the factors that affect uncured bacon’s fridge life:

Storage temperature – Consistently 40°F or below is best
Opening the package – Exposes bacon to oxygen and bacteria
Freezer storage – Extends shelf life up to 6 months when frozen
Signs of spoilage – Changes in smell, texture, color

For optimum freshness and food safety, try to use uncured bacon within the recommended time frames. Proper storage and monitoring for spoilage can help maximize how long it lasts.

Storing Unopened Uncured Bacon

To get the longest shelf life from unopened packages of uncured bacon:

Keep unopened packs on a bottom fridge shelf where temperatures are coldest.
Leave the bacon sealed in its original retail packaging. This prevents premature exposure to air.
Check the sell-by or use-by date and cook within 1 week after this date.
Monitor your refrigerator temperature, ideally maintaining 40°F or below.

Following these guidelines will help unopened packs of uncured bacon stay fresh for up to 2 weeks past the date on the package when stored in the fridge.

How Long Does Opened Uncured Bacon Last?

Once opened, the shelf life of uncured bacon is shortened due to oxygen exposure. Follow these guidelines for storing opened packages:

Use opened uncured bacon within 5-7 days for best quality.
Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate.
Optimize fridge organization by storing on the bottom shelf.
Cooked uncured bacon lasts 3-4 days refrigerated when stored in airtight containers.
Freeze any unused portions rather than trying to prolong fridge life.

Proper storage helps extend the shelf life of opened packages as long as possible. But freezing is the best way to preserve uncured bacon once opened.

Freezing Uncured Bacon

Freezing uncured bacon enables it to be stored for significantly longer durations without spoiling. Here are some freezing tips:

Wrap uncured bacon very tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. This prevents freezer burn.
Place wrapped bacon in freezer bags, removing excess air. Freezer burn causes dryness.
Label packages with contents and freeze-by date. Store frozen uncured bacon for 4-6 months at 0°F.
Thaw frozen uncured bacon overnight in the refrigerator. Cook within 1-2 days.

With proper freezing techniques, the shelf life of uncured bacon can be prolonged from months refrigerated to up to 6 months frozen.

How to Tell If Uncured Bacon Is Bad

It’s important to rely on your senses to determine if uncured bacon has gone bad:

Look for unusual, unnatural colors like green, grey or blue. Good uncured bacon is pink or red.
Smell for fouls odors. Uncured bacon should have a mild, meaty smell. Rancidity means spoilage.
Feel the texture. Uncured bacon shouldn’t be slimy. Dry, sticky bacon has likely spoiled.
Check expiration or freeze-by dates. Do not eat uncured bacon beyond these dates without verifying freshness.

When in doubt, remember it’s safer to throw it out than risk eating spoiled uncured bacon. The consequences definitely aren’t worth it.

Safe Handling of Uncured Bacon

To safely handle, cook, and store uncured bacon:

Cook uncured bacon thoroughly to 165°F internal temperature to destroy bacteria.
Let sit 1-2 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute.
Refrigerate cooked uncured bacon in a sealed container for 3-4 days maximum.
When reheating, reheat fully to 165°F. Use the microwave or oven.
Avoid leaving uncured bacon out for over 2 hours. Toss it if exceeded.

Following food safety guidelines helps reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Common Questions About Uncured Bacon’s Fridge Life

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about storing uncured bacon:

How long does opened uncured bacon last in the fridge? 5-7 days is the recommended fridge life for opened packages. Try to use within this timeframe.

Can you freeze uncured bacon? Yes, freezing extends the shelf life of uncured bacon up to 6 months when properly wrapped.

Is it safe to eat uncured bacon after the sell-by date? It’s generally safe up to 1 week past the sell-by date if refrigerated continuously at 40°F or below. Inspect packages before cooking.

How do you know if uncured bacon is bad? Rely on your senses. Signs like mold, sliminess, foul odors, or unnatural colors indicate spoilage.

Can you refreeze thawed uncured bacon? No, it’s unsafe to refreeze uncured bacon after thawing. Cook within 1-2 days and refrigerate or freeze leftovers.

The Bottom Line

With proper refrigerated storage, unopened packs of uncured bacon will last around 2 weeks past the sell-by date, and opened packages will last 5-7 days in the fridge. For maximum shelf life, freeze uncured bacon. Monitor for spoilage signs like unusual colors, textures, and smells. Following food safety best practices will help you get the most out of your uncured bacon.

How long is open bacon good for in the refrigerator?

FAQ

How long does uncured bacon last in the fridge once opened?

Once you open that package, bacon’s shelf life shortens whether you cook it or not. Raw bacon in a package that has been opened and re-sealed will last up to a week in the fridge, and cooked bacon will last four to five days if it’s properly stored.

How can you tell if bacon has gone bad?

Smell: Any off or sour smells are a good indicator that the bacon isn’t safe to eat. The only smell you should detect from bacon is a faint smokiness. Slime: If your bacon is slimy, it’s a sure sign that bacteria are present and spreading on the meat. Toss it out!

How long do uncured meats last in the fridge?

Food	Type	Refrigerator [40°F (4°C) or below]
Fresh beef, veal, lamb, and pork	Chops	3 to 5 days
	Roasts	3 to 5 days
Ham	Fresh, uncured, uncooked	3 to 5 days
	Fresh, uncured, cooked	3 to 4 days

Does uncured meat spoil faster?

There are a few benefits besides the obvious that you can get from curing meat. Preservation is a key piece to talk about, as cured meat tends to last around 2 weeks longer than uncured meat.

How long does uncooked bacon last?

An opened package of uncooked bacon will last up to one week in the fridge. That rule applies whether the bacon is thick-cut or thin, hickory or maple-smoked, the fancy stuff or the cheap stuff. You’ve got seven days. An unopened package of bacon will typically last around two weeks, but you can also follow the sell-by and use-by dates.

How long does Bacon last if defrosted?

Bacon that has been defrosted in the fridge can be kept for an additional 1 to 2 days in the refrigerator before cooking; bacon that was thawed in the microwave or in cold water should be cooked immediately. How long does bacon last in the fridge once it is cooked?

How long can you freeze Bacon?

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. Bacon past its prime might smell sour, change in hue from rosy pink to slightly gray, or have a sticky-to-the-touch texture before it grows mold or has other signs of spoilage.

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.