Does Sealed Bacon Go Bad? How to Tell if Your Bacon is Still Good

Bacon is a breakfast staple in many households. The smoky, salty flavor can elevate everything from eggs to burgers. But like any perishable food, bacon has a shelf life. So does sealed bacon go bad?

The short answer is yes, sealed bacon can go bad if not stored properly. However, an unopened package can last longer than you may think. Here’s what you need to know about sealed bacon’s shelf life, proper storage, signs of spoilage, and tips for keeping your bacon fresh longer.

How Long Does Sealed Bacon Last?

An unopened package of bacon can last 1-2 weeks beyond the sell-by date if kept constantly refrigerated Once opened, bacon should be used within 7 days

For optimal freshness and food safety, follow these bacon storage guidelines:

• Unopened bacon in the refrigerator: up to 2 weeks
• Opened bacon in the refrigerator: up to 7 days
• Unopened bacon in the freezer: up to 6 months
• Cooked bacon in the refrigerator: 3-5 days

The exact shelf life depends on factors like the sell-by date, handling and storage conditions, and fat content Hardwood smoked or artisan-style bacons may have a shorter shelf life When in doubt, inspect the bacon closely before use.

Proper Storage for Sealed Bacon

To maximize sealed bacon’s shelf life

• Keep bacon in the original packaging until you’re ready to use it. The vacuum-sealed packaging protects against oxygen, light, and moisture.

• Store sealed bacon on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator, where temperatures are coldest.

• Check that your refrigerator temperature is set to 40°F or below. Use a refrigerator thermometer to monitor.

• Don’t keep bacon in the door, where temperatures fluctuate.

• Place unwrapped cooked bacon in a sealed container or zip-top bag. Limit air exposure.

• Freeze bacon if you won’t use it within 5-7 days. Bacon keeps for 6 months frozen.

Following the proper sealed storage guidelines will extend your bacon’s shelf life significantly.

How to Tell if Sealed Bacon Has Gone Bad

Check for these signs that indicate your sealed bacon has spoiled and should be discarded:

• Discoloration – Fresh bacon should be pink or deep red. Widespread brown, grey, green or blue discoloration is a sign of bacteria growth. Small areas of white, black or green mold also indicate spoilage.

• Slimy texture – The fat on fresh bacon will be firm and white. If the fat becomes slimy, sticky or liquefied, it’s gone bad.

• Strange odor – Raw bacon has a mild meaty smell. A sour, rotten, ammonia-like or “off” odor means the bacon has begun to spoil.

• Dry, shriveled appearance – Extreme dryness and shriveling is a sign that sealed bacon has lost moisture and spoiled. Some dryness can happen with freezer burn.

• Weeping liquid – Liquid in the bacon package can indicate bacteria growth breaking down fat and tissue. Draining liquid is a clear sign of spoilage.

When inspecting sealed bacon, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If anything looks or smells off, don’t risk it.

Tips for Keeping Sealed Bacon Fresh Longer

Here are some tips to extend the shelf life of your sealed bacon:

• Buy bacon before the sell-by date and use within 5-7 days of purchase. Look for bacon without tears or damage to the packaging.

• Separate thick slabs of bacon into smaller packs so you only thaw what you need.

• Double wrap bacon in freezer bags or foil before freezing. This prevents freezer burn.

• Add a freezer pack to the bacon package in the fridge to keep it extra cold.

• Keep an eye on refrigerator temperature. If it rises above 40°F, use the bacon sooner.

• Immediately return bacon to the fridge after use. Never leave it sitting out.

• Cook bacon thoroughly until crisp to destroy bacteria. Store cooked bacon properly.

Following safe handling and storage methods can give you a few more days of fresh sealed bacon. But if you see any signs of spoilage, it’s best to throw it out.

Can You Eat Bacon After the Expiration Date?

The expiration date on packaged bacon is the last date it should be sold by stores. However, it’s not an exact measure of when the bacon will go bad. With proper refrigeration, sealed bacon lasts 5-7 days beyond the printed sell-by or use-by date.

If your sealed bacon is past the expiration date but shows no signs of spoilage, do a sensory test before cooking and consuming it. Look for an off color or odor. If it passes inspection, cook it thoroughly until sizzling hot. This kills any bacteria. Taste a small piece. If the texture and flavor seems normal, the bacon should still be safe to eat.

However, expired bacon that looks or smells bad should always be discarded. Don’t risk eating spoiled bacon past its prime.

Keeping Leftover Cooked Bacon Fresh

To store leftover cooked bacon:

• Let cooked bacon cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container.

• Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the bacon before sealing the container. This prevents drying.

• Refrigerate for 3-5 days. The lower the temperature, the longer cooked bacon lasts.

• For longer storage, wrap individual cooked bacon portions in foil or plastic wrap and freeze. It will keep for 2-3 months.

• When reheating, cook thoroughly until hot. Don’t eat partially reheated bacon.

With proper refrigeration and freezing, cooked bacon stays fresh for use in recipes, sandwiches, salads and more.

In Summary

While sealed bacon does eventually expire, you can extend its shelf life by several days through proper storage methods. Keep refrigerated bacon below 40°F at all times. Freeze for longer storage. Inspect for sliminess, discoloration, odor, or drainage before use. Cook expired but intact bacon thoroughly. Follow safe storage rules for cooked bacon leftovers. With care, you can keep sealed bacon from going bad prematurely.