Coleman Natural Hickory Smoked Uncured Bacon is a family favorite. It tastes salty and is crispy and satisfying. The average American eats about 18 pounds of bacon a year, so it’s not surprising that it’s often gone within a day or two of being brought home from the store or delivered to your door.
However, sometimes your bacon might get pushed to the back of the fridge. Or perhaps you find yourself buying a bit more than your family can eat. Before long, you might be wondering whether your bacon has gone bad or is still edible.
No matter how natural the ingredients are that are used to cure and smoke our bacon, it doesn’t stay fresh forever. If you want to know if your bacon is safe to eat, let’s talk about how it was packaged and four signs that it’s time to throw it away. Table of Contents.
Bacon is a freezer staple for many. The salty, smoky meat can be tossed into pastas, sandwiches, salads and more to add a burst of flavor. Freezing bacon allows you to buy in bulk when the price is right and always have it on hand. But does bacon actually last in the freezer? Can it go bad if frozen too long?
Below we’ll explore how long bacon lasts in the freezer, signs it has spoiled, and tips to extend its shelf life.
How Long Does Frozen Bacon Last?
According to the USDA raw bacon that is frozen at 0°F can last in the freezer for 4 months. Cured uncooked bacon (like bacon without added nitrites) can last even longer at 6 months when properly frozen.
For cooked bacon, the guidelines are shorter. Cooked bacon that has been frozen for more than one month starts to lose its quality after that.
Always check expiration or “use by” dates on the package and follow those first and foremost. The USDA guidelines should be used as a maximum timeframe if no date is provided.
Freezing stops bacterial growth that causes spoilage, but over time the fats in bacon can still oxidize and lead to rancidity. This is why bacon’s freezer life isn’t indefinite.
Does Frozen Bacon Expire?
Yes, frozen bacon does eventually expire. No food lasts forever, even in the freezer. Freezing simply slows down the chemical reactions that lead to spoilage – it doesn’t completely stop them.
As the fats break down over time, frozen bacon will get bad tastes, become dry, and change color. If you eat bacon that is past its prime, it might not make you sick, but the taste and texture will get worse.
For highest quality, use frozen bacon within the USDA’s recommended timelines:
- Raw bacon: 4 months
- Cured, no nitrite bacon: 6 months
- Cooked bacon: 1-2 months
Discard any bacon that sits frozen beyond these maximums, even if it still looks okay. The taste and texture are likely compromised. Don’t risk it!
Can You Eat 2 Year Old Frozen Bacon?
You may be wondering – what if you find a really old pack of bacon tucked away in the back of your freezer? Can you still use bacon that’s been frozen for say, 2 years?
The short answer is no – bacon that has been sitting frozen for multiple years should not be eaten.
Here’s why:
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Quality and safety decline over time. Even in the freezer, fats slowly oxidize.
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USDA only approves maximum freezer times of 4-6 months for raw bacon.
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Off-odors, textures, and flavors develop the longer bacon is frozen.
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Bacteria eliminated by freezing can regrow over very prolonged storage.
So bacon that is 2 years old is simply too old, even if frozen the entire time. The taste and food safety risk are likely too great at that point. It’s best to just discard very old, forgotten bacon packs.
How to Tell If Frozen Bacon Is Bad
Bacon that’s spoiled won’t always look bad – you may need to rely on your senses of smell and touch to determine if frozen bacon has gone off. Watch for these signs:
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Sliminess – A sticky or slimy texture is a red flag.
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Discoloration – Grayish, greenish or blue tints indicate spoilage.
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Off-odor – Smell for sourness, fishiness or general “off” scents.
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Freezer burn – White/gray patches mean the meat has dried out.
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Mold – Bacon is perishable so mold growth is possible over time.
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Rancid taste – Saute a small piece to check for bitterness or soapy flavors.
Bacon not exhibiting any of the above signs may still be fine to cook and eat. But remember – taste and freezing history are ultimately your best guides.
Tips for Freezing Bacon
Want your bacon to last as long as possible in the freezer? Follow these tips:
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Wrap tightly – Use plastic wrap pressed tightly against the bacon before bagging. This prevents freezer burn.
