Yes, plant-based meat does go bad. Find out how long Beyond, Impossible, and other plant-based meats last for.
Vegans, vegetarians, and other plant-based eaters who want to skip real meat every once in a while like plant-based meat.
People may not know how to properly store and prepare new foods because many of them aren’t categorized as foods that come with clear instructions on how to handle and store them.
Short answer: plant-based meat does go bad, but there are things you can do to make it last longer. Find out just how long plant-based meat lasts and learn some helpful hacks for keeping it fresh.
Field Roast makes some of the most well-known plant-based meats and sausages on the market. Their ingredients create tasty, meaty flavors and textures that even meat-eaters love. But with any perishable food, proper storage is essential to food safety. So does Field Roast sausage go bad? The short answer is yes. Read on to find out how to store Field Roast sausage so that it stays fresh and lasts longer.
An Overview of Field Roast
Field Roast is a pioneering plant-based meat company that has been around since 1997. Based in Seattle, they use whole food plant ingredients like grains, vegetables, legumes and spices to create their meat substitutes. Some of their most popular products include:
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Field Roast sausages – Available in flavors like Italian Mexican Chipotle, Apple Maple Breakfast and more.
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Field Roast Chao cheeses are made from fermented tofu and are dairy-free. They come in slices and cream cheeses.
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Field Roast roasts – Roast beef and celebration roasts modeled after turkey and ham.
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Field Roast burgers are quarter-pound burgers made from grain meat that come in some tasty flavors, like smoky apple maple, mushroom, and more.
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Field Roast deli slices – Plant-based pepperoni, ham turkey bologna, and more.
While Field Roast started with sausages, their products now span many plant-based meat categories. Their ingredients and manufacturing process replicates the fibrous protein content and fatty mouthfeel of real meat.
Does Field Roast Sausage Go Bad?
Yes, Field Roast sausages do eventually go bad, like any perishable food. Bacteria growth can cause spoilage, changes in texture, color, and smell that make the sausages unappealing to eat.
Freezing stops bacteria growth by halting food spoilage. But even in the freezer, foods slowly deteriorate over many months. Refrigeration simply slows spoilage down to extend shelf life. So proper storage is key to enjoying Field Roast sausages before they go bad.
How Long Does Field Roast Sausage Last?
The shelf life of Field Roast sausage depends on whether it is refrigerated or frozen. Here are the shelf life guidelines from the Field Roast website:
- Frozen – 1 year
- Refrigerated, unopened – 65 days
- Refrigerated, opened – 3 days
The freezer provides the longest safe storage time. Thawed refrigerated sausages last about 9 weeks before use. And opened packages only keep for a few days.
Always check your package for a “best by” date and use sausage before that date for best quality. Freezing stops the clock on the “best by” date until you thaw it.
Tips to Extend the Shelf Life of Field Roast Sausage
Follow these tips to safely store Field Roast sausage and extend its shelf life as long as possible:
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Freeze sausages if you don’t plan to eat them within a week or two. Thaw in the fridge before using.
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Seal opened packages in airtight containers or bags. Limit air exposure to prevent drying out.
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Don’t refrigerate too long after the “best by” date. Use within a week past that date at most.
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Watch for color changes like dulling, darkening, or unnatural hues which signal spoilage.
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Check for off odors which also indicate bacterial growth. Fresh sausages have a mild aroma.
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Feel the texture – sausages become slimy when spoiled. Don’t eat if they are overly soft or mushy.
Freezing gives you the most flexibility if you buy Field Roast sausage in bulk when it goes on sale. Thaw thoroughly in the fridge before using. And seal opened packages to maximize fridge life.
How to Tell If Field Roast Sausage Has Gone Bad
Watch for these signs that your Field Roast sausages have spoiled and should be thrown out:
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Change in color – dull, dark, or unnatural colors
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Slimy texture – overly soft or mushy feel
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Off odors – spoiled sausages smell rancid or sour
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Mold growth – fuzz or spots on the exterior
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Past expiration – don’t use if past the “best by” date
When in doubt, remember the old saying “when in doubt, throw it out”. Don’t risk getting sick from spoiled plant-based meat.
Can You Eat Field Roast Sausage After It Expires?
It’s not recommended to eat Field Roast sausages past their expiration date. The “best by” date indicates the last day for peak quality and freshness. Beyond this date, bacteria growth increases the risk of food borne illness.
So play it safe and toss expired Field Roast sausages even if they look and smell normal. Don’t take a chance with your health.
What Happens If You Eat Bad Field Roast Sausage?
