Bacon bits are a pantry staple for many. The crunchy, salty topping can instantly elevate salads baked potatoes casseroles, and more. While some bacon bits are made with real bacon, others are vegetarian-friendly versions made from soy or other ingredients.
Bacon bits seem like they will last forever because they can be stored for a long time. Can these treats stay tasty after the date they were made? Read on to find out how long bacon bits last and how to tell if yours are still good.
Do Bacon Bits Really Expire?
Bacon bits made from real bacon contain actual meat, so they do need to be used by the expiration date printed on the packaging The date indicates how long the manufacturer guarantees the bacon bits will remain high-quality and safe to eat
If you open a package of real bacon bits, you should eat them within 6 weeks if you keep them in the fridge or within 6 months if you freeze them. The timer starts ticking as soon as the package is opened, because air and water can make food go bad faster.
There isn’t a hard and fast rule about when vegetarian bacon bits made from textured vegetable protein or other ingredients should be thrown away. Since these bits don’t have any real meat in them, they don’t get as many harmful bacteria on them.
Many homeowners report vegetarian bacon bits lasting up to a year past the printed date when stored in a cool, dry pantry. Refrigerating them can extend their lifespan even longer.
How To Tell If Bacon Bits Are Still Good
Since the expiration date isn’t always a perfect indicator, it’s important to rely on your senses too. Here are some signs that bacon bits have gone bad:
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Change in texture: Fresh bacon bits should be dry and crisp. Soft, mushy, or sticky bits are past their prime.
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Off odor: Bacon bits should smell smoky, salty, and savory. Rancid, sour, or bitter odors indicate spoilage.
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Dull or faded color: The color of bacon bits should be a vibrant reddish-brown. Pale bits are old and oxidized.
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Mold growth: Tiny spots of white, green, or blue mold are a sure sign to toss the bacon bits. This risk is higher if stored in the fridge.
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Tastes off: Trust your taste buds! Rancid bacon bits will taste unpleasantly bitter. Toss them if the flavor seems “off.”
When in doubt, remember the old adage “When in doubt, throw it out.” Bacon bits are inexpensive and Available year-round, so it’s better to be safe and start fresh.
Storing Bacon Bits For Maximum Shelf Life
Proper storage is key to keeping bacon bits tasting great past their expiration date. Here are some storage tips:
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For unopened packages, choose a cool, dry spot like a pantry or cabinet away from the stove, oven, or any heat sources. Avoid storing bacon bits in the fridge until opened.
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Once opened, keep bits in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator. The cold environment helps slow bacteria growth.
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For even longer shelf life, store opened bacon bits in the freezer. They’ll last for 6-8 months frozen.
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Check labels – some brands specifically instruct refrigerating after opening. When in doubt, play it safe.
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Avoid moisture and humidity which can cause bacon bits to clump. Make sure containers are fully sealed.
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Don’t store bacon bits near pungent foods like onions. They can absorb off-odors easily.
Creative Ways To Use Up Bacon Bits
Bacon bits are highly versatile in recipes, so you can plow through an open package before it goes bad. Here are some delicious ways to use them up:
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Sprinkle on baked potatoes, soups, salads, pasta dishes. The options here are endless! Bacon bits add great flavor and crunch.
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Mix into burger patties or meatloaf for extra savory bacon flavor in the entire dish.
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Use as a pizza topping – bacon bits taste great on pizza instead of just pepperoni.
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Add to mac and cheese, scalloped potatoes, potato salad and other creamy sides.
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Make candied bacon bits by tossing with brown sugar and baking until caramelized.
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Use as a garnish for Bloody Mary cocktails. The classic brunch drink gets even better with crispy bacon bits!
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Bake into muffins, biscuits, scones or breads. Bacon bits add fantastic flavor to all kinds of baked goods.
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Sprinkle over popcorn for an easy salty, smoky snack.
With a little creativity, you can plow through a package of real or imitation bacon bits quickly. Just be sure to store them properly in between uses.
The Bottom Line
Bacon bits can last 1-2 weeks beyond the printed expiration date if refrigerated, even if made with real bacon. Vegetarian bacon bits have even more flexibility, often tasting fine 6 months to 1 year past their expiration when stored properly.
Rely on your eyes, nose, and tastebuds along with the expiration date to determine if your bacon bits are still good. Proper refrigeration and freezing are key to maximizing shelf life once a package is opened.
With their crunchy, smoky, salty flavor, bacon bits deserve a permanent spot in your pantry. Knowing how to store and determine freshness can help you enjoy their convenience and flavor longer.
Cooked Bacon Bits in Recipes
Adding cooked bacon bits to recipes gives them a rich, savory flavor that goes well with many different kinds of food. Here are specific ways to use them:
- To add crunch and depth to a Caesar salad or a simple garden salad, sprinkle bacon bits on top.
- Pasta: Add them to carbonara or sprinkle them on top of mac and cheese for a smokey touch.
- Soups: Add to potato soup or chowder as a tasty topping.
- Eggs: For a hearty breakfast, bake or sprinkle over scrambled eggs or egg pies.
Freezer Tips for Longevity
For extended storage, bacon bits can be kept in the freezer. The bits can last up to six months longer if you freeze them in a resealable plastic bag or a vacuum-sealed package. To keep food from freezer burn, get rid of as much air as you can before sealing the bag or container.
Don’t Buy Bacon Bits Again Until You Watch This
FAQ
Can you eat bacon bits after the expiration date?
Can you eat bacon after the expiration date?
Do McCormick bacon bits expire?
How long do bacon bits last?
Per Eat by Date, bacon bits made with real bacon, once open, can last anywhere from 6 weeks in the refrigerator to 6 months in the freezer. The site also notes that the range of dates is only as good as your storage method. But if you eschew real bacon, you may opt for, say, McCormick’s Imitation Bac’n Pieces, which are touted as vegan bacon.
How long are eggs good after the expiration date on the package?
Eggs have a lifespan of approximately 30 days. To know if an egg is fresh you can see if the egg floats. If it sinks, it is because it has lost air and it is no longer so cool. Also, the yolk becomes more liquid and mixes with the white.
How long does Bacon last after expiration?
Properly stored and handled bacon can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 2 months in the freezer. In conclusion, the use-by date on bacon is only a guideline, and it is safe to consume bacon after it has expired as long as it has been stored properly.
How do you know if expired Bacon is safe to eat?
Another way to determine if the expired bacon is safe to eat is by checking its texture. If the bacon feels slimy or sticky, it indicates bacterial growth and should be discarded. If the bacon has a normal texture, you can cook it thoroughly and check if it smells normal.