Since turkey bacon has less fat, calories, and sodium than regular bacon, it is a better choice for you. Do you want to know how long turkey bacon lasts if you don’t eat it all at once? This guide will help you store your bacon so it lasts as long as possible.
My family loves all kinds of bacons. We all know about regular pork bacon, but fresh turkey bacon is a great choice for people who are trying to cut back on fat and calories.
Turkey bacon is usually made from the dark meat portions. Spiced to taste like regular pork bacon, it’s then cut into long strips that look a lot like regular bacon. Uncooked turkey bacon will have a subtle pink color but will look more like traditional bacon when cooked.
Even though uncured bacon is still treated with a salt solution, it comes from natural sources and doesn’t have any nitrates in it.
The freezer can significantly extend the shelf life of turkey bacon. But how long can you keep turkey bacon frozen before it goes bad? Here’s a complete guide to maximizing freezer storage time.
How Long Does Turkey Bacon Last in the Freezer?
Properly stored in the freezer, turkey bacon can safely last:
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Unopened 6-9 months past sell-by date
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Opened 2-3 months
Freezing stops bacteria growth that causes spoilage, Maintaining a constant 0°F temperature preserves turkey bacon much longer than refrigeration alone
Does Freezer Burn Affect Frozen Turkey Bacon?
Freezer burn can degrade the quality and texture of frozen turkey bacon over long storage times. It occurs when exposure to air causes moisture loss. Signs include:
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Dry, shriveled texture
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Duller color
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Grayish or brown freezer-burnt patches
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Changes in flavor
While freezer-burned turkey bacon is still safe to eat, the taste and texture declines after prolonged storage. It’s best to eat within 2-3 months for optimal freshness.
How to Store Turkey Bacon for Maximum Freezer Life
Follow these tips to extend frozen shelf life:
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Seal turkey bacon in airtight packaging with no air pockets. Use freezer bags, plastic wrap, or aluminum foil.
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Portion packages into usable amounts before freezing. Avoid refreezing after thawing.
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Place wax paper between slices to prevent freezer burn and sticking.
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Label packages with dates and contents for easy identification.
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Place in coldest part of freezer, closest to 0°F. Avoid door storage.
Proper packaging prevents freezer burn. Portioning turkey bacon allows grabbing only what you need. Organizing packages makes the freezer more manageable.
Can You Refreeze Thawed Turkey Bacon?
Previously frozen turkey bacon can be safely refrozen if:
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It was thawed in the refrigerator, not left at room temperature.
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No signs of spoilage like off-colors or odors are present.
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It will be fully cooked before re-eating, not refrozen raw again.
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No more than 1-2 freeze-thaw cycles have occurred. Quality declines with multiple thaws.
Refreezing is safe if done properly, but the taste and texture will gradually degrade. It’s best to thaw only what you will use within 3-5 days.
What Happens If You Eat Spoiled Frozen Turkey Bacon?
Consuming turkey bacon that is excessively freezer-burned or spoiled can potentially cause foodborne illness. Risks include:
- Salmonella – Fever, vomiting, diarrhea
- Listeria – Headache, confusion, convulsions
- E. coli – Severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea
- Staphylococcus aureus – Nausea, stomach cramps
Never eat turkey bacon that smells bad or looks gray/slimy after thawing. Cook thoroughly to 165°F until hot and steaming before consuming. When in doubt, throw it out.
How To Thaw Frozen Turkey Bacon Safely
Refrigeration is the safest method for thawing frozen turkey bacon.
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Place frozen turkey bacon on a plate or tray to catch drips.
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Thaw overnight in the fridge or up to 2 days for a full package.
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Cook thawed turkey bacon within 3-5 days.
You can also thaw in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. Or use the microwave if cooking immediately after.
Avoid thawing turkey bacon at room temperature. This allows bacteria growth in the temperature danger zone between 40°F and 140°F.
Should You Freeze Turkey Bacon Before the Sell-By Date?
Freezing turkey bacon before its sell-by date extends shelf life. For maximum freshness and shelf life:
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Freeze unopened turkey bacon up to 2 weeks before the sell-by.
