Coleman Natural Hickory Smoked Uncured Bacon is a family favorite. It tastes salty and is crispy and satisfying. The average American eats about 18 pounds of bacon a year, so it’s not surprising that it’s often gone within a day or two of being brought home from the store or delivered to your door.
However, sometimes your bacon might get pushed to the back of the fridge. Or perhaps you find yourself buying a bit more than your family can eat. Before long, you might be wondering whether your bacon has gone bad or is still edible.
No matter how natural the ingredients are that are used to cure and smoke our bacon, it doesn’t stay fresh forever. If you want to know if your bacon is safe to eat, let’s talk about how it was packaged and four signs that it’s time to throw it away. Table of Contents.
Smoky, salty, crispy bacon is one of life’s greatest pleasures. But like all meats, bacon is perishable and has a limited fridge life. How long does smoked bacon last? What’s the best way to store it? Here’s everything you need to know about bacon shelf life and food safety.
How Long Can You Keep Bacon In The Fridge?
When properly stored smoked bacon will maintain best quality for about
- Unopened package:
1 week past printed date
- Opened package:
1 week
To maximize fridge life, store bacon in the original packaging tightly wrapped, and place it in the coldest part of the refrigerator (40°F or below). Keep away from raw meats to avoid cross-contamination.
Once opened, rewrap bacon tightly in plastic wrap or place back in resealable bag Press out excess air and seal Use within one week for peak freshness.
Freezing Bacon to Extend Shelf Life
For long term storage, bacon can be frozen. Properly frozen and stored, bacon lasts:
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3-4 months in freezer section of fridge (0°F)
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6-8 months in stand alone deep freezer (-10°F)
To freeze:
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Wrap bacon tightly in plastic, foil or freezer paper, or place in zip top bags with air pressed out. This prevents freezer burn.
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Label packages with contents and date.
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Freeze immediately at 0°F or below. Do not allow bacon to sit at room temperature before freezing.
Once thawed, use bacon within 1 week and do not refreeze for food safety. Thaw in fridge, not at room temp to prevent bacterial growth.
Things That Shorten Bacon’s Shelf Life
Some factors can shorten the shelf life of bacon, including:
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Opening original vacuum-sealed package: Once opened, oxygen causes bacon to spoil faster. Use within 1 week.
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High refrigerator temperature: Temps above 40°Fspeed up spoilage. Keep fridge below 40°F.
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Repeated thawing and refreezing: Can cause texture and flavor changes. Only freeze bacon once.
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Prolonged storage at room temp: Bacteria multiply rapidly above 40°F. Refrigerate bacon promptly.
Following proper storage methods and using bacon within recommended time frames is key for food safety and quality.
How To Tell If Bacon Has Gone Bad
Although bacon can last 1 week refrigerated and 6 months frozen, it’s important to watch for signs of spoilage before use. Here are ways to tell if bacon is bad:
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Slimy texture – Fresh bacon feels firm. Discard if slimy, sticky or tacky.
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Grayish color – Good bacon is pink to deep red. Gray, green or blue hues are warning signs.
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Rancid smell – Bacon gives off slightly meaty, smoky aroma when fresh. Foul, sour odors mean toss it.
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White film – Mold growth appears fuzzy or white and dry. Never eat moldy bacon.
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Strange flavor – Taste and cook a small piece first. Rancid bacon tastes “off.” Discard if flavor seems sour or unpleasant.
When in doubt, throw it out. Consuming spoiled bacon can cause food poisoning. Don’t risk it!
Answers To Common Bacon Fridge Life Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about how long bacon lasts and proper storage:
How long can you keep unopened bacon?
Unopened, store-bought bacon lasts 1 week past the printed “sell by” or “use by” date when stored in the fridge.
Can you freeze unopened bacon?
Yes, unopened packages of bacon can be placed directly in the freezer. It lasts 6-8 months frozen at 0°F.
Can you refreeze bacon after thawing?
Bacon should only be frozen once, either unopened or after opening. Refreezing after thawing is not recommended for safety and quality.
How long does cooked bacon last in the fridge?
Cooked bacon lasts 3-4 days in the fridge. It does not freeze well. Reheat cooked bacon only once.
Can you freeze raw bacon scraps?
Yes, freeze unused raw bacon pieces or ends separately in a sealed bag for later use. They last 3-4 months in the freezer.
What happens if you leave bacon out overnight?
Bacon left out at room temperature overnight should be discarded. Bacteria multiply quickly above 40°F.
Tips For Maximizing Bacon Shelf Life
Here are some tips for getting the longest lifespan and best quality from your bacon:
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Choose bacon with latest sell-by date available
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Keep unopened bacon in original store packaging until ready to use
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Open package only what you plan to use within 1 week
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Immediately rewrap used bacon in airtight plastic or foil
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Store bacon on a plate to catch leaks and drips
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Keep opened and unopened packages in coldest part of fridge
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Freeze uncooked bacon within 1 week of purchasing for longest freezer life
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Cook bacon thoroughly until crispy to kill bacteria
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Let cooked bacon cool before refrigerating in a covered container
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Use cooked bacon within 3-4 days and don’t reheat more than once
Following safe handling and storage methods will help you enjoy bacon at peak quality and freshness during its fridge life.
The Takeaway On Bacon Storage
So how long does uncooked bacon last? Smoked slab bacon keeps 1 week in the fridge, and 3-4 months in the freezer at 0°F. For best safety and quality, use refrigerated bacon within 7 days and don’t refreeze after thawing.
Keep unopened packages in original store wrap, and rewrap opened bacon airtight before refrigerating. Monitor for spoilage signs like sliminess, off-colors and foul odors. When in doubt, throw it out!
Following these simple bacon storage guidelines will keep it fresh and delicious right up until its expiry date.
Four Signs Opened Bacon Has Gone Bad
Even if you’ve bought fresh bacon and stored it properly, it won’t last forever. Here are four easy signs your refrigerated bacon may have gone bad.
IT DOESN’T SMELL QUITE RIGHT
Bacon shouldn’t have a strong, rancid scent. If anything, it should smell a bit smoky.
If you’re met with a sour or sulfuric odor, your bacon has likely gone bad. This stench occurs when bacteria, yeast, and fungi take hold of the bacon. The microbes may produce odors themselves or cause the bacon to release off-putting aromas.
Sometimes bacon’s distinct smoky smell can mask these odors. So, if you’re not sure, you should also look for other signs that your bacon is past its prime.
How long does cooked bacon last in the freezer?
FAQ
Does smoked bacon go bad in the fridge?
How do I know if bacon has gone bad?
Can you eat smoked bacon 2 weeks out of date?
Is bacon OK after 10 days?