How Long Does Trader Joe’s Chicken Sausage Last? Your Guide to Proper Storage and Shelf Life

Trader Joe’s has become a go-to destination for shoppers looking for unique and affordable grocery items Their selection of fully cooked chicken sausages is particularly popular With flavor varieties like Apple Chardonnay, Jalapeño, and Sun-Dried Tomato, TJ’s chicken sausages offer a tasty alternative to traditional pork sausage.

But because these links are already fully cooked, it begs the question – how long do they last? Can they be frozen? And what’s the best way to store them? I did some digging to find out. Here’s what you need to know about the shelf life and proper storage for Trader Joe’s irresistible chicken sausages.

How Long Does Trader Joe’s Chicken Sausage Last When Unopened?

Trader Joe’s chicken sausages, like most packaged raw meats, come with a sell-by date printed on the label. This date tells the store how long to display the product for sale.

As long as the sausage is unopened and properly stored, it will be good for 1-2 weeks past the printed sell-by date

So if you buy a package of chicken apple sausage and the sell-by date isn’t for another week, you can expect it to last around 2-3 weeks in your fridge at home before going bad.

Maximizing Freshness of Unopened Packages

To get the longest shelf life out of your unopened Trader Joe’s chicken sausages:

• Store sausages immediately in the fridge when you get home from the grocery store. The cooler temperature helps slow bacteria growth.

• Keep the sausages in the coldest part of your refrigerator, away from the door. The back near the bottom is ideal.

• Leave the sausages in the original packaging. This prevents cross-contamination and maintains freshness.

• Check packages for tears, holes, or opening seals prior to storing. Damage to packaging will shorten shelf life.

Following these simple steps will ensure your unopened chicken sausages stay fresh for the maximum duration.

How to Tell if Unopened Chicken Sausage is Bad

Though properly stored chicken sausage will last 2-3 weeks past its sell-by date, there are some signs that indicate it has spoiled and should be discarded:

• Package is leaking or smells bad when opened.

• Sausage feels slimy or sticky when touched through packaging.

• Discoloration or noticeable grey/green mold inside packaging.

• Expired sell-by date, especially by more than 1 week.

• Frozen sausage has been thawed for over 2 days.

If you notice any of these with an unopened package, play it safe and throw it out. Always inspect sausage for spoilage before cooking and eating.

Shelf Life After Opening Trader Joe’s Chicken Sausage

Once opened, the shelf life for Trader Joe’s fully cooked chicken sausages is significantly reduced.

This is because exposure to air and handling introduces new bacteria that can multiply quickly. For food safety, opened sausages should be eaten or frozen within:

• 1-2 days in the refrigerator

• 2-3 months in the freezer

So if you can’t finish the entire pack quickly, your best bet is to freeze the links right away in an airtight container or bag.

Properly stored in the freezer, the sausages will retain quality and taste for a few months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.

Storing Opened Chicken Sausage in the Fridge

To maximize the shelf life of opened chicken sausages in the refrigerator:

• Re-wrap sausages tightly in plastic wrap or foil. The airtight seal slows bacteria growth.

• Place sausages on a plate or in a container to catch any leaks.

• Store sausages in the back of the fridge away from fresh produce.

• Use within 1-2 days for peak freshness and food safety.

• Discard any sausage that looks slimy, smells bad, or feels tacky/sticky. Better safe than sorry!

Following the freshness timeline and using proper storage will give you a day or two to enjoy Trader Joe’s tasty chicken sausage after opening.

Freezing Leftover Trader Joe’s Chicken Sausage

Freezing is the best way to preserve leftovers or bulk packs of opened chicken sausage long term. To freeze properly:

• Portion sausages into airtight freezer bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible.

• Label bags with contents and date frozen. This prevents freezer burn and helps with organization.

• Freeze sausages immediately after opening package for best texture, moisture, and flavor.

• Place flat in a single layer in the freezer until fully frozen, then stack bags to conserve space.

• Use frozen sausage within 2-3 months for optimal taste and texture.

With proper freezer storage, you can enjoy delicious Trader Joe’s chicken sausages for months past the use-by date on the package.

Thawing Frozen Trader Joe’s Chicken Sausage

Thaw frozen chicken sausage overnight in the fridge on a plate or bowl to catch drips.

Do not thaw at room temperature or in hot water. This allows bacteria to multiply to unsafe levels.

For a quick thaw, run the frozen sausage under cold water in an airtight bag until flexible enough to separate. Then finish thawing in the refrigerator until completely thawed.

Once thawed, use within 3-5 days. Do not refreeze raw chicken sausage after thawing. Cook thawed sausage immediately for maximum freshness and food safety.

Cooking Trader Joe’s Chicken Sausage Safely

As a pre-cooked product, Trader Joe’s chicken sausage just needs to be heated through fully to 165°F internally before eating.

However, for food safety from bacteria growth, always cook frozen sausages thoroughly to 165°F internal temperature before consuming.

Here are some safe cooking methods:

• Grill over medium heat, turning occasionally, for 10-15 minutes until hot through the center.

• Pan fry in olive oil 4-5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.

• Bake in a 400°F oven for 10-15 minutes until internal temp reaches 165°F.

• Microwave individual links for 60-90 seconds until hot, then brown briefly in a skillet.

• Slow cooker on low 4-6 hours or high 2-4 hours.

Reheating fully until steaming hot helps ensure your chicken sausage stays safe to eat.

The Bottom Line

Trader Joe’s chicken sausages are convenient, tasty, and budget-friendly. Follow these storage guidelines and prep tips to keep them fresh and flavorful:

• Unopened links stay good for 2-3 weeks beyond the sell-by date when refrigerated properly.

• Opened links need eating or freezing within 1-2 days.

• Freeze leftover sausage in portions immediately in airtight bags.

• Thaw frozen sausage overnight in the fridge before cooking.

• Cook all chicken sausage to 165°F internal temperature before eating.

With proper handling, storage, and prep, you can enjoy the unique flavors of Trader Joe’s chicken sausage safely both when freshly purchased and for months from the freezer. Just keep an eye on expiration or freeze-by dates and cook thoroughly. Dig in!