Turkey bacon has become a popular lower-fat and lower-sodium alternative to traditional pork bacon. Its smoky, salty flavor adds richness to everything from breakfast sandwiches to burgers and salads. But like regular bacon, it’s perishable and has a limited shelf life once opened. So how long is turkey bacon good for after opening the package?
As an avid home cook and mom, I like keeping turkey bacon in my fridge for quick breakfasts and snacks However, I used to be unsure about how long it would stay fresh and safe to eat after opening. I wanted to avoid wasting food and money by having to throw away spoiled bacon
After some trial and error, I’ve learned exactly how long turkey bacon lasts after opening, so you can enjoy it without worries. In this article, I’ll share proper storage methods, signs of spoilage, and frequently asked questions on maximizing turkey bacon’s shelf life.
How to Store Opened Turkey Bacon
Proper storage is key to extending the shelf life of opened turkey bacon. Here are some tips:
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Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below, Never leave it out at room temperature
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Seal tightly in the original packaging or an airtight container. This prevents drying out.
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Use oldest bacon first and keep track of open dates. Follow the FIFO (first in, first out) method
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Wrap extra tight in plastic wrap if freezing for longer storage. This prevents freezer burn.
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Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meats separated. Store on lower shelves.
Following these refrigeration guidelines will help opened turkey bacon stay fresh as long as possible.
Refrigerator Shelf Life of Opened Turkey Bacon
With proper storage, opened turkey bacon will generally stay good for:
- 7 to 14 days past the printed sell-by or use-by date on the package.
The exact timeframe depends on a few factors:
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Product type: Pre-cooked turkey bacon lasts longer than uncooked.
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Packaging: Resealable packs extend shelf life.
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Storage method: Fridge temperature, air exposure, hygiene all play a role.
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Freshness level: Fresher bacon at opening lasts longer. Check dates.
I like to use opened turkey bacon within 5-7 days for optimum freshness. Watch for any changes in smell, texture or appearance. When in doubt, throw it out.
How to Tell If Turkey Bacon Has Gone Bad
Rely on your senses to determine if opened turkey bacon has spoiled:
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Smell: Foul, sour, rotten odor
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Color: Significant fading, greenish or gray tinge
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Texture: Very slimy, sticky, or mushy
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Expiration: More than 2 weeks past sell-by date
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Exposure: Left out for over 2 hours
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Mold: Any fuzzy growth spots
If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to play it safe and discard turkey bacon rather than risk eating spoiled meat.
Storing Leftover Cooked Turkey Bacon
The rules change slightly for cooked turkey bacon leftovers:
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Store in a sealed container in the fridge
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Use within 3 to 5 days for best quality
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Discard if slimy, moldy, or bad odors develop
The cooked bacon has a shorter shelf life. Make sure to refrigerate it promptly after cooking.
Can You Freeze Turkey Bacon?
Freezing extends the shelf life of turkey bacon for 6 to 8 months past the sell-by date. Here’s how to freeze it right:
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Freeze unopened package as is.
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Opened package can be frozen in airtight bags or containers with all air pressed out.
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Portion into usable amounts so you can thaw only what you need.
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Avoid refreezing previously frozen turkey bacon.
To use, thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking. The texture may be a bit softer but the flavor remains good.
Frequently Asked Turkey Bacon Storage Questions
Get answers to all your most pressing turkey bacon storage questions:
Q: Can turkey bacon be stored at room temp?
A: No. Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below, even after opening.
Q: How long can unopened turkey bacon last in the fridge?
A: 2 to 3 weeks past the sell-by date on the package.
Q: Can you eat turkey bacon that smells a little off?
A: No. Discard any turkey bacon with an unpleasant or sour odor.
Q: Is frozen turkey bacon safe to eat after 6 months?
A: Yes, if stored properly in the freezer, it will retain good quality for 6 to 8 months.
Q: Can you refreeze thawed turkey bacon?
A: It’s not recommended. Only refreeze if the bacon was never thawed to room temp.
Q: Can you microwave turkey bacon to reheat?
A: Yes. Reheat in the microwave in 10 second intervals just until warm.
Following proper storage methods will help you avoid wasting turkey bacon and keep it fresh longer. When in doubt, remember it’s better to be safe than sorry!
Cooking and Serving Tips for Turkey Bacon
Since turkey bacon is fairly perishable, follow these tips for enjoying it while it’s at peak quality:
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Cook turkey bacon within 5-7 days of opening for best flavor and texture.
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Opt for pre-cooked turkey bacon if you won’t use it up quickly. It lasts a bit longer.
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Take out only what you’ll use right away rather than the whole package.
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Cook thoroughly until crispy according to package directions.
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Let cooked bacon cool before packing it into lunchboxes or bags.
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Add cooked turkey bacon to salads, sandwiches, wraps, pizza, pasta, soups and more.
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Crumble leftover turkey bacon into scrambles, omelets, casseroles or baked goods.
With proper handling, you can safely reap the benefits of tasty turkey bacon before it goes bad!
The Takeaway on Turkey Bacon Storage
The shelf life of opened turkey bacon is 7 to 14 days in the fridge past the sell-by date printed on the package. For maximum freshness, use within 5-7 days after opening. Seal tightly in airtight packaging and refrigerate between uses.
Check for sliminess, foul odors, or sticky texture to determine if turkey bacon has spoiled. Freezing extends the shelf life for 6 to 8 months. With proper refrigeration and handling, you can safely enjoy the smoky goodness of turkey bacon without waste!
Storing for Optimal Freshness
To keep unopened turkey bacon as fresh as possible, put it in the fridge and make sure the seal on the original package is tight. If it was only wrapped in plastic or cling wrap, put it in a container that won’t let air in or rewrap it in aluminum foil for the best results. Avoid leaving the turkey bacon at room temperature for an extended period, as this will accelerate bacterial growth.
As a helpful reminder, write the sell-by or use-by date on the calendar. Uncooked bacon can usually last between 7 and 14 days if stored properly. If you change your mind, put it in the freezer in a heavy-duty freezer bag and wrap it well. This will keep it fresh longer.
- Before putting the bacon in a container that won’t let air in, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Use a heavy-duty freezer bag to protect your food even more from freezer burn.
- If you can, keep the bacon in its original package, which is made to keep food fresh.
- If you repackage, put the current date on the new package so you can find it again later.
Signs of Spoiled Turkey Bacon
- Bad smell: The turkey bacon may be bad if it has a strong, unpleasant smell.
- Feels slimy or sticky: Bacon that feels slimy or sticky is going bad.
- Green color: Bacon that has turned green is no longer good.
- Smells bad: Bacon is no longer safe to eat if it smells bad, like rotten food.
If in doubt, its better to throw it out. Eating spoiled turkey bacon can lead to food poisoning and an avoidable upset stomach.