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Exclude air – Squeeze out excess air from bags before sealing to minimize oxidation.
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Portion – Separate bacon into amounts you’ll use per meal. Easier than defrosting a whole pack.
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Freeze raw – Uncooked bacon maintains quality longer than cooked when frozen.
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Monitor freezer temp – Keep freezer at 0°F or below for longest shelf life.
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Use oldest first – Be sure to rotate stash and use oldest packages before newer ones.
Freezing Bacon Safely
Freezing offers convenience, but proper handling is still important for safety:
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Freeze bacon before “sell by” or “use by” date passes.
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Freeze in shallow airtight containers to chill quickly.
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Thaw in fridge, not room temp to prevent bacterial growth.
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Don’t refreeze bacon after it’s thawed. Cook and refreeze cooked bacon instead.
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Discard bacon with an off odor, color change or slimy texture. Don’t taste test.
Following safe practices will ensure frozen bacon stays fresh and ready for your recipes!
Signs Bacon Has Gone Bad After Freezing
Bacon can look and smell normal immediately after thawing. So how do you know if it has gone bad after being frozen? Look for these indicators:
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Unpleasant “off” odors, especially sour, fishy or ammonia-like scents
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Greater than normal liquid in the packaging which may be slippery to the touch
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Discoloration of fat or meat portions – gray, green or blue hues indicate spoilage
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Dry, spongy texture from moisture loss and freezer burn
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Mold growth – can appear as fuzzy spots or discoloration on meat or packaging
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Dull or faded appearance rather than vibrant pink/red color
Bacon exhibiting any of those traits should be discarded rather than risking eating spoiled meat.
Can You Refreeze Bacon After Thawing?
It’s best not to refreeze bacon after it has been thawed in the refrigerator. Thawing allows bacteria a chance to grow again, and refreezing doesn’t kill it off.
However, cooked bacon can be thawed and safely refrozen. The high cooking temperatures destroy any bacteria, making it safe for a second freeze.
For raw bacon, thaw only the amount needed and cook within 1-2 days. Refreezing raw bacon that’s been thawed isn’t recommended.
The Takeaway on Freezing Bacon
Bacon’s high salt and low moisture content make it perfect for freezing. With proper storage in airtight packaging at 0°F, it can last in the freezer for 4-6 months depending on the type.
Don’t let bacon linger for more than the recommended times, even frozen. Always cook thawed bacon within 1-2 days and don’t refreeze raw bacon after thawing.
By following best practices, freezing bacon allows you to always have this versatile ingredient ready to cook and enjoy! Monitor appearance, texture and scent to catch any safety issues.
Four Signs Opened Bacon Has Gone Bad
Even if you’ve bought fresh bacon and stored it properly, it won’t last forever. Here are four easy signs your refrigerated bacon may have gone bad.
Carefully Inspect the Packaging
Your bacon might still be bad even if the “use by” or “sell by” date on the package has passed. You might find a hole in the package or other damage on its way to the store shelf.
All dates are created with the assumption that bacon is properly vacuum sealed and stored. If air has entered into the package, the spoiling process has already started.
Before you buy bacon, check the package to make sure it’s sealed well and doesn’t show any signs of going bad.
Can Bacon Go Bad In Fridge?
Can uncooked bacon be frozen?
Though uncooked and unopened bacon can be stored as is, you may want to wrap the package with tin foil if freezing to prevent freezer burn. Uncooked bacon that has been opened should be wrapped in tin foil or stored in an airtight container to maximize freshness before placing it in the refrigerator or freezer.
Can one eat bacon with diverticulosis?
You can eat bacon with diverticulosis, but it is not the most recommended. In a person with diverticulosis, it is recommended to consume foods with soluble fiber such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes.
How long does Bacon last in the freezer?
Cooked bacon in strips lasts for about a week in the fridge, and up to 6 months in the freezer, while bacon bits will last for about 6 weeks in the fridge, and 6 months in the freezer.
Does bacon go bad?
This would only occur if the bacon contains viruses, bacteria, parasites, or toxins. With that being said, if you pay attention to the dates on the packaging, be mindful of the four signs bacon has gone bad, and choose trusted, high-quality bacon, this can reduce your chances of food poisoning.