Ground turkey is a highly versatile and healthy meat that can be used in many delicious recipes. If you’ve recently bought a couple packs from your local butcher, you need to know how long does ground turkey last in the fridge? Or should you just pop it into the freezer?
It typically lasts in the fridge for two to three days. If it’s already cooked, it can last up to four days.
Frozen ground turkey remains safe to eat indefinitely if it’s stored the right way. However, it’s recommended to thaw and cook it within four months of freezing.
Ground turkey is a versatile and healthy meat used in many delicious recipes. But with any raw meat, proper storage and food safety is crucial. Understanding how long ground turkey lasts after the printed use-by date can help reduce food waste while protecting your health.
What Does the Use By Date Mean?
The use-by date on ground turkey packaging indicates the last recommended day to consume the product for best quality and flavor. It is not an exact expiration date.
Ground turkey may still be safe to eat for a short time after the use-by date if properly stored But quality declines over time, so it’s best to cook or freeze ground turkey by the use-by date
How Long After the Use By Date is Ground Turkey Good?
If continuously refrigerated at 40°F or below ground turkey can safely be used for 1-2 days past the printed use-by date provided there are no signs of spoilage.
Properly frozen ground turkey maintains quality for 3-4 months past the use-by date. But for optimal freshness and taste, cook frozen ground turkey within 1-2 days of thawing.
Always rely on your senses. Discard ground turkey with an off odor, color or texture regardless of the date.
Proper Storage of Ground Turkey
To safely extend the shelf life of ground turkey:
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Refrigerate in original store packaging or airtight containers at 40°F or below. Place on bottom shelf.
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Freeze at 0°F or below in airtight packaging. Use frozen ground turkey within 3-4 months.
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Never thaw on the counter – thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
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Divide large packages into smaller portions before freezing.
Signs Ground Turkey Has Spoiled
Here are signs ground turkey has gone bad and is unsafe to eat:
- Unpleasant sour odor
- Gray or green discoloration
- Slippery, tacky or slimy texture
- Past use-by date by over 1 week
- Improperly stored with temperature fluctuations
When in doubt, remember “When in doubt, throw it out.” Don’t take risks with spoiled meat.
Can You Cook Ground Turkey After the Use By Date?
It is not recommended to cook and eat ground turkey past the printed use-by date even if it appears and smells normal. Harmful bacteria can still be present and lead to foodborne illness. Proper storage and food safety is crucial.
Is Ground Turkey Good 1 Week After the Use By Date?
Do not consume ground turkey that has been refrigerated for longer than 1 week after the printed use-by date. At this point, even properly stored ground turkey is likely to have spoiled in quality and safety. It’s best to discard ground turkey 1 week past the use-by date.
Freezing Ground Turkey After the Use By Date
Ground turkey can be safely frozen up to 2 days after the use-by date if it has been continuously refrigerated. Make sure to package properly in an airtight container or freezer bag before freezing.
Previously frozen ground turkey can also be safely refrozen if it still shows no signs of spoilage after thawing and has been kept cold. Cook within 1-2 days after thawing for best quality.
Using Up Ground Turkey Close to Use By Date
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Cook within 1-2 days and eat immediately or refrigerate for 3-4 days. Reheat to 165°F.
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Cook and freeze in meals like chili, meatballs, burgers, etc.
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Brown ground turkey then freeze to use later. Defrost in fridge before cooking.
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Make turkey meatballs or burgers and cook sous vide – freeze after. Reheat before eating.
Always label frozen packages with contents and dates. Follow all food safety practices when prepping, cooking and storing ground turkey.
The Bottom Line
Knowing how long ground turkey lasts after the use-by date can help reduce food waste while keeping food safe. With proper refrigeration and freezing, ground turkey can be safely eaten 1-2 days past the printed use-by date, provided it shows no signs of spoilage. Use good judgment and enjoy the versatility of ground turkey.
How Long Does Thawed Ground Turkey Last In The Fridge?
The answer to this question depends on the method you’ve used to thaw your frozen ground turkey.
How Long Does It Last in Fridge If It Is Cooked?
If you’ve already cooked your ground turkey, you can keep it in the fridge for a slightly longer time.
It will typically remain safe to eat for three to four days if you’ve stored it in an air-tight container.
If you’ve cooked up a large batch, you can store it in the freezer for up to four months without it losing its quality.
This gives you the convenience of having ready-made meals that only need to be taken out of the freezer, thawed, and heated.
Ask the Test Kitchen: How Long Will Meat Last in the Fridge?
FAQ
Is it okay to use ground turkey after use-by date?
It is generally not recommended to eat turkey after the use by date. Consuming expired poultry can pose health risks due to potential bacterial growth (1). However, it’s important to note that turkey, like many other proteins, usually has a sell by date rather than a use by date or expiration date (2).
Is ground turkey good after 5 days in fridge?
It is generally recommended to consume cooked ground turkey within 3-4 days if stored properly in the refrigerator. After 5 days, there is an increased risk of bacterial growth and potential foodborne illness. It is best to discard the ground turkey to ensure your safety.
Is ground turkey ok 1 day past use-by date reddit?
Fresh meat usually lasts in the fridge about 3-5 days but open it and smell it. If you don’t really smell anything, it’s fine. If something smells off or bad, toss it.
How long is ground meat good for after the expiration date?
Generally, you can expect to be able to use ground beef one to three days after the sell-by date depending on how it has been handled. Steaks will likely be good for another day or two.
Does ground turkey expire?
The use by date is not an absolute expiration date, rather a guideline for best flavor and texture. Ground turkey may still be safe to eat for a period after the use by date if it has been properly stored. However, the quality degrades over time so it is best to cook or freeze ground turkey by the use by date for optimal taste and texture.
Can you eat ground turkey after use-by date?
Ground turkey can still be safe to eat for 1-2 days after the use-by date, as long as it has been stored properly in the refrigerator. Can you freeze ground turkey after the use-by date? Yes, you can freeze ground turkey after the use-by date. Make sure to package it properly in an airtight container or freezer bag to maintain its quality.
How long does frozen ground turkey last?
You can safely use ground turkey 1 to 2 days after the printed use by date as long as it has been continuously refrigerated at 40°F or below and there are no signs of spoilage. If frozen ground turkey has been properly stored at 0°F, it will maintain quality for 3-4 months past the use by date.
How long can you keep ground turkey in the fridge?
Ground turkey should be stored in the coldest part of the refrigerator, and used within 1-2 days after the use-by date. Ground turkey can also be frozen for up to 3-4 months for optimal quality. Are there any preservatives in ground turkey that can extend its shelf-life?
Can you freeze ground turkey after the use-by date?
Yes, you can freeze ground turkey after the use-by date. Make sure to package it properly in an airtight container or freezer bag to maintain its quality. What are some safe ways to use up ground turkey after the use-by date? You can use ground turkey in a variety of dishes such as tacos, meatballs, burgers, and stir-fries.
Can you eat turkey 3 days after use by date?
The USDA recommends cooking (or freezing) raw, ground turkey within one or two days after purchasing or the “sell by” date printed on the package. So if your best-laid plans for Tuesday night turkey burgers were forgotten until Saturday, it’s unfortunately time to say goodbye.