There’s nothing quite like waking up to the smell of sizzling bacon in the morning. If you’re anything like us, there probably won’t be any leftover bacon. What if you need to keep bacon in the fridge for a few days? Here are some ideas!
If you put uncured bacon in the fridge before the “sell by” date on the package, it will last about one week. In the freezer, unopened bacon could last up to six months. Unopened bacon may last roughly two weeks in the fridge and eight months in the freezer.
Bacon that hasn’t been cooked can be kept in a sealed container for a week after the package has been opened. Sealed in an airtight plastic bag in the freezer, the bacon could last for about a month.
Should you make more bacon than you can eat, you can keep it in the fridge for five to seven days in a container that is well sealed. Thought you might not be able to eat it that soon? Cooked bacon can be frozen for up to a month.
For bacon lovers, vacuum sealed bacon provides a convenient way to enjoy this tasty breakfast staple while extending its shelf life. But exactly how long does vacuum sealed bacon last?
In this complete guide I’ll cover everything you need to know
- The benefits of vacuum sealing for bacon storage
- How the refrigeration, freezing and pantry storage times compare
- Proper storage methods to maximize shelf life
- Signs of spoiled vacuum packed bacon
- Tips for freezing and thawing
- Creative ways to use up any leftovers
If you follow these tips, you can vacuum seal bacon and eat fresh, tasty bacon for months!
Why Vacuum Sealing Extends Bacon’s Shelf Life
Vacuum sealing is a process that removes oxygen from food packaging before tightly sealing it shut. This oxygen-free environment helps foods last longer by:
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Slowing down oxidation reactions that cause rancidity
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Preventing mold growth which requires air
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Inhibiting aerobic bacteria growth that causes spoilage
By extracting air from the package, vacuum sealing keeps bacon fresher longer than traditional storage methods.
Refrigerator, Freezer and Pantry Storage Times
So exactly how long can you expect vacuum sealed bacon to last? Here are the typical shelf life times:
- Refrigerator: 1-2 months
- Freezer: 6-12 months
- Pantry: 1-2 weeks
The refrigerator gives you 1-2 months thanks to cold temps right above freezing. Freezer storage keeps bacon preserved for 6 months up to 1 year. And the pantry allows 1-2 weeks if stored in a cool, dark place.
For maximum freshness, stick within these timelines and store using proper methods.
Proper Storage of Vacuum Sealed Bacon
To get the most out of your vacuum sealed bacon, follow these storage tips:
- Keep frozen until ready to thaw and use
- Once thawed, use within 1 week
- Keep refrigerated packages as cold as possible
- Avoid temperature fluctuations
- Check for signs of spoilage periodically
- Follow pantry guidelines to store unopened packages
With proper handling, your vacuum sealed bacon can stay fresh right up to the maximum times listed.
How to Identify Spoiled Vacuum Packed Bacon
Watch for these signs that your vacuum packed bacon has gone bad:
- Unpleasant odors – Rancid, sour or rotten smell
- Slimy texture and sticky surface
- Dull or faded pink/red color
- Mold growth – Fuzzy green or white patches
- Off tastes – Bitter, sour, or unpleasant flavors
Bacon shouldn’t be sticky, smelly or moldy even when vacuum sealed. Discard any packages showing these spoilage signs.
Freezing and Thawing Vacuum Packed Bacon
For maximum freezer shelf life, follow these tips:
- Freeze unopened packages for longest shelf life
- Double wrap opened packages in plastic wrap or foil before freezing
- Thaw overnight in the fridge vs. countertop to prevent bacterial growth
- Use thawed bacon within 1 week for best quality
- Avoid refreezing bacon once it’s thawed
Proper thawing helps retain the texture and flavor of your frozen, vacuum sealed bacon.
Creative Ways to Use Up Leftover Bacon
Don’t let leftover cooked bacon go to waste! Here are some delicious ideas:
- Crumble on salads, baked potatoes or mac and cheese
- Include in omelets, frittatas or quiches
- Mix into cornbread batter before baking
- Make candied bacon strips for a sweet treat
- Bake into meatloaf or burgers for added flavor
- Top pizzas, flatbreads and bruschetta
- Add to pasta carbonara, clam chowder or potato soup
- Use as a garnish for Bloody Mary cocktails
With a little creativity, you can transform those bacon scraps into something tasty!
