Do you want to know “How long does turkey bacon last?” and more importantly, “How to keep turkey bacon fresh?” We have the answers! The good news is that these tips will help you keep raw, cooked, and frozen turkey bacon fresh for a lot longer.
Turkey bacon is another way to enjoy a bacon-like eating experience. Some people eat it because it has a lower fat content than traditional pork bacon.
Turkey bacon is lower in fat and calories than regular pork bacon, but it’s still processed meat that goes bad after a certain amount of time.
So, you should know how to store turkey bacon so that it doesn’t grow bacteria and how long it will last. This article will teach you how to eat the crispy strips safely with your food.
Uncured turkey bacon has become a popular alternative to traditional pork bacon. Without nitrites or nitrates uncured turkey bacon is often perceived as a healthier choice. But how long does uncured turkey bacon stay fresh after opening? Here’s a complete guide to maximizing the shelf life and safety of uncured turkey bacon.
Uncured turkey bacon is turkey that has been cured without the use of sodium nitrite or nitrate salts during processing. It relies on natural preservatives like celery powder instead. Some key benefits of uncured turkey bacon include:
- No added nitrites/nitrates
- Lower in fat and calories than pork bacon
- Still has smoky, meaty bacon flavor
- Perceived as a healthier choice by many
- Works well for keto, Paleo and low-carb diets
Uncured turkey bacon contains turkey thigh meat, water, sea salt, celery juice powder, vinegar, maple sugar and natural wood smoke flavoring. It has 60-80 calories and 1-2g fat per slice.
Refrigerator Shelf Life After Opening
Once opened, uncured turkey bacon will maintain best quality for 5-7 days refrigerated. Follow these guidelines:
- Refrigerate uncured turkey bacon at 40°F or below
- Seal package tightly or transfer to airtight container
- Use clean utensils to handle to avoid cross-contamination
- Cook bacon within 5-7 days for optimal freshness and flavor
- Inspect for sliminess, discoloration or off odors before cooking
- Discard if any signs of spoilage are detected
Proper refrigeration is key to prevent bacterial growth and spoilage Cook within 3-5 days for best flavor.
Freezing Unopened Packages
For long term storage, uncured turkey bacon can be frozen in its original packaging:
- Freeze new unopened packages immediately at 0°F or below
- Properly wrap package to prevent freezer burn
- Use within recommended freezer time stated on package (typically 4-6 months)
- Thaw frozen bacon overnight in the refrigerator before using
Once thawed, use within the 5-7 day refrigerated shelf life guidelines.
Tips for Proper Storage
Follow these tips to safely store uncured turkey bacon:
- Check expiration or use-by date and cook before that date
- Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below at all times after opening
- Allow any moisture to evaporate before tightly sealing package
- Freeze new, unopened packages if not using soon
- Store packages flat in refrigerator or freezer to prevent breakage
With proper storage, uncured turkey bacon stays fresh and flavorful.
Shelf Life of Other Uncured Meats
In addition to turkey bacon, other uncured meats have similar opened shelf lives:
- Uncured beef and pork bacons: 5-7 days refrigerated
- Uncured ham or breakfast sausage: 5-7 days refrigerated
- Uncured turkey and chicken sausages: 5-7 days refrigerated
- Uncured turkey lunchmeat: 5-7 days refrigerated
Always rely on your senses. Discard meat that looks or smells off. Don’t risk getting sick from spoiled uncured meats.
Food Safety Tips for Uncured Turkey Bacon
To prevent foodborne illness, keep these food safety practices in mind:
- Refrigerate uncured turkey bacon at 40°F or below
- Discard meat past expiration or use-by dates printed on package
- Cook thoroughly to 165°F minimum internal temperature
- Never leave uncured turkey bacon out at room temperature for over 2 hours
- Avoid cross-contaminating surfaces, utensils or other foods with raw turkey juice
Uncured meats still carry a risk of bacterial growth if not handled properly. Always err on the side of caution.
Signs Uncured Turkey Bacon Has Spoiled
Watch for these signs of spoilage in uncured turkey bacon:
- Slimy or sticky texture
- Discoloration or graying
- Foul, sour or unpleasant odors
- Mold growth
- Dryness or crispness when handling
- Significantly past expiration date
When in doubt, throw it out. Don’t taste or cook turkey bacon that seems spoiled.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can you store an opened package of uncured turkey bacon in the fridge?
5-7 days is the maximum refrigerated storage time for opened uncured turkey bacon. For best quality, use within 3-5 days.
Can you freeze uncured turkey bacon after opening the package?
It’s not recommended. Refrigerate opened packages for 5-7 days max. For longer storage, freeze new unopened packages only.
What happens if you leave uncured turkey bacon on the counter overnight?
Leaving uncured turkey bacon out at room temperature for over 2 hours is unsafe due to risk of bacterial growth. Discard any meat left out overnight.
Are there health risks associated with nitrite-free uncured turkey bacon?
No. Uncured turkey bacon is just as safe as traditional cured meat when handled properly. The main benefit is reducing nitrite intake.
Can you substitute uncured turkey bacon 1:1 for regular cured bacon?
Yes, uncured turkey bacon can directly replace cured pork bacon in recipes. Just adjust cooking times slightly since turkey bacon is leaner.
Conclusion
When properly stored in the refrigerator, uncured turkey bacon will stay fresh for 5-7 days after opening. For extended storage, freeze new unopened packages only. Always inspect for signs of spoilage and discard deteriorated meat. following safe handling methods will help you enjoy the great taste and versatility of uncured turkey bacon.
How to Know When Turkey Bacon Has Gone Bad?
Begin by visually inspecting the turkey bacon. It should have a subtle pink color. If it has any hint of a gray or brown tint to the slices, discard it.
Next, try the smell test. Never use turkey bacon that has a sour smell.
Finally, perform a touch test. This means you have bad bacon on your hands and should throw it away right away if it feels slimy.
Safe Handling Tips for Raw Bacon
- Keep raw bacon away from other food items. Use soap and hot water to clean everything it touches, including your hands and tools.
- Never serve or eat turkey bacon that isn’t fully cooked. Eating raw bacon carries high chances of food poisoning. Before eating, make sure the strips are fully cooked over medium-high heat.
- Do not store raw meat that has not been fully cooked until later use. This won’t get rid of the bacteria in the food, so it could still make you sick.