There’s nothing better than the smell of bacon on a lazy Sunday morning, whether it’s by itself, with eggs poached just right, or on toast with smashed avocado. However, it’s simple to overdo it when cooking bacon and end up with a lot more than you need. But how long can you keep bacon in the fridge?.
Here, we look at how to store bacon correctly and how long cooked and raw bacon will last in the fridge.
When you’re in a hurry in the morning or making a quick meal, pre-sliced deli bacon can save you time. But deli bacon tends to go bad faster than whole bacon packages because the slices are thinner and it gets handled and exposed to air more. So how long exactly can you keep deli bacon before it goes bad?.
Generally unopened deli bacon lasts around 1 week past the sell by date when properly refrigerated. Once opened it’s best to use deli bacon within 3-5 days for optimal freshness and quality. Read on for a thorough look at maximizing the shelf life of deli bacon.
Overview of Deli Bacon
Deli bacon refers to bacon that has been pre-sliced at the deli counter of a grocery store or supermarket It is also sometimes called sliced bacon,
Compared to regular bacon sold in intact packages, deli bacon offers conveniences like:
-
Thinner uniform slices perfect for sandwiches or wraps.
-
The ability to buy smaller custom quantities.
-
Not having to slice the bacon yourself.
However, there are some drawbacks to deli bacon:
-
Shorter shelf life due to increased handling and air exposure.
-
Potential for more contamination from use of shared slicers.
-
Loss of moisture from thinner slices.
When buying deli bacon, look for slices with a bright red color without dry or brown edges. Avoid packages with an off smell or slimy appearance.
How Long Does Unopened Deli Bacon Last in the Fridge?
Properly stored in the fridge, unopened deli bacon typically lasts:
-
7 days past the sell by or use by date on the package.
-
Up to 1 week from the sell by date before quality starts declining.
The sell by date is a good benchmark for maximum freshness of unopened deli bacon. Be sure to use deli bacon by this date for best flavor, texture, and juiciness.
Use the look and smell as additional ways to test for spoilage. Discard bacon that develops an off odor, stickiness or excessive sliminess.
How Long Does Opened Deli Bacon Last in the Fridge?
Once opened, deli bacon has a shorter shelf life. Follow these guidelines:
-
Use within 3-5 days for optimum quality.
-
Discard any remaining bacon after 7 days.
Opened deli packages lose moisture quickly, so try to use bacon within 3-5 days after opening for the best taste and texture. Leftover slices also oxidize faster.
Make sure to wrap deli bacon leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container. Limiting air exposure preserves freshness.
Also be diligent about using clean utensils when taking bacon out of the deli package, avoid cross-contamination with raw meats, cook bacon thoroughly before serving, and refrigerate promptly after use. This promotes food safety.
How to Store Deli Bacon
To maximize the shelf life of deli bacon:
-
Keep unopened packages on a fridge shelf rather than the door, where temperature fluctuates.
-
Transfer opened bacon to an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or foil.
-
Use leftovers within 3-5 days and don’t use beyond 7 days after opening.
-
Label containers with opening date and use within suggested time frames.
Proper refrigeration and storage is key to preserving the quality and safety of your deli bacon.
Can You Freeze Deli Bacon?
Freezing can further extend the shelf life of deli bacon:
-
Unopened deli bacon lasts 2-3 months in the freezer past the sell by date.
-
Opened deli bacon lasts 1-2 months in freezer.
Make sure to wrap deli bacon air-tight before freezing. Use frozen bacon within these time frames for best quality.
Thaw frozen bacon gradually in the fridge before use. You can also cook frozen bacon straight from the freezer, but it may require a few extra minutes.
Signs Deli Bacon Has Gone Bad
Watch for these common signs that indicate your deli bacon has spoiled and should be discarded:
-
Slimy or sticky texture
-
Grayish or brown discoloration
-
Dry, whitish edges on the slices
-
Sour, unpleasant or off smell
-
Mold growth on slices
-
Rancid taste
When in doubt, remember it’s better to be safe than sorry. If your deli bacon shows any questionable signs, err on the side of caution and throw it away.
How to Buy Quality Deli Bacon
When purchasing deli bacon, look for:
-
Bright red color without dried out edges
-
Sealed packaging with no rips or moisture inside
-
No evidence of cross-contamination from other meats
-
Deli case kept at 40°F or colder
-
Reputable grocery stores and markets with high meat standards
-
Bacon sliced to order in clean conditions
Taking these precautions helps ensure you’re starting with the freshest deli bacon possible.
The Bottom Line
So how long does deli bacon last in the fridge? Follow these shelf life guidelines:
-
Unopened: 7 days past sell by date
-
Opened: 3-5 days for best quality
-
Frozen: 2-3 months unopened, 1-2 months opened
With proper refrigeration and food safety practices, you can enjoy the convenience of deli-sliced bacon while minimizing waste. Use your senses and discard bacon that seems spoiled or questionable. Then you can feel good about serving up tasty bacon sandwiches, BLTs, crumbles, and more!
Can you cook bacon from frozen?
Yes, it is safe to cook bacon from frozen, but once defrosted, you need to cook it ASAP. Don’t defrost frozen bacon by leaving it out to warm on the kitchen counter. Leave frozen bacon in the fridge to thaw more slowly and safely. It will be safe to eat for up to seven days.
If you’re thawing it in the microwave, it needs to be cooked immediately. Certain parts of the bacon may have been partially cooked in the microwave. Because of this, there may still be bacteria on the bacon. You need to cook the bacon all the way through before putting it back in the freezer after defrosting it in the microwave. Getty.
How long can you keep raw bacon in the fridge?
Uncooked bacon purchased from the deli will keep for about one week, if stored correctly. Sliced bacon that comes in a package might last longer, but you should check the date on the package to be sure. Store bacon in the fridge immediately after purchase. Getty.
Ask the Test Kitchen: How Long Will Meat Last in the Fridge?
FAQ
How can you tell if bacon has gone bad?
Is bacon OK after 10 days?
Can I eat cooked bacon after 7 days?
How do you store deli bacon?
How long does Bacon last in the fridge?
It’s critical to store your bacon properly, so it lasts in the fridge for as long as possible. Here are a few tips: Put it in the coldest part of your fridge: The temperature in the fridge door is warmer than the rest of the fridge, so bacon stored there will go bad more quickly.
How long do lemons stay fresh in the refrigerator?
Whole or uncut lemons generally last for 2 to 3 weeks in the fridge when it is properly stored, but could last up to 4 weeks. You can generally tell when fruits begin to expire by the skin becoming wrinkly and shrunken.
How long does bacon grease last in the fridge?
Note: Bacon grease can last up to six months in the fridge and up to nine months in the freezer. Pro tip: You can seal leftover cooked bacon in a plastic bag and save cooked bacon in a freezer. Seal it well when you freeze cooked bacon; it’ll keep the flavor for a month. You can keep it frozen for longer, but it won’t taste as good.
How long can Bacon sit out if unopened?
If unopened, use the refrigerated bacon within a month (or 1 week past the sell-by date). How Long Can Bacon Sit Out? The general rule of food safety is to not let raw meat or cooked food sit out for more than 2 hours, and that rule applies to uncooked or cooked bacon.