Storing Uncooked Bacon Before Vacuum Sealing
To maximize the shelf life, proper storage starts before vacuum sealing. Follow these tips for storing uncooked bacon:
- Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below
- Place in moisture-proof packaging or wrap tightly in plastic wrap
- Avoid freezing and thawing more than once
- Cook or vacuum seal within 1-2 weeks for best freshness
Starting with fresh, properly stored bacon ensures higher quality and longer lasting vacuum sealed packages.
Vacuum Sealing Bacon Safely
To safely vacuum seal bacon:
- Use a vacuum sealer designed for food storage
- Seal unopened packages, or double wrap opened bacon in plastic wrap or foil
- Refrigerate or freeze sealed packages right away
- Label packages with contents and date
- Check for signs of spoilage before consuming
- Discard spoiled packages – don’t taste to check
Follow these tips, and your vacuum sealed bacon can stay fresh for 1-2 months refrigerated or 6-12 months frozen.
Final Thoughts
Thanks to the oxygen-free environment, vacuum sealing allows bacon to stay fresh 1-2 months in the fridge, or 6-12 months in the freezer. For safety, discard any packages with off odors, stickiness, dull color or mold.
With proper storage methods, freezing and thawing, you can enjoy convenient, extended shelf life bacon with vacuum sealing. Just be sure to use proper food safety practices.
Now you can keep bacon on hand whenever that craving strikes! Vacuum seal a package today for bacon that’s ready when you are.
How to know if your bacon has gone bad
As soon as a package of bacon has been opened, it is exposed to bacteria in the air. This bacteria instantly begins a chemical reaction on the meat that leads to it going bad. It’s likely to go bad after about a week, even if you can seal it well again. But there are some things you can look for to tell if your bacon has gone bad.
Bacon should have vibrant pink-colored meat and white streaks of fat. If it has started to go bad, its color will be off. There is no longer any good bacon in your fridge if it looks gray, green, or brown.
Bacon should not have a strong smell. It might smell like smoke or the spices that were used on it, but it shouldn’t be too strong. If you open the package and smell something sulfurous or sour, the bacteria has spread to the rest of the meat and the bacon is bad.
If bacon is good, it will be soft and slightly moist. If your bacon feels slimy at all, it is definitely bad. This slimy feeling is not water, but rather bacteria that has started breaking down the meat. If it is slimy, it isn’t worth the risk.
Sometimes, mold may start growing on bacon that has gone bad. You might want to cut off the moldy part and eat the rest of the strip, but don’t! Any mold you can see means that fungi are growing that you might not be able to see. The safest bet is to throw moldy bacon out.
Long term fresh bacon storage
FAQ
How long will vacuum-sealed bacon last in the fridge?
Is bacon still good after 2 years in the freezer?
Can I use unopened bacon past use by date?
How to tell if bacon has gone bad?
How long does vacuum sealed Bacon last?
Vacuum packed bacon is a popular choice for those who want to extend the shelf life of their bacon. When stored properly, vacuum sealed bacon can last up to two months in the refrigerator, six months in the freezer, or even up to one year in the pantry. The key to maximizing the shelf life of your vacuum packed bacon is proper storage.
How long does cooked bacon last?
Cooked bacon has a shorter shelf life compared to its raw counterparts. In the refrigerator, it can last for about four to five days. When properly stored in the freezer, the shelf life of cooked bacon extends up to one month. Cooked bacon should be stored in an airtight container or tightly wrapped to maximize freshness.
How do you store vacuum packed Bacon?
The key to maximizing the shelf life of your vacuum packed bacon is proper storage. It should be stored in an airtight container or bag, and kept at the proper temperature in either the refrigerator or freezer. It’s important to check the expiration date and follow the storage instructions on the package to ensure safety.
Is vacuum-sealed Bacon safe?
Now, let’s talk about the safety of vacuum-sealed bacon. Vacuum sealing is a preservation method that removes air from the packaging, creating a vacuum that helps extend the shelf life of food products. This process slows down the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that cause food spoilage.