Ground turkey is a highly versatile and healthy meat that can be used in many delicious recipes. If you’ve recently bought a couple packs from your local butcher, you need to know how long does ground turkey last in the fridge? Or should you just pop it into the freezer?
It typically lasts in the fridge for two to three days. If it’s already cooked, it can last up to four days.
Frozen ground turkey remains safe to eat indefinitely if it’s stored the right way. However, it’s recommended to thaw and cook it within four months of freezing.
Ground turkey is a versatile and healthy meat that is a staple in many kitchens. However like any raw meat, proper storage and food safety practices need to be followed to prevent foodborne illness. Understanding how long ground turkey lasts after the use by date is important to balance reducing food waste with protecting your health.
What Does the Use By Date on Ground Turkey Mean?
The use by date on ground turkey indicates the last date that the manufacturer recommends consuming the product for peak quality and freshness. The use by date is not an absolute expiration date, rather a guideline for best flavor and texture.
Ground turkey may still be safe to eat for a period after the use by date if it has been properly stored. However, the quality degrades over time so it is best to cook or freeze ground turkey by the use by date for optimal taste and texture.
How Long Can You Use Ground Turkey After the Use By Date?
You can safely use ground turkey 1 to 2 days after the printed use by date as long as it has been continuously refrigerated at 40°F or below and there are no signs of spoilage.
If frozen ground turkey has been properly stored at 0°F, it will maintain quality for 3-4 months past the use by date. However for best flavor and texture cook frozen ground turkey within 1-2 days of thawing.
Always rely on your senses. If ground turkey has an off color, odor or slimy texture, it should be discarded regardless of the date on the package.
Proper Storage of Ground Turkey
To maximize the shelf life of ground turkey and use it safely past the use by date, proper storage is crucial.
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Refrigerate or freeze ground turkey in the original store packaging or place in airtight containers or freezer bags.
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Store ground turkey on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator, the coldest area.
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Freeze ground turkey at 0°F or below. Use within 3-4 months for best quality.
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Never thaw ground turkey on the counter or in hot water. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
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Marinate ground turkey in the refrigerator, not on the counter. Discard used marinade.
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Divide large packages into smaller portions and freeze to prevent spoilage.
How to Tell If Ground Turkey Is Bad
Rely on your senses when determining if ground turkey is spoiled and no longer safe to eat. Signs that ground turkey has gone bad include:
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Gray or green discoloration– Ground turkey should be pink or light brown.
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Slimy texture– It should feel moist but not overly sticky or slippery.
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Sour or unpleasant odor– Raw ground turkey has a slight odor but a pungent smell means spoilage.
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Past use by date– Use within 1-2 days or discard. Don’t take chances with meat.
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Improperly stored– Temperature fluctuations and contact with other foods can accelerate spoilage.
If in doubt, remember the old adage – when in doubt, throw it out. Don’t risk getting sick from spoiled meat.
Can You Cook and Eat Ground Turkey After the Use By Date?
It is not recommended to cook and consume ground turkey that is past the use by date even if it looks and smells normal. Ground turkey is a raw animal product that can contain harmful bacteria like salmonella or E. coli.
While cooking ground turkey to the proper internal temperature of 165°F will kill bacteria, toxins left by bacteria cannot be destroyed by heat. Consuming spoiled turkey can still lead to food poisoning or stomach issues. You cannot rely on your eyes or nose alone to determine if ground turkey is safe when it is past the use by date.
Is Refrigerated Ground Turkey Good 1 Week After the Use By Date?
No, do not use ground turkey that has been refrigerated for over 1 week past the printed use by date. At this point, even properly stored ground turkey is likely to have spoiled. The quality, freshness, and safety would be uncertain. It is better to discard ground turkey 1 week after the use by date.
Can You Freeze Ground Turkey After the Use By Date?
Ground turkey that has been continuously refrigerated can be safely frozen up to 2 days after the use by date. Make sure to package it properly in airtight packaging before freezing.
Previously frozen ground turkey that has been thawed can be safely refrozen provided it still has no signs of spoilage and has been kept at 40°F or below. It is best to cook within a day or two after thawing for optimal freshness.
Freezing can slow down the degradation in quality and extend the shelf life of ground turkey. But remember – do not refreeze ground turkey that has been fully thawed.
How to Use Up Ground Turkey Close to Use By Date
When ground turkey is nearing the use by date, you have a couple options to use it up:
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Cook it within 1-2 days and eat immediately or refrigerate for 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly to 165°F.
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Cook ground turkey then freeze meals for later like turkey chili, burgers, meatballs, and meat sauce.
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Brown ground turkey then freeze for later recipes. Defrost in refrigerator before cooking.
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Make turkey meatballs or burgers and cook sous vide at 140°F for 2.5 hours then freeze. Reheat before serving.
Always label packages with contents and dates before freezing. Use good food safety practices when preparing, cooking and storing turkey.
The Bottom Line
Understanding how long ground turkey lasts after the printed use by date will help you reduce food waste and keep your food safe. With proper refrigeration and freezing, ground turkey can safely be eaten 1 to 2 days past the use by date. Rely on your senses – if there are any signs of spoilage, discard it. Follow good food safety practices and enjoy ground turkey’s versatility, nutrition and convenience while keeping your food fresh.
How Long Does It Last In The Fridge?
Raw ground turkey typically lasts in the fridge for 2 to 3 days past its use-by date. Always look and smell your meat when you open the packaging to make sure all of the clues still point that it’s safe to eat.
It can sometimes be safe to eat after 4 days if it’s tightly sealed and refrigerated, but make sure its still good before using it.
Thawing In The Microwave
This is the fastest method you can use to thaw it.
However, you need to keep a very close eye on it as it defrosts in the microwave because the microwave will start cooking it if you leave it in for too long.
If you decide to thaw it in the microwave, keep in mind that you’re going to have to cook it immediately.
How long is raw ground turkey good for in the fridge?
FAQ
Is it okay to use ground turkey after use by date?
Can you eat turkey 3 days after use by date?
How can you tell if ground turkey has gone bad?
Can I eat ground turkey after 7 days?
How long does ground turkey last?
Ground turkey lasts for 2 days when kept in the refrigerator, before its use-by date. And if the ground turkey is kept inside a freezer, then it can last up to 3 – 4 months, while maintaining its best quality. But you’ll be surprised to know that raw ground turkey is edible for some time even after its use-by date.
How long after use-by date can you eat ground turkey?
While it is generally safe to consume ground turkey within a couple of days after the use-by date if it shows no signs of spoilage, it is recommended to follow the use-by date guidelines for optimal freshness and quality. Is it safe to eat ground turkey that’s been sitting in the refrigerator for a week?
Does ground turkey have an expiration date?
When it comes to meat, it’s always important to pay attention to expiration dates and use-by dates to ensure that you’re consuming food that is safe and fresh. In the case of ground turkey, the use-by date is an important indicator of its freshness and safety. However, the use-by date is not necessarily a hard and fast rule.
How long does raw ground turkey last after the sell-by date?
After ground turkey is purchased, it may be refrigerated for 1 to 2 days – the “sell-by” date on the package may expire during that storage period, but the ground turkey will remain safe to use after the sell by date if it has been properly stored.