Shelf Life Tips
- How long does an unopened package of hot dogs last in the fridge or freezer? The exact answer to that question depends to a large extent on storage conditions - keep hot dogs refrigerated at all times.
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How long does an unopened package of hot dogs last in the refrigerator? After hot dogs are purchased, they may be kept refrigerated for about 1 week after the "sell-by" date on the package if it has been properly stored.
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Unopened hot dogs may be kept in their original store packaging when refrigerating; to maximize the shelf life of hot dogs, do not open the package until ready to use.
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How long can an unopened package of hot dogs be left at room temperature? Bacteria grow rapidly at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F; hot dogs should be discarded if left out for more than 2 hours at room temperature.
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To further extend the shelf life of hot dogs, freeze; when freezing, place hot dogs in the freezer before the number of days shown for refrigerator storage has elapsed.
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You can maximize the shelf life of unopened hot dogs in the freezer by overwrapping the original store packaging with airtight heavy-duty aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or freezer paper or place the package inside a heavy-duty freezer bag in order to prevent freezer burn.
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How long do hot dogs last in the freezer? Properly stored, hot dogs will maintain best quality for about 1 to 2 months, but will remain safe beyond that time.
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The freezer time shown is for best quality only - hot dogs that have been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely.
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How long do hot dogs last after being frozen and thawed? Hot dogs that have been defrosted in the fridge can be kept for an additional 1 to 2 days in the refrigerator before cooking; hot dogs that were thawed in the microwave or in cold water should be cooked immediately.
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How long do hot dogs last in the fridge once they are cooked? Cooked hot dogs will usually stay good for 3 to 4 days in the fridge and 4 months in the freezer.
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How to tell if hot dogs are bad? The best way is to smell and look at the hot dogs: signs of bad hot dogs are a sour smell, dull color and slimy texture; discard any hot dogs with an off smell or appearance.
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Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here