Eating spoiled Field Roast sausage that contains harmful bacteria could make you sick. Possible symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Chills
- Headaches
The severity of foodborne illness depends on your age, health status, and the type of bacteria. People with compromised immune systems are at higher risk. But even healthy people can experience food poisoning.
If symptoms occur after eating spoiled plant-based meat, seek medical care. Food poisoning usually resolves on its own, but dehydration is a concern. Try to stay hydrated with water, diluted juices, or sports drinks.
How to Store Unopened Field Roast Sausage
To help unopened Field Roast sausage packages last as long as possible:
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Refrigerate below 40°F. Keep cold but don’t freeze.
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Avoid temperature fluctuations. Don’t let it sit out on the counter.
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Check sell-by-date and use within 1 week of that date.
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Store in the back of the fridge furthest from the door.
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Keep packaged sealed until you open it. Don’t reseal opened pouches.
The fridge environment is ideal for packaged Field Roast sausage. Just be sure to diligently watch expiration dates.
How to Store Opened Field Roast Sausage
Once opened, Field Roast sausage won’t keep as long. Follow these guidelines:
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Refrigerate below 40°F immediately after opening.
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Seal in airtight containers – reusable plastic ware or zipper bags work well.
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Minimize air exposure by pressing out excess air before sealing.
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Use within 3 days for peak freshness and texture.
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Check for off colors or odors that indicate spoilage.
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Don’t freeze opened packages – texture and moisture will degrade.
The fridge preserves opened Field Roast sausage for a few days. Freezing causes damage, so enjoy opened sausage right away.
Can You Freeze Field Roast Sausage After Opening?
It’s not recommended to refreeze Field Roast sausage once opened. The freeze-thaw process degrades texture, moisture content, and overall quality. Stick to a 3 day fridge life for opened packages.
However, unopened Field Roast sausage packages can be safely frozen at any point before their expiration date. Frozen storage stops the shelf life clock, so freezing unopened packages extends their usable life.
How Long Does Field Roast Sausage Last In The Freezer?
Properly stored in a 0°F freezer, Field Roast sausage keeps well for up to 1 year before quality deteriorates. Maintaining a constant 0°F temperature is key to preserving texture and taste for the full year.
Fluctuating freezer temperatures shorten frozen food life. So if your freezer runs warmer than 0°F, expect a freezer life of 6-9 months.
Regardless of freezer age, don’t keep Field roast sausage frozen beyond 1 year. Eat within a few months for best quality.
How to Freeze Field Roast Sausage
Follow these steps for successfully freezing Field Roast sausage:
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Check product date – only freeze unexpired sausage
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Double wrap pouches in plastic wrap or bags. This prevents freezer burn.
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Remove as much air as possible – use a straw to suck out excess air before sealing wrap.
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Label packages with name and freeze date. Include “best by” date from original package.
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Place flat in a single layer until frozen solid, then stack.
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Freeze below 0°F for up to 1 year maximum.
Proper freezing protocols are important to maintain quality. Always thaw refrigerated before using frozen sausage.
How to Thaw Frozen Field Roast Sausage
To safely thaw frozen Field Roast sausage:
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Thaw in the refrigerator – this takes 1-2 days but is food-safe.
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You can quick thaw in cold water, changing water every 30 mins until thawed.
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Never thaw at room temperature or warmer.
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Cook immediately after thawing – don’t refreeze.
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Use within 3 days for best quality if not using immediately.
Slow fridge thawing is ideal as it reduces bacterial risks. Thawed sausage should be used ASAP and never refrozen.
Field Roast Sausage Storage Chart
Refer to this storage chart for quick guidelines on maximizing the shelf life of Field Roast sausage:
| Storage Method | Unopened Shelf Life | Opened Shelf Life |
|---|---|---|
| Pantry | Don’t store at room temp | Don’t store at room temp |
| Refrigerator | 65 days | 3 days |
| Freezer | 1 year | Don’t refreeze opened packages |
The Bottom Line
With proper refrigeration and freezing, Field Roast plant-based sausages can be enjoyed safely for up to a year from purchase date. Thaw frozen links slowly in the fridge before using. And eat opened sausages within 3 days for the best flavor and texture.
Following safe food handling and storage guidelines preserves freshness and prevents foodborne illnesses from consuming spoiled plant-based meats. Check expiration dates and inspect products before eating. If in doubt, remember it’s better to be safe than sorry when dealing with perishable foods.
Signs your plant-based meat has gone bad
If your wondering how to tell if Beyond meat is bad, well, there’s a lot to know.
You should know what to look for to tell if your plant-based meat has gone bad because it might not have the same spoilage signs as real meat.
