How Long Does Kirkland Pre-Cooked Bacon Last? Maximize Freshness of This Costco Favorite

Kirkland pre-cooked bacon from Costco is a staple for many. It’s convenient, tasty, and saves time compared to cooking raw bacon. But once you open the package, how long does Kirkland pre-cooked bacon last before it goes bad?

When you know how long pre-cooked bacon will last, you can eat it while it’s still fresh and not waste food or eat bacon that has gone bad. How long does Kirkland pre-cooked bacon last? This article will tell you everything you need to know.

Overview of Kirkland Pre-Cooked Bacon

Kirkland Signature pre-cooked bacon is sold exclusively at Costco stores. It’s produced by major bacon maker Hormel.

Key features of Kirkland pre-cooked bacon:

• Fully cooked, thick cut bacon slices
• Made from pork raised without antibiotics
• Hickory smoked flavor
• 48-52 slices per resealable pack
• Ready to heat and eat or use in recipes

Kirkland pre-cooked bacon offers convenience compared to raw bacon. But like any perishable food it has a limited shelf life once opened.

How Long Does Kirkland Pre-Cooked Bacon Last After Opening?

An unopened pack of Kirkland pre-cooked bacon lasts about 4 months from the manufactured date. However, once opened the clock starts ticking.

After opening the pack, Kirkland pre-cooked bacon will last 5-7 days refrigerated

This shelf life of 5-7 days after opening is similar to most pre-cooked bacons. Properly stored in the fridge, Kirkland bacon stays fresh for use within a week of opening the packaging.

Use Kirkland pre-cooked bacon no more than 5 days after opening it to keep it fresh and safe. But it’s still safe for up to seven days if kept in the fridge at 40°F or below all the time.

Signs Kirkland Pre-Cooked Bacon Has Gone Bad

Bacon eventually goes bad, even when refrigerated. Check for these signs Kirkland pre-cooked bacon has spoiled:

• Slimy texture – Fresh bacon feels moist and tacky. Spoiled bacon is slick and slimy.

• Grey/green color – Bad bacon loses its pinkish-red color.

• Dull or sticky appearance – The strips look dried out, tacky or discolored.

• Rancid, sour smell – Rotten bacon gives off an unpleasant odor.

• Mold growth – Fuzzy spots indicate bacon has spoiled.

• Expired date – Don’t eat bacon past the “best before” date on the pack.

When Kirkland pre-cooked bacon shows these signs, it’s no longer safe to eat. Always discard spoiled bacon.

Storing Kirkland Pre-Cooked Bacon After Opening

To maximize the shelf life after opening Kirkland pre-cooked bacon:

• Refrigerate unused bacon right away. Keep temperatures at 40°F or below.

• Seal the pack tightly or place leftovers in a zip top bag. Limit air exposure.

• Use older bacon first before newer packages. Follow “first-in, first-out” order.

• Freeze extras you won’t use within 5-7 days. Frozen bacon keeps 1-2 months.

With proper refrigeration and handling, Kirkland pre-cooked bacon stays fresh for up to a week after opening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to common questions about Kirkland pre-cooked bacon’s shelf life:

How can you tell if opened Kirkland bacon is still good?

Check for sticky, slimy texture, dull or grey color, rancid smell, mold, or sliminess. Discard if any signs of spoilage.

Can you freeze Kirkland pre-cooked bacon after opening?

Yes. Freeze leftovers in airtight bags or containers up to 1-2 months. Thaw refrigerated, not at room temperature.

Is it safe to eat Kirkland pre-cooked bacon after the “best before” date?

No. Don’t eat any pre-cooked bacon past the recommended date on the packaging. The dates account for storage after opening.

Does Kirkland pre-cooked bacon need to be refrigerated?

Yes. Refrigerate Kirkland pre-cooked bacon at 40°F or below always, whether opened or unopened. Don’t leave it at room temperature.

Can you microwave Kirkland pre-cooked bacon to reheat it?

Yes. Reheat in the microwave 10-30 seconds until hot. Watch it closely to avoid overcooking the bacon.

Get the Most Out of Your Kirkland Pre-Cooked Bacon

Here are some final tips for maximizing the shelf life and freshness of Kirkland pre-cooked bacon:

• Use within 5 days after opening for best quality. Up to 7 days is still safe refrigerated.

• Store unopened packs in the fridge and opened packs tightly sealed.

• Freeze portions you won’t use within a week for longer storage.

• Look for signs of spoilage before eating like odor, sliminess or color changes.

• Don’t keep at room temperature more than 2 hours. Reheat fully before eating if refrigerated.

• Follow the “best before” date printed on the packaging.

With proper handling, Kirkland pre-cooked bacon stays fresh for up to a week after opening. Now you can feel good about enjoying this Costco convenience food while minimizing waste!