How Long Does Costco Pulled Pork Last? The Complete Guide

Costco’s Kirkland Signature smoked pulled pork is a convenient pre-cooked option for a quick weeknight dinner But with any perishable cooked meat, you may be wondering – how long does Costco pulled pork last after opening? Can it be frozen and thawed safely?

This guide will cover proper storage shelf life freezing, reheating, and signs of spoilage to help you get the most out of your Costco pulled pork.

Overview of Costco Pulled Pork

Costco sells fully cooked, smoked pulled pork under its Kirkland Signature house brand. It comes vacuum sealed in a pouch containing approximately 2 pounds of shredded smoked pork.

According to the packaging, it is made from pork that is vegetarian-fed and contains no artificial ingredients, nitrates, or nitrites. It does contain 780mg of sodium per serving

This ready-to-eat pulled pork needs only quick reheating before eating. It’s great for making sandwiches, tacos, nachos, and more after a long day at work because it tastes smoky and is soft enough to fall apart.

How Long Does Costco Pulled Pork Last in the Fridge?

Properly stored Costco pulled pork will last for:

• Unopened package: About 2 weeks from the sell-by date

• After opening: 3 to 5 days

Because cooked pork has a lot of water in it, it goes bad quickly in the fridge. Make sure the original package is tightly sealed, and once it’s opened, store any leftovers in containers that won’t let air in.

Check for off smells, textures, or slime development daily after opening. Discard pulled pork that shows signs of spoilage after the recommended fridge time.

Can You Freeze Costco Pulled Pork?

Yes, Costco pulled pork can be frozen in its original packaging or portioned into meal sizes to extend its shelf life. To freeze:

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil if opened. Remove air.

• Seal in freezer bags or airtight containers for bulk freezer storage.

• Label package with date and contents.

• Freeze at 0°F or below for 3 to 4 months maximum.

Thaw frozen Costco pulled pork in the fridge overnight before reheating. Do not refreeze thawed pork.

How to Reheat Costco Pulled Pork

Always reheat Costco pulled pork thoroughly to 165°F internal temperature. Safe reheating methods include:

• Microwave: Heat frozen pork in microwave-safe dish until piping hot.

• Stovetop: Heat pork in saucepan with small amount of broth or sauce.

• Oven: Bake loosely covered pulled pork at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until hot.

• Slow cooker: Add pork to slow cooker with sauce and cook 2-3 hours on high until fully heated.

Stir and check internal temp with meat thermometer. Bring sauces to a boil when reheating. Discard any pork not eaten within 3 to 4 days after reheating.

How to Tell If Costco Pulled Pork Is Bad

Do not eat Costco pulled pork if it displays these signs of spoilage:

• Sour, rancid, or unpleasant smell
• Mold growth on surface
• Very slimy or sticky texture
• Dull brownish or greenish discoloration
• Dry, tacky patches on meat

Discard pork immediately if it shows any odd odors, textures, or appearance. Don’t taste questionable pork. Cooked pork should not be consumed after 3 to 5 days refrigerated.

How Long Can Cooked Pulled Pork Sit Out?

Cooked pork should not sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria multiply quickly on perishable foods left out longer.

Within 1 hour of cooking, divide Costco pulled pork into shallow containers and refrigerate. Don’t leave the cooked pork out to cool before putting it in the fridge.

When reheating, serve any leftovers immediately. Don’t let reheated pulled pork sit out more than 2 hours before putting back in the fridge.

What Happens If You Eat Bad Pulled Pork?

Eating spoiled pulled pork puts you at risk for food poisoning. Consuming harmful bacteria from bad pork can cause:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Stomach cramps and pain
• Fever, headache, chills
• Overall weakness and fatigue

Foodborne illness symptoms may take 1-3 days after ingesting bad pork to develop. See a doctor if you have severe or persisting symptoms.

Don’t take risks with pork past its prime. Stick to the recommended 3-5 day fridge life and reheating guidelines for eating Costco pulled pork safely.

How to Store and Freeze Leftover Pulled Pork

Follow these steps for storing extra cooked pulled pork:

• Portion into shallow airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking.

• Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

• For longer freezer storage, place meal-size portions in bags. Squeeze out air and seal.

• Freeze extra pulled pork at 0°F up to 2-3 months.

• Thaw frozen pork in fridge before reheating within recommended time.

Proper freezing and refrigeration lets you safely enjoy delicious Costco pulled pork for quick meals all month long!

Can You Refreeze Thawed Costco Pulled Pork?

It is not recommended to refreeze Costco pulled pork once thawed. Refreezing thawed pork can increase risk of bacterial growth.

Instead, keep thawed pulled pork refrigerated for 3 to 4 days max before reheating thoroughly and consuming. Cook immediately – do not refreeze thawed pork.

For longer term storage, freeze pulled pork in meal-size portions initially. Only thaw the amount you will use within a few days. This avoids waste while preserving freshness and food safety.

Signs Pulled Pork Has Gone Bad After Cooking

Watch for these red flags with cooked pulled pork leftovers:

• Slimy texture or unappetizing color
• Rancid or sour smell
• Mold growth
• Unpleasant taste when sampled
• Dramatic change in appearance overnight

Discard pulled pork displaying any odd textures, colors, smells, or tastes. Don’t taste test questionable leftovers. Stick to the 3-4 day limit after cooking for safety.

Tips for Using Costco Pulled Pork

Try these easy ways to enjoy Costco pulled pork before it expires:

• Sandwiches – Pile onto buns for classic pulled pork sandwiches

• Tacos – Add to corn or flour tortillas with taco toppings

• Nachos/totchos – Top chips and finish with cheese

• Pizza – Add smoky flavor as a yummy pizza topping

• Salads – Toss with salad greens, veggies, and dressing

• Bowls – Build grain, veggie, and protein bowls

• Omelets – Mix in with eggs for hearty breakfasts

Get creative with leftover pulled pork while it’s still fresh and delicious! Adjust seasonings to complement the smoky pork flavor.

The Takeaway on Costco Pulled Pork Storage

When stored properly, Kirkland Signature pre-cooked pulled pork lasts 3-5 days refrigerated after opening. For longer shelf life, freeze in meal-sized portions up to 4 months. Reheat thawed pork within 3-4 days and don’t refreeze. Watch for any signs of spoilage before eating leftover pulled pork. Follow these guidelines to safely savor convenient Costco pulled pork any night of the week!