How Long is Turkey Bacon Good For After the Expiration Date?

Turkey bacon has become a popular alternative to regular pork bacon for many people looking to reduce their fat and calorie intake. But like any food product, turkey bacon does come with a printed expiration date which raises the question – how long is it still safe to eat after that date has passed?

In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at how to tell if turkey bacon has gone bad, what the signs of spoilage are, and how long it can stay fresh and edible past the expiration date if properly stored.

Does Turkey Bacon Expire?

Yes, turkey bacon does expire and the expiration date printed on the package is there for a reason. This date indicates the last day that the manufacturer vouches for the product’s quality and safety.

Turkey bacon, like regular bacon is a perishable food product that can grow bacteria and become unsafe to eat if left at room temperature too long. While the expiration date doesn’t necessarily mean the food will be inedible after that date it does mean that quality and freshness can start deteriorating.

How Long Does Unopened Turkey Bacon Last?

An unopened package of turkey bacon stored continuously at 40°F or below will generally stay fresh for 1 to 2 weeks past the printed date on the package.

If the turkey bacon is kept frozen at 0°F, it can last for 1 to 3 months past the expiration date printed.

The key is to keep turkey bacon refrigerated at all times since bacteria grows rapidly at temperatures above 40°F. As long as the package remains sealed and properly stored in the fridge or freezer, turkey bacon can stay safe for consumption a bit past the expiration date.

How To Tell If Turkey Bacon Has Gone Bad

There are a few clear signs that indicate your turkey bacon has spoiled and is no longer good to eat. Here’s what to look for:

• Change in color – Fresh turkey bacon should be pale to deep pink. Gray, brown, or greenish hues indicate spoilage.

• Slimy texture – The meat will appear shiny, wet, and sticky when it starts to go bad.

• Rancid smell – Spoiled turkey bacon gives off a sour, unpleasant odor.

• Mold growth – You may see fuzzy spots or discoloration from mold. This means the meat should be discarded.

• Dry or shriveled – If the bacon slices are dried out, hard, and wrinkled, they won’t taste good.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to play it safe and throw the turkey bacon away. Consuming spoiled meat can potentially cause foodborne illness.

How Long Does Cooked Turkey Bacon Last?

Cooked turkey bacon will stay fresh 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator if stored properly in a sealed container. Make sure to refrigerate any leftovers within 2 hours of cooking. The cooked bacon also freezes well for 2 to 3 months.

To maximize freshness, divide cooked turkey bacon into portions and place in individual airtight containers or bags before freezing. Defrost in the refrigerator when ready to consume.

Reheat cooked turkey bacon thoroughly before eating to 165°F. Don’t eat turkey bacon that smells bad or has mold – cooking spoiled meat won’t make it safe.

Can You Freeze Turkey Bacon After the Expiration Date?

Turkey bacon can be safely frozen after the printed expiration date, provided it has been continuously refrigerated and shows no signs of spoilage. The quality may start to decline but frozen turkey bacon stays safe indefinitely according to USDA guidelines.

For best quality, freeze turkey bacon by the expiration date. Portion into freezer bags, press out air, seal tightly, and freeze at 0°F. Thaw in the refrigerator before using and cook it thoroughly within 1 to 2 months for optimal freshness.

Don’t freeze turkey bacon if it smells bad, changed colors, or feels slimy. At that point, it needs to be tossed out.

How Long Can You Keep Turkey Bacon After Opening Package?

An opened package of raw turkey bacon will keep for 5 to 7 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to tightly rewrap or seal any bacon you don’t use with plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or a storage bag. Limiting air exposure prevents the turkey bacon from drying out.

For optimal freshness and food safety, use refrigerated turkey bacon within 1 week of opening. It will develop an off smell, color, and texture if left too long after exposure to air. The countdown starts as soon as that package is opened.

Is It Safe To Eat Turkey Bacon After Expiration Date?

It’s generally not recommended to eat turkey bacon that has surpassed the expiration date on the package. As the printed date is the last day the manufacturer guarantees quality and safety, consuming turkey bacon after this date means you are taking a gamble.

While turkey bacon can sometimes last a week or two past its expiration when properly refrigerated, it’s impossible to know just how long it stays “good enough” to eat. Once bacteria grows to dangerous levels, you can’t detect it by smell or taste.

For maximum food safety, discard turkey bacon that has passed its expiration date. It’s better to be cautious, especially for those with compromised immune systems. Don’t risk eating spoiled meat.

How To Safely Store Turkey Bacon

To get the longest shelf life and optimize safety, be sure to store turkey bacon properly:

• Keep turkey bacon refrigerated at 40°F or below at all times. Never leave it sitting out for more than 2 hours.

• Seal the original package tightly or rewrap opened bacon in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Limit air exposure.

• Place turkey bacon on a plate or in a container to catch any juices that may drip. Don’t store directly touching other foods.

• Freeze turkey bacon if you can’t use it within 1 week. Portion into freezer bags and freeze at 0°F.

• Do not refreeze turkey bacon after it has been thawed. Cook it within 1 to 2 days.

• Discard turkey bacon that is past the expiration date, smells bad, or shows any signs of spoilage. Don’t taste test it.

Following safe turkey bacon storage methods like these will help optimize freshness and reduce food safety risks.

Can You Eat Turkey Bacon a Week After Expiration?

It’s generally not recommended to eat turkey bacon more than 1 week past the printed expiration date. Even when refrigerated, turkey bacon only has about a 7 to 14-day shelf life after being opened or its sell-by date.

Eating turkey bacon more than 1 week after the expiration essentially means you are consuming meat that is no longer at its freshest and microbes have had more time to multiply.

While the bacon may appear fine in the first 5 to 7 days after expiration, bacteria is not visible to the naked eye. Consuming turkey bacon over 1 week expired poses an increased risk of possible food poisoning.

For best safety and quality, stick to eating turkey bacon within 1 week of its printed expiration date. Discard any packages that are past 1 week expired or show signs of spoilage. Don’t take risks with expired meat products.

The Final Word on Expired Turkey Bacon

While turkey bacon can sometimes remain edible for a short period past its printed expiration date, it’s impossible to know just how long it stays safe. Eating expired turkey bacon is never worth taking the chance with your health.

For best results, stick to consuming turkey bacon by its expiration date and within 1 week if opened. Be sure to carefully check for signs of spoilage and discard expired or fouled turkey bacon. Practicing proper refrigerated storage will help maximize freshness and shelf life as well.

Following safe food handling recommendations when storing and preparing turkey bacon is key. If in doubt, remember it’s better to be safe than sorry. Don’t take risks with meat products after the expiration date has passed.