Can I Eat Bacon Three Days Past Its “Use By” Date?

Bacon is beloved by many for its savory, smokey flavor that enhances everything from breakfast plates to burgers. But what if you discover a pack hiding in your fridge that’s a few days past the “use by” date printed on the package? Is it still safe to cook up and eat?

This is a common scenario faced by bacon lovers and inspires the question – can I eat bacon three days after the magical “use by” date has passed?

In this article, we’ll explore the meaning of expiration dates on bacon, signs of spoiled bacon, proper storage techniques, and advice on consuming bacon past its prime. Let’s dive in!

Understanding Expiration Dates on Bacon

Before determining whether bacon is still usable after its “use by” date, it helps to understand what these printed dates actually mean.

• “Sell by” date – This date is meant to guide retailers Bacon is still perfectly safe to eat for 5-7 days past the “sell by” date if properly refrigerated

• “Use by/Best by” date – This is the recommended date for consumers to use the bacon by for best quality and flavor. It’s not an exact expiration date.

• Manufactured date – This indicates when the bacon was made Bacon lasts unopened for 2-4 weeks beyond this date if stored properly

The “use by” date is not an exact science, but rather a general guideline for when the bacon may start deteriorating in quality. Many factors impact true spoilage risk.

Is 3-Day Old Bacon Still Good? How to Tell

Knowing the oven life guidelines is useful, but the true test of whether bacon is still good is checking its appearance, smell and texture

Here’s what to look for to determine freshness:

• Color – Bacon should be pink/red with some white fat. If gray, green or brown, toss it.

• Smell – Fresh bacon has a mild, meaty odor. If it smells sour or off, it’s spoiled.

• Texture – The meat should be firm. Any stickiness, slime or mold is a sign of bacteria growth.

• Expiration dates – Adhere to 3-5 days max after the “use by” date, less if improperly stored.

When inspecting 3-day old bacon, if it passes the color, smell and texture tests with no sliminess or off smells, it should be safe to cook and eat.

Proper Storage for Maximum Freshness

To get the most life out of your bacon after opening, proper storage is key. Here are some tips:

• Store unopened bacon in the original packaging in the coldest part of the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks past the “sell by” date.

• Once opened, rewrap bacon tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container. Use within 5-7 days.

• Cooked bacon can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Freeze for longer storage.

• Bacon grease should be refrigerated and used within 1 month for maximum freshness.

• Consider freezing uncooked bacon in the original packaging for 2-3 months if you don’t plan to use it right away.

Following these guidelines keeps bacon as fresh as possible, extending its usable life past expiration dates.

Is There Any Risk Eating Old Bacon?

Eating spoiled bacon can potentially cause foodborne illness. Signs like stickiness, strange colors or foul odors indicate bacteria growth that can be harmful if consumed.

However, as long as properly stored bacon passes the visual tests and smells alright, the risks are low from 3-day old cooked bacon. Any off flavors or textures would be the main concern.

Exercising caution is advised, but bacon that looks and smells normal though slightly past its prime should be safe when thoroughly cooked. If ever in doubt, it’s best to discard.

Tips for Using Up Bacon Before It Goes Bad

No one wants to waste bacon! Here are tips for using up bacon before it goes bad:

• Make bacon fat fried rice or roasted Brussels sprouts.

• Mix crumbled bacon into pancake or waffle batter.

• Fry an egg in bacon grease for breakfast.

• Toss some bacon bits into soup.

• Wrap asparagus, dates or jalapeños with bacon and roast.

• Make candied bacon strips or bacon jam.

• Crumble onto a loaded baked potato.

• Add to mac and cheese or carbonara.

With creative recipes like these, you can definitely use up bacon before it expires.

Signs Your Bacon Has Gone Bad

While 3-4 days past its prime bacon is likely fine, there are times when it’s gone too far to salvage. Here are signs your bacon is spoiled and needs to be tossed:

• Mold spots
• Shriveled texture
• Brown or gray color
• Strong sour odor
• Very sticky to the touch
• More than 7 days past “use by” date

At the first hint of any of these, it’s best to play it safe and say goodbye to the package of bacon to avoid getting sick from bacteria present.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have some questions about eating bacon past its date? Here are some common queries:

How can I tell if unopened bacon is bad?
Check the manufacturing or “sell by” date and look for off odors, color changes or texture through packaging.

Can I cook and refreeze bacon?
Previously cooked and frozen bacon should not be refrozen after thawing for safety reasons.

What happens if you eat bad bacon?
Consuming spoiled bacon can potentially cause food poisoning leading to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and other symptoms.

How long does sealed packaged bacon last in the fridge?
2-3 weeks past the printed “sell by” date if continuously refrigerated below 40°F.

Is thickly sliced bacon safer than thin bacon?
No, all bacon has the same potential for spoilage after the printed date regardless of slice thickness.

The Bottom Line

While not an exact science, bacon that is refrigerated properly can generally be safely eaten up to 3 days past the “use by” date printed on the package. Be sure to check for any signs of spoilage first and cook the bacon thoroughly before consuming to kill any bacteria that may have started forming.

The most reliable indicators remain your senses – if it smells alright, the color looks normal and the texture isn’t slimy, 3-day old bacon is likely still good quality and safe to cook up and enjoy! But as always, when in doubt it’s better to be safe than sorry.