Do you want to know “How long does turkey bacon last?” and more importantly, “How to keep turkey bacon fresh?” We have the answers! The good news is that these tips will help you keep raw, cooked, and frozen turkey bacon fresh for a lot longer.
Turkey bacon is another way to enjoy a bacon-like eating experience. Some people eat it because it has a lower fat content than traditional pork bacon.
Turkey bacon is lower in fat and calories than regular pork bacon, but it’s still processed meat that goes bad after a certain amount of time.
So, you should know how to store turkey bacon so that it doesn’t grow bacteria and how long it will last. This article will teach you how to eat the crispy strips safely with your food.
Turkey bacon has become a popular lower-fat and lower-calorie alternative to traditional pork bacon. But like any perishable food, it has a limited shelf life. Knowing how long turkey bacon lasts past its expiration date can help you avoid wasting food and reduce your risk of foodborne illness.
This article provides comprehensive guidance on how long turkey bacon stays fresh and safe to eat after the sell-by or use-by date printed on the package.
Overview of Turkey Bacon Expiration Dates
Turkey bacon packages are marked with a sell-by or use-by date which informs consumers of the last day it should be sold or eaten by for best quality
However, the expiration date doesn’t mean the turkey bacon instantly goes rancid or becomes unsafe to eat after that day. With proper storage, it can safely be consumed for a period after the printed date.
So how long does unopened turkey bacon last after the expiration date? Let’s take a closer look.
Unopened Turkey Bacon
For maximum freshness and flavor quality, turkey bacon is best if used by the expiration date on the package. But with continuous refrigeration, unopened packages can be consumed safely for the following time periods past the printed date:
- 7 to 14 days past sell-by date
- 3 to 5 days past use-by date
The main factor that determines the shelf life is how cold your refrigerator keeps the turkey bacon. The closer to 40°F or below, the longer the bacon will stay fresh beyond the date on the label.
Monitor your fridge’s temperature and aim to store turkey bacon towards the back on a lower shelf where the air is coldest Avoid storing it on the door where the temperature fluctuates
Also, take note of when you purchased the turkey bacon. The expiration date is based on the original manufacturing or packing date. So bacon that has sat at the store for a few days won’t last as long once you buy it. First In First Out (FIFO) inventory should be practiced by grocers, so check dates on packages.
Opened Turkey Bacon
Once opened, the shelf life decreases due to exposure to air and handling. An opened package of turkey bacon should be used within:
- 5 to 7 days past sell-by date
- 1 to 2 days past use-by date
Always re-seal the package tightly and return to the refrigerator immediately after opening. Use opened turkey bacon within 3 to 5 days for best quality.
Signs Turkey Bacon Has Spoiled
Rely on your senses to determine if turkey bacon has gone bad after the expiration date. Look for these signs of spoilage:
- Grayish or brown tint instead of pink
- Slimy or sticky texture
- Mold growth
- Off smell – rancid, sour, unpleasant
If you detect any of these indications, it’s best to discard the turkey bacon. Cooking spoiled bacon does not make it safe for consumption.
Safety Tips for Enjoying Expired Turkey Bacon
To safely enjoy turkey bacon beyond its prime freshness period, follow these tips:
- Store unopened packages on a lower fridge shelf
- Monitor refrigerator temperature and keep below 40°F
- Check package dates at the grocery store using FIFO
- Tightly reseal opened packages before refrigerating
- Inspect for signs of spoilage before cooking/eating
- When in doubt, throw it out!
Keeping turkey bacon properly refrigerated is key for maximizing its shelf life once opened or past the expiration date. Take a conservative approach and discard bacon that is past its prime. With proper handling, an unopened pack can safely last around 2 weeks past the sell-by or use-by date.
Frequently Asked Questions
People also wonder:
How can I tell if turkey bacon is bad?
Check for gray/brown color, slimy texture, and foul odors. Also, inspect the package for leaking liquids or puffed appearance.
Can I still cook and eat turkey bacon after it expires?
It’s not recommended. There’s no way to know if bacteria has started multiplying, and cooking cannot destroy toxins. Play it safe and throw away expired turkey bacon.
What happens if I eat turkey bacon after it has gone bad?
Eating spoiled turkey bacon could result in foodborne illness symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. In severe cases it may require medical treatment.
Can I freeze turkey bacon to extend its shelf life?
Yes, freezing can prolong the shelf life of turkey bacon for up to 4 months beyond the sell-by date. Freeze it in original packaging or wrapped airtight to prevent freezer burn.
Should I remove turkey bacon from the original package before freezing?
For best quality, repackage turkey bacon in airtight freezer bags or containers before freezing. This prevents freezer burn. The original store packaging isn’t designed for long frozen storage.
Can I refreeze thawed turkey bacon if I don’t use it all?
It’s not recommended to refreeze thawed turkey bacon. Refreezing may pose a safety risk and will degrade the quality and texture. Only refreeze if the bacon was kept cold and thawed in the refrigerator.
Storing Turkey Bacon Safely
Follow these guidelines to help turkey bacon stay fresh as long as possible:
- Refrigerate at 40°F or below
- Keep packages sealed until ready to use
- Don’t let raw turkey bacon touch other foods
- Cook to 165°F minimum internal temperature
- Refrigerate cooked bacon within 2 hours
- Store cooked bacon for only 3 to 4 days
- Label and freeze for longer storage
Following safe food handling and storage practices helps prevent illness and reduce food waste.
Conclusion
Turkey bacon can be safely consumed for about 1 to 2 weeks past the printed sell-by or use-by date as long as it has been continuously refrigerated below 40°F. Look for changes in appearance, texture, and smell to determine if the bacon has spoiled. Freezing can significantly prolong the shelf life. With proper storage and handling, it’s possible to safely enjoy turkey bacon beyond the expiration date printed on the package. Just be sure to follow the recommended guidelines.
Safe Handling Tips for Raw Bacon
- Keep raw bacon away from other food items. Use soap and hot water to clean everything it touches, including your hands and tools.
- Never serve or eat turkey bacon that isn’t fully cooked. Eating raw bacon carries high chances of food poisoning. Before eating, make sure the strips are fully cooked over medium-high heat.
- Do not store raw meat that has not been fully cooked until later use. This won’t get rid of the bacteria in the food, so it could still make you sick.
Making Cooked Bacon Last Longer
After cooking turkey bacon, drain the grease from it on a paper towel and cool to room temperature.
After the slices have cooled and been drained, the best way to store them is in single servings wrapped in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Putting the bacon away in single servings is a good idea because it makes it easier to reheat when needed. ).
Store the tightly-wrapped portions in a heavy-duty zip-top freezer bag in the freezer for up to three months.