Shelf Life Tips
- How long does an unopened package of bacon last in the fridge or freezer? The exact answer to that question depends to a large extent on storage conditions - keep bacon refrigerated at all times.
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How long does an unopened packaged of bacon last in the refrigerator? After bacon is purchased, it 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 bacon may be kept in its original store packaging when refrigerating; to maximize the shelf life of bacon, do not open the package until ready to use.
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How long can bacon be left at room temperature? Bacteria grow rapidly at temperatures between 40 °F and 140 °F; bacon 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 bacon, freeze; when freezing, place bacon 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 bacon 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 does an unopened package of bacon last in the freezer? Properly stored, unopened bacon will maintain best quality for about 1 to 2 months in the freezer, but will remain safe beyond that time.
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The freezer time shown is for best quality only - bacon that has been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely.
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How long does bacon last after being frozen and thawed? 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.
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How long does bacon last in the fridge once it is cooked? Cooked bacon 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 bacon is bad? The best way is to smell and look at the bacon: signs of bad bacon are a sour smell, dull color and slimy texture; discard any bacon with an off smell or appearance.
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Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here