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Use frozen turkey bacon within 6-9 months for optimal taste and texture.
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Label packages with freeze dates and contents.
Freezing buys you time to use turkey bacon beyond refrigerator storage. But the earlier you freeze before the sell-by, the longer it retains peak quality when thawed.
Storing Turkey Bacon Safely Is Simple
Follow these tips for safe frozen turkey bacon:
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Check for damaged packaging and freeze unopened turkey bacon by the sell-by date.
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Portion opened packages into usable amounts and freeze in airtight packaging.
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Label turkey bacon with dates and contents for easy identification.
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Thaw in the refrigerator, never at room temperature.
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Refreeze only if thawed properly in fridge with no spoilage signs.
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Cook thawed turkey bacon fully to 165°F until hot. Discard if it smells or looks bad.
Storing turkey bacon properly in the freezer can extend its shelf life to 6-9 months. Follow handling best practices and your turkey bacon stays fresh for the long haul.
How long does raw turkey bacon last in the fridge?
An unopened package can usually be kept for 7-14 days. Always check the sell-by date and purchase bacon that is not nearing its expiration date. The sooner you cook the bacon, the fresher it will taste. Turkey bacon typically has a quicker expiration date than regular bacon.
Once opened, turkey bacon can be stored in the fridge for 3-5 days. Like all raw meat, it will begin to break down quickly once the package has been opened. This also goes for unpackaged bacon that is bought at the meat counter of your grocery store.
The amount of time the raw turkey bacon will last will depend on how you store it once you get home. Place the unopened package into the fridge until ready to use. Any leftovers that aren’t cooked should be tightly wrapped in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, or put in a container that won’t let air in. They can be kept in the fridge for up to three to five days. Never store it at room temperature.
How long does cooked leftover turkey bacon keep in the fridge?
When properly stored, it cxan be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days. To keep the bacon fresh, wrap it tightly in foil or cling wrap or put it in a container that won’t let air in.
Place it in a single layer on a paper towel on a plate that can go in the microwave. Heat it in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time until it’s warm all the way through and crispy. It will continue to cook when reheating so make sure not to overcook.
For crispy turkey bacon, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat.
Turkey bacon can be used in all of your favorite recipes. I like to make bacon early in the week so I can use it in BLTs, casseroles, soups, salads, and other sandwiches.
How long can food stay in your freezer?
How long does turkey bacon last in the freezer?
Like other meats, turkey bacon will last significantly longer if you freeze it. While it only stays good for about a week in the fridge, it will last for several months in the freezer. If the turkey bacon was still good when you put it into the freezer, it would stay good for another four to six months.
Can you freeze turkey bacon?
Although freezing your turkey bacon will not change the taste, texture, or original product, it can lose some of its flavor and color. It’s best to consume your turkey bacon within 4 to 6 months of freezing. This will require you to take out the turkey bacon from the freezer and cook it up right away when needed so you can enjoy eating it.
How do you store turkey bacon in a freezer?
The thicker freezer zip-top bags or vacuum sealer bags and the machine will open to prevent freezer burn from deteriorating the flavor, texture, and quality of the turkey bacon as opposed to standard storage bags you may use in the refrigerator.
Can you freeze cooked bacon?
Cooked bacon can be storedin the freezer, but it won’t keep as long or as well as uncooked bacon. Once it has been cooked, bacon will last up to a week in the freezer. If you already know you’re going to be storing it, undercook the bacon a little. It will be completely cooked when you reheat it later, so it is best to leave it a little raw.
How long does smoked turkey bacon last?
Smoked turkey bacon will last 1 week in the fridge and up to 2 months in the freezer. Raw turkey bacon will is good for up to 2 days in the fridge and 2 months in the freezer. After this, turkey bacon can go bad. Most turkey bacon is smoked and doesn’t require additional cooking for food safety.
How long does frozen turkey bacon take to thaw?
It will take about 24 hours for the frozen raw bacon to completely thaw. If you need to hurry up the process, you can place the uncooked turkey bacon in a bowl of cold water and change out the water every half hour or so until it has completely thawed.