Quick Answer: How Long Does Bacon Last In The Fridge?
Bacon lasts between one and two weeks in the fridge. If your bacon has not been opened it will last two weeks as long as the temperature of the fridge is appropriate. If your pack of bacon has been opened it will last a maximum of one week in the fridge if it has been packaged properly. Additionally, the bacon needs to be stored in a fridge that is an appropriate temperature.
Bacon is a breakfast staple. It is one of those foods that most people enjoy with eggs, hash browns, sausages, or any other breakfast staples. It is a delicious strongly flavored meat that is tasty and versatile.
Bacon is often purchased in bulk. A large packet is most often not finished in one sitting. But how long does it last in the fridge? Well that depends on a lot of things.
Has your packet been opened? How are you storing it? There is a lot that you may need to do in order to make sure that your bacon stays fresh for as long as possible.
But what if the worst happens and your bacon goes bad? Well, there are a few signs that you need to look out for to avoid consuming bacon that has started to go bad.
Well, in this article we are going to talk about how long your bacon lasts in the fridge and what signs you need to look out for if it has already gone bad.
How Long Does Bacon Last In The Fridge?
If your bacon has not been opened it will last you about two weeks in the refrigerator. But when you open your pack of bacon, it will only last one week. So, opening your bacon cuts its life in half.
There are many factors that go into determining how long raw bacon will last in the fridge. How have you packaged it? What temperature is the fridge at? Is your bacon sliced?
What kind of bacon is it? Have you cooked it? How have you stored it? All of these things and more can impact how long your bacon will last.
If you have sliced bacon and you want it to last longer than one or two weeks then you need to freeze it. By freezing your bacon you can make it last for six months or more.
Just remember that bacon is a perishable meat and as such you need to take care when you are handling it. Food poisoning is no joke. So, make sure that your bacon has been stored properly and cooked through before you eat it.
RELATED: Can You Refreeze Uncooked Bacon For Longer Period – Best Methods
Signs That Your Bacon Has Gone Bad
What if the unthinkable happens and your bacon goes bad? How can you tell? Well there are a few things that you will be able to watch out for when bacon has started to spoil.
It is essential that you know the signs so that you do not run the risk of eating bacon that has gone bad.
We will talk about what you might expect to experience if you eat bacon later. But for now, let us talk about what you need to look out for when you are trying to discern whether your bacon has gone bad or not.
How Does The Bacon Look?
Bacon should have a wonderful natural pinkish color. The fat should be white or yellow if your bacon is fresh and healthy to eat.
When your bacon starts to turn brown, gray or even has a greenish tint then you will know that it has been spoiled.
When bacon has been exposed to too much air, that is when a chemical reaction occurs and the meat starts to spoil and change color.
How Does The Bacon Smell?
One of the first signs that your bacon has gone bad will be the smell. When bacon is fresh it will have a wonderful fresh meaty smell.
You will know that your bacon has started to spoil when it starts to smell sour or even fishy. The bacteria growth will cause a rancid smell which is caused by the bacon spoiling.
How Does The Bacon Feel?
When bacon is fresh you will notice that it is soft, fresh and moist. When bacon has gone bad you will notice that it is slimy and has a horrible sticky sheen.
After the bacon starts to rot there is lactic acid which can cause slime to form on the meat.
When your bacon starts to feel this way then you really need to get rid of it quickly. Bacon that has spoiled can spoil other products around it if you do not dispose of it quickly.
So, wrap up your spoiled bacon and throw it out so that the smell does not permeate through your kitchen.
What Might Happen If You Eat Bad Bacon?
There is a lot that can go wrong if you eat bacon that has gone bad. You can contract things like toxoplasmosis, trichinosis, or even tapeworms.
When meat is undercooked you can also run the risk of getting very sick through contraction of parasites, viruses, or bacteria.
But for those of you that have eaten bacon that has been spoiled.
