Crunchy, salty bacon bits are a popular topping for salads, baked potatoes, and other dishes. But since these bacon-flavored sprinkles come in a shaker bottle or pouch, it’s easy to keep them in your pantry for weeks or months. So how long do bacon bits stay fresh?
The shelf life of bacon bits depends largely on whether they are made from real bacon or artificial flavoring, Here’s a breakdown of how to store both types to maximize freshness
Real Bacon Bits
Bacon bits made from actual crumbled, cured bacon have a more limited shelf life. Here are some tips for storing real bacon bits:
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Unopened packages last about 4-6 months in the pantry if stored before the “sell by” date
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Once opened, refrigerate real bacon bits for up to 6 weeks for best quality and safety
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You can keep opened bacon bits fresh for even longer by putting them in the freezer for 6 to 8 months.
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Check for changes in texture, color, smell, and taste. Discard if any signs of spoilage.
The bottom line is to use real bacon bits within a few weeks of opening. The cold fridge or freezer helps slow bacteria growth and oxidation that causes them to go rancid.
Imitation Bacon Bits
Vegetarian bacon bits made from textured vegetable protein, yeast extract, and artificial flavors have a much longer shelf stable shelf life. Here’s how to store imitation bacon bits:
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Unopened packages can be stored in the pantry up to 9 months past any “best by” date.
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Once opened, imitation bacon bits last 3-4 months in the pantry.
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For even longer freshness, refrigerate opened imitation bacon bits for up to 1 year.
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Frozen, they can last almost indefinitely, but quality may decline after 2 years.
Since imitation bacon bits don’t contain real meat, preservatives help them stay shelf stable much longer than real bacon bits.
Signs Your Bacon Bits Have Gone Bad
Watch for these signs that your opened bacon bits should be discarded:
- Change in texture – bits are soft or sticky
- Mold growth
- Rancid or unpleasant smell
- Faded, dull color
- Tastes bitter,sour, or off
When in doubt, remember the slogan “when in doubt, throw it out” applies to questionable bacon bits too!
Storing Bacon Bits Properly
To maximize the shelf life of both real and imitation bacon bits:
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Store unopened packages in a cool, dry pantry away from heat and moisture.
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Refrigerate opened packages in a sealed container to prevent moisture.
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Freeze for even longer freshness once opened.
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Keep bacon bits away from onions or strong-smelling foods that can impart off-odors.
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Use clean and dry utensils each time to avoid introducing bacteria.
Creative Ways to Use Up Leftover Bacon Bits
Bacon bits are highly versatile, so you can use them in many recipes before they spoil. Here are some delicious ideas:
- As a topping for baked potatoes, soups, pasta, and salads
- Mixed into burger patties, meatballs, or meatloaf
- Sprinkled on pizza, mac and cheese, roasted veggies
- In pancake, waffle, and muffin batter
- Candied by baking with brown sugar
- As a garnish for Bloody Mary cocktails
- Blended into dips and savory spreads
With proper storage and creative use, both real and imitation bacon bits can deliver long-lasting flavor to elevate your favorite recipes!
HORMEL® Real Bacon Bits Pouch
servings per container Serving size (7g)
| Amount Per Serving | |
|---|---|
| Calories | 25 |
| % Daily Value* | ||
|---|---|---|
| Total Fat 1.5g | 2% | |
| Saturated Fat 1g | 5% | |
| Trans Fat 0g | ||
| Polyunsaturated Fat | ||
| Cholesterol 10mg | 3% | |
| Sodium 210mg | 9% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 0g | 0% | |
| Dietary Fiber 0g | 0% | |
| Total Sugars 0g | ||
| Includes 0g added sugars | 0% | |
| Protein 3g | 6% | |
| Calcium 0mg | 0% | |
| Iron 0mg | 0% | |
| Potassium 0mg | 0% | |
| Vitamin D 0mcg | 0% | |
The Daily Value (DV) tells you how much of a nutrient is in a serving of food. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Ingredients Bacon (Cured With Water, Salt, Sugar, Sodium Erythorbate, Sodium Nitrite. May also contain Smoke Flavoring, Dextrose, Brown Sugar, Sodium Phosphate, Sea Salt, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Diacetate, Flavoring, Honey)
Promotions, product information and packaging are subject to change. Please refer to the packaging on store shelves for the most up-to-date information.
HORMEL® Real Bacon Bits add flavor to all your bacon-inspired dishes. If you want the taste of bacon without the mess of cooking raw bacon, our Bacon Bits come in a pouch that you can easily seal again and again. You can sprinkle some on your favorite egg dish or top a baked potato with sour cream.
- With the 6-ounce resealable pouch, you can add as much bacon as you like to your favorite dishes to make them taste even better without having to fry bacon.
- With 40% less fat than what the USDA recommends for pan-fried bacon, you can enjoy tasty bacon without giving up flavor.
- Real bacon bits that are fully cooked and perfect for adding to your favorite dishes like salads, soups, eggs, and mac and cheese.
- All HORMEL® bacon topping varieties are shelf stable until opened
Is There Actual Bacon In Bacon Bits?
FAQ
How long do packaged bacon bits last in the fridge?
Is it okay to eat expired bacon bits?
How to store bacon bits long term?
How long do bacon bits last?
Per Eat by Date, bacon bits made with real bacon, once open, can last anywhere from 6 weeks in the refrigerator to 6 months in the freezer. The site also notes that the range of dates is only as good as your storage method. But if you eschew real bacon, you may opt for, say, McCormick’s Imitation Bac’n Pieces, which are touted as vegan bacon.
How long does real bacon last in the fridge?
Once opened, bacon bits prepared with real bacon can stay anywhere from6 weeks to 6 months in the refrigerator, according to Eat by Date. The range of dates is only as good as your storing strategy, according to the site. What is the shelf life of Hormel real crumbled bacon?
Do bacon bits need to be refrigerated?
These types of bacon bits are shelf-stable and can last for a long time without refrigeration. However, if you have real bacon bits, which are made from actual crumbled cooked bacon, then they need to be refrigerated after opening. Real bacon bits are technically a cured form of meat and can become susceptible to germs if not stored properly.
Does Bacon expire?
Of course, all foods last for a shorter period of time if they are not stored properly. But remember, bacon, like a lot of other proteins, usually has a sell by date and not a use by date or expiration date. Because of this distinction, you may safely use bacon to compliment your favorite meals even after the sell by date has lapsed.