Bacon is one of those foods that we just can’t seem to get enough of. The smoky, salty, umami flavor takes breakfast, burgers, sandwiches, and more to the next level. But like any perishable food, bacon has a limited shelf life. So how long does vacuum sealed bacon actually last in the fridge?
As a bacon lover, I used to just keep packages of bacon in my fridge without much thought about how long they would stay fresh. But after one too many experiences with funky, spoiled bacon, I got serious about learning proper storage times.
Now I know that how you store your bacon makes all the difference for maximizing its shelf life and keeping it tasting great. In this guide, I’ll share everything I’ve learned so you can keep enjoying bacon safely.
How Long Does Unopened Vacuum Sealed Bacon Last in the Fridge?
The first thing to know is that unopened packages of vacuum sealed bacon can last in the fridge for 1-2 months past the sell by date.
The vacuum sealing process removes oxygen from the package, which slows down bacteria growth and oxidation that can cause spoilage. This gives the bacon a longer shelf life than just supermarket wrap.
As long as your vacuum sealed bacon remains sealed in its original airtight packaging, it should maintain quality and freshness for a good long while in the fridge.
I like to keep unopened vacuum sealed bacon packs stocked in my fridge so I always have some on hand when a BLT craving hits.
The sell by date is usually at least 30-45 days out from the packaging date, sometimes longer. So an unopened pack can easily last 2-3 months in the fridge from the day you bought it.
Just be sure to check the use by or sell by date and look for any signs of spoilage before cooking it (more on that below)
How Long Does Opened Vacuum Packed Bacon Last in the Fridge?
Once you open the vacuum sealed packaging, the clock starts ticking a bit faster on your bacon’s shelf life.
This is because oxygen from the air can now penetrate the bacon and allow bacteria and mold to grow more rapidly
So how long does opened vacuum packed bacon last in the fridge?
Generally you’ll have 5-7 days from the date you opened the package to use up the remaining bacon before it goes bad.
To maximize freshness for this 5-7 day window:
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Rewrap the opened bacon very tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Remove as much air as possible.
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Use an airtight container like a zip top bag or Tupperware to store it.
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Keep the fridge temperature at 40°F or below.
I like to divide a pack of bacon into a few smaller zip top bags for fridge storage once opened. This allows me to only thaw what I need each time instead of the whole pack.
No matter what, make sure to inspect the bacon before cooking or eating it. Check for any sliminess, stickiness, dull or faded coloring, dryness, or funky smells that would indicate spoilage.
If you don’t think you can finish the package within 7 days, your best bet is to freeze the remainder immediately.
Freezing Leftover Vacuum Packed Bacon
Freezing is a great way to salvage any bacon you won’t be able to eat within 5-7 days of opening the package.
Vacuum sealed bacon that has been continuously frozen can last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months beyond the sell by date.
To freeze leftover bacon:
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Double wrap opened packages in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Remove as much air as possible.
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For longer term freezer storage, consider repackaging the bacon in a Foodsaver or other vacuum sealed freezer bag.
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Label bags with date and contents. This will help with freezer organization and meal planning.
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Maintain a consistent 0°F freezer temperature. Don’t let it fluctuate above 10°F for safety.
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Once thawed, use frozen bacon within 5-7 days. Do not refreeze thawed bacon.
With proper freezer storage, you shouldn’t notice any major changes in texture or flavor within the first month. But the bacon may start to suffer freezer burn or drying out after 2-3 months.
I like to freeze any bacon I won’t use up within a week or so of opening. Breaking it into meal-sized portions allows me to pull out just what I need.
How To Tell If Vacuum Packed Bacon Has Gone Bad
No matter how you store your bacon, it’s important to monitor it for signs of spoilage. Here’s what to look for:
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Sliminess or Stickiness – Fresh bacon feels slightly tacky but shouldn’t be outright slimy, sticky, or tacky. This indicates bacterial growth.
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Dull or Faded Pink Color – Good bacon is bright pink to deep red when raw. If it starts to look faded, grayish or greenish, toss it.
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Dryness or Brittleness – Bacon shouldn’t feel overly dry or brittle. This is a sign it has dried out or frozen too long.
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Rancid Smell – Fresh bacon has a mild, meaty smell. If you notice a sour, ammonia-like, or “off” odor, it has likely gone bad.
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Mold Growth – You may see fuzzy white, green, or blue mold developing, an obvious sign of spoilage.
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Expanded or Bulging Packaging – If vacuum sealed packaging starts to inflate or bulge, bacteria may be growing and producing gas inside the package. When in doubt, throw it out!
Following the storage guidelines here will help you avoid spoiled bacon. But remember to rely on your senses, not just the date on the package. If bacon smells or looks at all questionable, don’t risk eating it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have some questions about vacuum sealed bacon and its shelf life? Here are some common FAQs:
How can I make my vacuum sealed bacon last even longer in the fridge?
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Store unopened packages on a lower shelf away from the door where temperatures fluctuate.
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Open package only as needed and immediately rewrap tightly.
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Transfer to smaller airtight containers like zip top bags once opened.
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Keep fridge temperature at 40°F or below. Use a thermometer to monitor.
What about freezing cooked bacon? How long does that last?
Cooked bacon will maintain best quality frozen for 2-3 months. Make sure to let it cool fully before freezing. Wrap cooked bacon slices in waxed paper then foil or plastic wrap.
Can you freeze raw bacon without vacuum sealing?
Yes, wrapping the bacon tightly in foil or plastic wrap will work for short term freezing up to 2-3 months. For longer freezer storage, vacuum sealing maintains quality better by removing air exposure.
How can I tell if bacon has been frozen too long?
Signs of bacon freezer burned or stored too long include dried out patches, change in color, development of off odors, or tough, rubbery texture. Taste a small piece if uncertain.
Is it safe to eat vacuum packed bacon after the sell by date?
An unopened vacuum sealed pack should be fine for a while past the sell by date as long as it has been continuously refrigerated below 40°F. Opened packages have a shorter window of 5-7 days. Inspect the bacon closely and use your judgment.
The Bottom Line
Now you know exactly how long vacuum sealed bacon lasts in the fridge so you can keep enjoying it safely and without waste.
The short version to remember:
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Unopened packages last 1-2 months past the sell by date.
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Opened packages should be eaten within 5-7 days.
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Freeze leftovers immediately for 2-3 months of freezer shelf life.
Follow the storage, freezing, and food safety tips in this guide and your bacon will stay fresh, delicious, and ready for all your recipes. No more fridge surprises!