You’re on a long road trip and want a snack. When you reach for your jerky, it’s a little warm from being in the car all day. Or, maybe you’re on a camping trip and your jerky sat out in the sun for a bit. You might just have an open bag that you’re not sure if you should keep eating.
This makes us wonder if beef jerky goes bad. If it does, what happens if you eat bad beef jerky? Is this dried meat snack really dangerous for you? You have questions, and we have answers.
This short guide will tell you when beef jerky goes bad and what will happen if you eat it after that time.
You can eat beef sticks whenever you want because they are tasty and full of protein. Many people keep beef sticks in their pantry because they are easy to carry and last a long time when sealed. Why do you think the beef sticks stay fresh for so long after you open the bag or jar?
Shelf Life of Unopened Beef Sticks
When properly stored unopened commercially packaged beef sticks can last quite a long time without refrigeration. Here are the general guidelines for shelf life of sealed beef sticks
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Refrigerated beef sticks last 2-3 months past the printed “best by” date
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Frozen beef sticks are good for 6-12 months when kept consistently frozen.
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Commercially packaged beef sticks stored at room temperature in a cool, dry pantry have a shelf life of 9-12 months.
Look for beef sticks containing preservatives like sodium nitrite, citric acid, and sodium erythorbate if you want to maximize shelf life before opening. Properly processed beef sticks from a reputable company stored unopened at room temperature should stay safe and shelf-stable for up to one year from the production date.
How Long Do Opened Beef Sticks Last?
Once you break the seal on beef sticks, oxygen and potential contaminants have a chance to get in, significantly reducing freshness. Follow these guidelines for maximum shelf life of opened beef sticks:
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Refrigerated: 2-3 weeks
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Room temperature: 3-5 days
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Frozen: 2-3 months
For best quality, throw out any uneaten beef sticks after about 5 days, even if refrigerated. They tend to get leathery, dried out, or develop “off” flavors if kept too long after opening.
Storing Opened Beef Sticks
To safely preserve beef sticks after opening, follow these tips:
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Refrigerate in an airtight container, or reseal the original packaging.
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If room temperature storage is desired, consume within 3 days and keep sealed.
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For longer storage, freeze beef sticks in airtight packaging for 2-3 months.
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Check for signs of spoilage like sliminess, stickiness, mold, or unpleasant odors.
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Discard if beef sticks smell bad or look discolored. Don’t taste questionable beef sticks.
Signs of Spoiled Beef Sticks
Beef sticks that have gone bad may exhibit these signs:
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Slimy or tacky texture
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Mold growth
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Discoloration – darkened, greenish, or greyish tint
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Sour or unpleasant smell
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Dry, shriveled, or leathery appearance
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Unusual taste, like bitterness or staleness
When in doubt, remember the old adage – when in doubt, throw it out. Don’t risk eating spoiled beef sticks.
Food Safety Tips for Beef Sticks
To safely enjoy beef sticks:
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Discard beef sticks left sitting out for over 2 hours; don’t eat them later.
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Keep opened packs chilled at 40°F or below.
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Avoid cross-contaminating ready-to-eat foods with raw beef stick surfaces.
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Wash hands before handling beef sticks to prevent germ transfer.
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Use clean, sanitized utensils and surfaces when preparing beef sticks.
Following basic food safety practices helps prevent the growth and spread of dangerous bacteria. This keeps your beef sticks fresher longer after opening.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you tell if opened beef sticks are bad?
Look for changes in appearance, texture, and smell. Signs of spoilage include stickiness, sliminess, surface mold, foul odors, or off tastes. Discard beef sticks at the first sign of spoilage.
Can you freeze opened beef sticks?
Yes, freezing extends the shelf life of opened beef sticks. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in airtight bags. They’ll keep for 2-3 months frozen.
Do opened beef sticks require refrigeration?
It’s highly recommended to refrigerate opened packages of beef sticks to maximize freshness, ideally consuming within 3 weeks.
Is it safe to eat beef sticks after the expiration date?
It’s generally not recommended to eat beef sticks past the printed expiration or “use by” date on packaging. However, unopened beef sticks may still be safe for some time if properly stored.
Can you eat beef sticks left out overnight?
No, beef sticks that have been left out at room temperature overnight should be discarded. Bacteria can multiply quickly on perishable foods left over 2 hours at room temperature.
How long can opened beef sticks be left unrefrigerated?
For food safety, opened packs of beef sticks should not be left unrefrigerated for longer than 2 hours. Consume within 3-5 days for best quality.
The Bottom Line
When sealed, commercially packaged beef sticks will keep for up to one year at room temperature. But once opened, it’s ideal to finish beef sticks within 3-5 days for peak freshness and flavor. Refrigeration can extend shelf life for around 3 weeks after opening.
Freeze beef sticks to prolong storage life even longer. Follow safe food handling practices, and throw away beef sticks at the first signs of spoilage after opening. With proper storage and handling, beef sticks make a convenient protein-packed snack to have on hand anytime.
How Long Before Beef Jerky Goes Bad After Opening?
Looking for information on when beef jerky goes bad? Knowing a general time frame can help keep you safe! For the freshest and tastiest experience, eat beef jerky within 3 days of opening a package. However, that is just to ensure the highest quality and best flavor experience. Understand that beef jerky will typically still be good after that short amount of time.
Usually, after opening beef jerky, it is still good for 30 – 60 days under the right conditions. The package should be sealed and kept in a dry place when not consuming the product. Oxygen, moisture, and direct sunlight are the main culprits that make beef jerky unsuitable for eating. If you avoid these three things, your jerky will last longer.
Can Unopened Beef Jerky Go Bad in Heat?
Does beef jerky go bad when it’s warmer? Yes, it can go bad when stored at temperatures higher than room temperature, especially when it’s kept in direct sunlight.
High heat levels are not good for jerky, even though it has already been dehydrated, packaged, and sealed. People who live in places with a lot of heat might want to store their jerky in the fridge or freezer.