The first and most important thing to look for is the “best by” date on the package. You should stay away from food that has passed its “best by” date if you want to greatly lower your risk of getting a foodborne illness from bacteria or viruses.
However, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), many “best by” dates are not based in exact science.
Often, the dates on the products pertain to the quality of the product, not safety. That is, the “best by” dates might not be meant to be used as an expiration date, and the food might still be safe to eat after the date on the sticker.
In any case, the FDA says to check the product for changes in color or texture to see if it is safe to eat.
Even so, “best by” dates and storage instructions should be followed when issued by the company, as is the case with Beyond Meat and Impossible products.
How long does plant-based meat last in the fridge?
In general, plant-based meat will stay fresh in the fridge for at least a week to ten days if it is not opened. Not all plant-based meat products last as long as others, but once they’re opened, they all go bad faster.
Keep in mind that these guidelines only apply when the plant-based meats have been stored at the proper refrigerator temperature and have not been left out in what’s known as the temperature danger zone for more than two hours (or more than one hour if the temperature is 90° Fahrenheit or above).
According to the USDA, the temperature danger zone is between 40° Fahrenheit and 140° Fahrenheit. In addition, refrigerator temperatures should be 40° Fahrenheit or lower for safe storage.
If you’re wondering how long does Beyond Meat last, you’re about to find out. When Beyond Meat products are purchased refrigerated (not frozen), they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 10 days after they’re thawed.
Beyond Meat’s customer service team says that the grocery store where the product is bought has to put a “best by” sticker on it once it’s been thawed.
This means that if the store thawed the food several days before you brought it home, it may not last as long in your fridge by the time you buy it.
After Beyond Meat is opened, it’s recommended that the product be consumed within three days.
How long can Impossible meat be in the fridge? Impossible is like other major plant-based meat brands when it comes to storage. According to the Impossible website, products should be consumed by the “best by” date on the package.
After being frozen and then thawed, the food should be eaten within 10 days or by the “best by” date on the package, whichever comes first.
It’s also recommended that Impossible products be stored in an airtight container to ensure freshness. After opening, products should be eaten within three days.
It is important to note that some Impossible products may have a sticker that says “if frozen best if used by.” If this is the case, you should follow the date on the sticker.
Field Roast makes a variety of plant-based meats, including burgers, sausages, pepperoni, deli slices, and roasts.
According to the Field Roast website, products can be kept frozen for one year and once thawed, they’re good for 65 days. This is a much longer shelf life than many other plant-based meats including Beyond Meat and Impossible.
Field Roast products can also be frozen to make them last longer, which is another thing that makes them different from the others.
Field Roast, like other companies that make plant-based meat, says to follow the “use by” stickers that stores put on their products.
From plant-based chicken and tempeh to plant-based burgers, sausage, and hot dogs, Lightlife is one of the more versatile plant-based meat companies on the market today.
Lightlife products are usually found in the refrigerated section of the grocery store. The company suggests keeping their products in the fridge at home instead of freezing them.
However, when frozen, the products will stay good for one year. As with all plant-based meats, the “best by” date on the package should be followed at the time of purchase.
Additionally, it’s recommended that the products be consumed by the “best by” date, even if frozen.
Vegan Sausage Battle – BEYOND MEAT vs FIELD ROAST
FAQ
How to tell if vegan sausage is bad?
How long is tofurky sausage good for after opening?
How long are vegan sausages good for?
Can I eat out of date vegetarian sausages?
Does Field Roast have a shelf life?
Field Roast makes a variety of plant-based meats, including burgers, sausages, pepperoni, deli slices, and roasts. According to the Field Roast website, products can be kept frozen for one year and once thawed, they’re good for 65 days. This is a much longer shelf life than many other plant-based meats including Beyond Meat and Impossible.
Do Field Roast sausages need to be refrigerated?
If you purchase Field Roast sausages from the refrigerated section of your grocery store, you may extend their freshness by refrigerating them until you are ready to use them. Many stores are responsible for adding a ‘use by’ date once they are stocked. What material makes up the sausage casing?
Does Field Roast have a lot of saturated fat?
Field Roast has 1/16th of the saturated fat in real sausage. This is a big one. Saturated fat raises LDL cholesterol, adding to heart disease risk in the long term. Field Roast sausage is almost free of saturated fat. Not so with real sausage! Field Roast has double the protein of real sausage. This was surprising, even to me.
Is Field Roast healthy?
Field Roast is generally healthier than real meat, as it is low in saturated fat and high in plant protein. However, it is still processed food, containing quite a bit of refined vegetable oil and salt. Therefore, Field Roast is only moderately healthy, not completely. Below, I’ll compare Field Roast sausages side-by-side with real sausage.