There may be some symptoms you experience, as seen below:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Chest Pain
- Dehydration
- Abdominal Cramps
How To Store Raw Bacon?
In this section we are going to talk about how you should store raw bacon. So, without further ado, let us get started!
- When you are purchasing your bacon then you need to make sure of the sell-by date so that you are sure that it is extremely fresh. It is all too easy to grab the first pack and only realize later that it goes out of date the next day.
- Before you store your bacon you should wrap it in a paper towel before you store it. This towel will absorb any moisture that might occur as respiration occurs.
- You should ALWAYS keep your bacon in a refrigerator or freezer if you want to store it for longer. Once you open your bacon it will only last about one week in the fridge and more than six months in the freezer.
- If you want to make certain that your bacon lasts as long as possible after being opened you need to make sure that it is stored in a sealable plastic bag, container foil or plastic wrap.
- You should check your bacon regularly so as it can become spoiled very quickly if it is not stored properly. If your bacon spoils then you need to throw it away before it contaminates other products.
How To Store Cooked Bacon?
In this section we are going to talk about how you should store cooked bacon. So, without further ado, let us get started!
- If your bacon has been cooked then you need to make sure that it has been stored properly. It can last only four to five days in a refrigerator once cooked and between two and three months if you freeze it.
- In order to make sure that your bacon has been safely stored then you should make sure to put it in an airtight container or wrap it in aluminum foil so avoid any bacteria getting in and spoiling the meat faster.
RELATED: Perfect Ways To Know You Can Reheat Bacon In The Microwave
Final Thoughts
We hope that you have enjoyed reading this article and learning all about how long bacon will last in the fridge.
It is essential that you take precautions to store your meat properly as not doing so can cause serious illness should you consume bacon that has gone bad.
Hopefully with this article at your side you will be able to learn how to store your bacon and what signs to look out for once it has gone bad.
Goodbye for now and we hope that you have a fantastic day.
Frequently Asked Questions
In this section we are going to answer some of your most frequently asked questions. So without further ado, let us get started!
Is It Safe To Freeze Bacon?
Yes, bacon can be frozen. This is a great way to extend the shelf life of it. Regardless of whether you need to store cooked or raw bacon.
The simple act of putting it in the freezer can help it to last between twelve and eighteen months. That is perfect for those of you that want to save your bacon for a rainy day.
What Does Bad Bacon Smell Like?
Bacon usually has a meaty smell that is a little smokey. But when it has gone off you will smell a sour almost sulfuric odor that is very unpleasant. This stench occurs when bacteria, yeast, and fungi take hold of the bacon and it starts to go off.
Does Cooking Spoiled Bacon Make It Safe To Eat?
No. Bacon that has gone bad can cause salmonella poisoning as well as several other unpleasant afflictions.
Because of this it is essential that you do not try to cook your bacon if it has gone off. Once it has started to rot you need to dispose of it quickly before it starts to stink out the house.
How Long Is Bacon Good For Past Its Due Date?
Bacon can safely last between one and two weeks past its sell by date. As long as the packaging is airtight and the storage conditions are met you should be able to enjoy your bacon even if it has passed its sell by date.
Just take care to pay attention to the signs that bacon has gone bad as it can turn pretty fast.
Can You Put Defrosted Bacon Back In The Freezer?
You can put defrosted bacon back in the freezer. Just make sure that it has been stored in the refrigerator properly for no more than seven days.
However, if your bacon has been defrosted at room temperature, under running water or in a microwave should NOT be put back in the freezer as it is unsafe to do so according to the USDA.
Through this blog I hope to help others learn the basics and more intricate details of cooking. I know from personal experience how frustrating it can be to cook a meal, only to realize you are missing one ingredient from your list. This is why I love to write articles chatting readers through some great substitutes that can be used in an emergency.
I hope you will find this blog useful, and that it will help you to develop your culinary skills, to help you cook up a storm!
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Wednesday 21st of September 2022
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