Do you think there is no such thing as leftover Bacon? Wrong. You won’t use up a whole package of Bacon if you live alone or with a smaller family. Perhaps you kept Bacon in a hidden place and forgot to check it. Now you want to make sure that the Bacon is safe to eat.
Like other refrigerated foods, Bacon has a sell-by day printed on the package. However, depending on its storage, its shelf life might be slightly longer or shorter.
The shelf life of Bacon depends on many factors, including the type of Bacon, how the package was opened, and how it is stored in the fridge. Learn how to store Bacon in your fridge or freezer, store it properly, and what to do if it goes bad.
What is the Shelf Life of Bacon in the Fridge?
Unopened Bacon can last 2 weeks in the refrigerator. You can also store other types of Bacon in the refrigerator, like turkey, Bacon and pancetta.
The shelf life of Bacon is affected by the time you open it. Raw Bacon that has been opened and sealed will keep for a week in the fridge. Cooked Bacon will keep for four to five days if properly stored.
Bacon can also be stored in the freezer. You can also store Bacon in the freezer. Uncooked and unopened Bacon will keep for up to eight months. However, leftover Bacon that has been properly stored can last up to six months in the freezer. If properly stored, cooked Bacon will last for one month in the freezer.
What is the Lifespan of Bacon Grease?
If you store leftover bacon grease in an airtight container in the fridge for six months and the freezer for nine months, it will last well. After it goes bad, bacon grease will develop a rancid smell. Throw it out if you notice any mold growth or odors.
How to Store Bacon
Properly stored Bacon is the best indicator of how long it will last in the fridge or freezer. It should be kept in an airtight container such as the original unopened package or a plastic or glass container. Wrap it in aluminium foil or place it in a zip-top bag if you store an already opened package.
How to keep Bacon in the refrigerator
Raw, unopened Bacon can be stored in the original packaging. This should be backed up by a large zip-top bag or some aluminium foil. Bacon can be stored in an airtight container for up to seven days. You can store cooked Bacon in an airtight container for up to five days after it is used.
How to keep Bacon in the freezer
Wrap the Bacon in aluminium foil or plastic wrap tightly to freeze it. To prevent Bacon from becoming rancid, squeeze out all air in the package.
The National Center for Home Food Preservation suggests that you immediately remove any opened bacon and place it in a zip-top bag. Before placing the bag in the freezer, squeeze out any air.
For frozen Bacon, place the strips of Bacon between layers of paper towels. Then, put the folded towels in a large zip-top bag. Before putting the bag in the freezer, squeeze out all excess air.
You can thaw Bacon by placing the package in the refrigerator and letting it thaw overnight. A zip-top bag can be used to thaw Bacon in cold water. It will then defrost in 30 minutes.
You can thaw Bacon in the microwave using the defrost function. However, it is best to cook Bacon quickly and keep any plastic from melting.
Important Note: Although Bacon can be frozen for several months, the Food Marketing Institute suggests that you keep it in the fridge for a shorter time to preserve its quality and flavor.
How to tell if Bacon is bad
Bacon is prone to quickly go rancid due to its high-fat content. If it’s not properly stored, Bacon can easily go rancid. There are clear indicators that Bacon has gone rancid.
Rancid Bacon’s most obvious sign is a change of appearance. Rancid Bacon will have a change in appearance. It will no longer be red but will take on a grey or brownish hue. The color will appear faded. Rancid Bacon can also develop an unpleasant odor, turning sticky or slimy.
