How Long Can You Keep Frozen Bacon After the Expiration Date?

Bacon is a breakfast staple in many households The savory, salty slices of cured pork belly can instantly elevate sandwiches, burgers, salads and more with its iconic rich flavor. While fresh bacon only lasts about 1-2 weeks in the fridge, the freezer can extend its shelf life significantly But how long exactly can you keep frozen bacon after the printed expiration date?

This article will provide comprehensive guidelines on maximizing freezer storage time for bacon while preserving both safety and quality. Read on for storage tips signs of freezer burn when to toss it, and answers to common questions about keeping frozen bacon past its date.

Overview of Bacon Expiration Dates

To begin, it’s important to understand what the dates on bacon packages mean. These are actually just manufacturers’ estimates for peak freshness, not safety indicators. There are two main date types:

• “Sell By” date – Recommended timeframe for stores to sell the bacon. About 1-2 weeks after opening.

• “Use By/Best By” date: The latest date that the bacon should be eaten to get the best taste. Around 1-2 weeks after opening.

So the dates are more about optimizing freshness and taste, not necessarily safety. Freezing bacon enables you to retain quality well past those dates.

How Long Can Unopened Bacon Last in the Freezer?

If stored properly in a freezer at 0°F, unopened packages of bacon can typically last:

• 6-12 months past the printed date. The USDA recommends using frozen meat within 4-12 months for best quality.

• Up to 1 year total from the purchase date. Frozen foods usually maintain good flavor and texture up to a year.

So you can buy bacon, check the date, freeze immediately, and safely store it up to 12 months past that date. Keeping it tightly wrapped prevents freezer burn.

What About Opened Bacon – How Long Does it Last?

Once opened, bacon has a shorter freezer life. Make sure to re-wrap it air-tight before freezing. Generally, opened bacon lasts:

• 2-3 months past the printed date. Open packages allow more oxygen exposure.

• 6 months maximum from the purchase date. Flavor and moisture quality decrease over time.

Try to use opened packages of frozen bacon within 6 months for the best texture and taste.

Identifying When Frozen Bacon Has Gone Bad

Since smelling and looking are not options with frozen foods, you’ll need to rely on other signs that signal when bacon has been kept too long:

• Severe freezer burn – Dry, brownish patches; hard, wrinkled texture

• Odors when thawing – Rancid, sour, ammonia-like smell

• Change in color – Dull, greyish or greenish hue; unappetizing

• Slimy texture – Icky, sticky, mushy spots or coating

• Mold – Spots of fuzzy growth anywhere on slices

Bacon displaying these traits should be discarded rather than risking illness from spoiled meat. Play it safe and start fresh with a new package.

Proper Storage for Maximizing Shelf Life

To get the longest safe freezer life out of your bacon, be diligent with storage:

• Place in moisture-proof packaging like plastic wrap or freezer bags.

• Remove as much air as possible and seal tightly.

• Store at 0°F or lower temperatures for best preservation.

• Avoid repeatedly thawing and refreezing – use within 1-2 days once thawed.

• Label packages with dates and contents using a permanent marker.

Proper freezing extends shelf life while maintaining bacon’s signature taste and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s review some common questions about frozen bacon expiration:

Is it safe to eat bacon 1 year past its expiration date if frozen?

Most likely yes, provided it has been properly frozen the entire time. Check carefully for signs of spoilage before eating.

Can I keep thawed bacon in the fridge after the use-by date?

Consume within 3-5 days for safety. Don’t refreeze thawed bacon.

How can you tell if frozen bacon has gone bad?

Severe freezer burn, off odors, unappetizing colors, and sliminess indicate spoiled bacon.

Does cooking bacon kill any bacteria that grew during freezer storage?

It’s unsafe to rely on cooking to make old, spoiled bacon safe for eating. Stick to recommended time limits.

Should you rinse off slimy areas of bacon or just throw it all out?

Discard the whole package if any part shows signs of spoilage like stickiness or a foul smell.

The Bottom Line

Storing bacon properly in the freezer can extend its shelf life for up to 12 months past the printed expiration date if it remains sealed. For opened packages, use within 6 months from the purchase date for safety and quality. Monitor closely for any signs of freezer burn, changes in coloration, odors, or sliminess as indications that frozen bacon has spoiled. Following the freezing guidelines and “when in doubt, throw it out” mentality will help you maximize bacon’s frozen storage life while avoiding the risks of foodborne illness.