How Long Does Bacon Last In The Fridge (And Why)?

Exact Answer: Up To 2 Weeks

Bacon is popular all over the world due to its tempting aroma and delectable taste. If you’ve ever cooked bacon at home, you’ll note that most varieties have a sell-by date printed right on the packaging.

We don’t need to tell you how good bacon is if it’s part of your diet. Whether it’s served atop scrambled eggs, sprinkled on a salad, or tucked into a sandwich, this salty treat is delicious. Unless the bacon had gone rotten before it reached the griddle.

This date, however, does not always represent how long bacon may be used and eaten safely. Several factors influence the shelf life of bacon, such as the kind, storage method, and whether or not it has been opened or cooked. This article discusses how long bacon lasts and how to preserve it to extend its shelf life and improve its quality.

How Long Does Bacon Last In The Fridge?

Bacon’s shelf life is determined by several things, including how it’s stored, whether it’s cooked, and what kind of bacon it is. Bacon that has not been opened can be kept in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or stored for up to eight months. Fresh raw bacon that has been unsealed, on the other hand, will only keep for a week in the refrigerator and up to 6 months in storage.

Cooked bacon has a limited shelf life when stored properly, lasting 4–5 days in the fridge and up to 1 month in the cold. Bacon fat can be preserved for up to 6 months or refrigerated for up to 9 months after frying before it becomes rancid.

Bacon may have a different shelf life depending on the kind. Cooked Canadian bacon, for example, can be kept refrigerated for 3–4 days or frozen for 4–8 weeks. Other types of bacon, such as pancetta, turkey bacon, and beef bacon, keep in the fridge or freezer for about the same amount of time as ordinary bacon.

Why Does Bacon Last For That Long In The Fridge?

Bacon, depending on the variety and whether it has been cooked or unwrapped, can stay anywhere from a few days to many months in the fridge or freezer if stored properly. Bacon may be stored properly to extend its shelf life and improve its quality. To begin, keep it refrigerated or frozen immediately after usage.

Though uncooked and unopened bacon can be stored as-is, if freezing, it’s a good idea to cover the package in tin foil to avoid freezer burn. To keep uncooked bacon as fresh as possible, wrap it in tin foil or store it in an airtight container before putting it in the refrigerator or freezer. In the meantime, divide cooked bacon into little bits and wrap in paper towels before freezing.

Keep in mind that they should not be frozen because they can soon go rancid. It’s possible to tell if your bacon is still fresh by paying attention to its fragrance, texture, and look. The signature red tint of your bacon may begin to fade into a grey, brown, or greenish tone when ruined. Instead of being soft and moist, spoiled bacon can be slimy or sticky.

Bacon with a sour or rotten odor should be discarded as well, as this is an indication of deterioration. If your bacon shows indications of rotting, throw it out right away to avoid contaminating other meats and goods in your kitchen.

Conclusion

Despite our fondness for bacon, there’s always the worry that it’s harmful. Bacon has a terrible reputation for being high in fats, which can contribute to high cholesterol and other major health problems.

Some claim, however, that bacon is good for you. When taken in the proper proportions, the health benefits of bacon will surpass any disadvantages. Bacon can last anywhere from a few days to a few months in the fridge or freezer if stored properly.

When evaluating the shelf life of bacon, numerous aspects must be considered, including the type of bacon, the storage technique, and whether it has been opened or cooked. Bacon’s shelf life and quality can be extended by properly storing it and understanding some of the frequent indicators of rotting.

References

1. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.jafc.5b04527
2. https://aapt.scitation.org/doi/abs/10.1119/1.2186331
3. https://cdnsciencepub.com/doi/abs/10.1139/cjr50f-039