Yes, plant-based meat does go bad. Find out how long Beyond, Impossible, and other plant-based meats last for.
Vegans, vegetarians, and other plant-based eaters who want to skip real meat every once in a while like plant-based meat.
People may not know how to properly store and prepare new foods because many of them aren’t categorized as foods that come with clear instructions on how to handle and store them.
Short answer: plant-based meat does go bad, but there are things you can do to make it last longer. Find out just how long plant-based meat lasts and learn some helpful hacks for keeping it fresh.
Field Roast makes some of the most popular plant-based meat alternatives on the market. Their sausage varieties offer meaty textures and robust flavors that appeal to vegans vegetarians and flexitarians alike. But like any perishable food proper storage is key to food safety. So does Field Roast sausage go bad? The short answer is yes. Read on to learn how long Field Roast sausages last and how to maximize their shelf life.
Overview of Field Roast
Field Roast was founded in 1997 in Seattle, Washington. They were pioneers in the plant-based meat industry, using whole grain and vegetable ingredients to craft realistic meat substitutes long before Beyond and Impossible entered the market.
Some of their most popular products include
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Field Roast sausages – Available in Italian, Mexican Chipotle, Apple Maple Breakfast and other flavors. The sausages were their first product back in the 90s.
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Field Roast Chao cheeses – Dairy-free slices and cream cheeses made from fermented tofu.
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Field Roast roasts – Roast beef and celebration roasts designed to mimic turkey and ham.
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Field Roast burgers – Grain-based quarter pound burgers in smoky apple maple, mushroom and other varieties.
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Field Roast deli slices – Plant-based pepperoni, ham, turkey, bologna and more.
While sausages put them on the map, Field Roast now offers a diverse array of plant-based meats across all categories from burgers to roasts. Their proprietary ingredients and production methods yield fibrous, protein-packed products with satisfying fatty mouthfeel similar to animal meats.
Does Field Roast Sausage Go Bad?
Yes, Field Roast sausages will eventually spoil if not stored properly, like any perishable food. Bacteria growth causes changes in aroma, texture, color and flavor that make sausages unpalatable and unsafe to eat.
Freezing stops bacteria proliferation to prevent spoilage. Refrigeration simply slows it down to extend shelf life. Following the right storage protocols is crucial for enjoying Field Roast sausages before they go bad.
How Long Does Field Roast Sausage Last?
The shelf life of Field Roast sausage depends on whether it is refrigerated or frozen. Here are the shelf life recommendations from Field Roast:
- Frozen – up to 1 year
- Refrigerated, unopened – 65 days
- Refrigerated, opened – 3 days
Frozen storage offers the longest safety window. Thawed refrigerated sausages keep for about 9 weeks. And opened packages only last a few days.
Always follow “best by” dates on packages and use sausages by that date for peak freshness and flavor. Freezing suspends the countdown on “best by” dates until thawing.
Tips to Extend Shelf Life
Follow these tips to safely store Field Roast sausages and prolong their shelf life:
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Freeze sausages if not using within 1-2 weeks. Thaw in fridge before use.
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Seal opened packages in airtight containers or bags. Limit air exposure.
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Don’t refrigerate too long past “best by” date – use within 1 week.
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Watch for dulling, darkening or odd colors signaling spoilage.
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Check for off odors indicating bacterial growth. Fresh sausages have mild aroma.
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Feel texture – sliminess denotes spoilage. Don’t eat mushy or overly soft sausages.
Bulk buying and freezing extends life for several months. Fridge storage preserves quality of opened links for just a few days.
How to Tell if Field Roast Sausage is Bad
Look for these signs that Field Roast sausages have spoiled and should be discarded:
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Color changes – dull, dark or unnatural hues
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Slimy texture – soft or mushy
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Off odors – rancid, sour smell
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Mold – fuzz or spots on exterior
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Past expiration date
When in doubt, remember “when in doubt, throw it out” to avoid foodborne illness from spoiled plant-based meat.
Can You Eat Field Roast Sausage After Expiration?
It’s not recommended to eat Field Roast sausages past their printed expiration date. The “best by” date indicates the last day for ideal quality and freshness. Beyond this date, bacteria risk increases.
So play it safe and throw out expired Field Roast sausages even if they look and smell normal. Don’t risk getting sick.
What Happens If You Eat Bad Field Roast Sausage?
Consuming spoiled Field Roast sausages harboring pathogenic bacteria could make you ill. Potential symptoms include:
- Nausea, vomiting
- Abdominal cramps, diarrhea
- Fever, chills
- Headaches
Severity depends on health status, age and type of bacteria. Those with compromised immunity are especially vulnerable. But even healthy individuals can develop food poisoning.
Seek medical care if you become ill after eating spoiled plant-based meat. Foodborne illness often resolves on its own but dehydration can occur. Stay hydrated with water, diluted juices and electrolyte drinks.
Storing Unopened Field Roast Sausage
To maximize shelf life of unopened Field Roast sausage:
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Refrigerate below 40°F. Keep chilled, don’t freeze.
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Avoid temperature fluctuations – don’t leave out.
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Check “sell by” date and use within 1 week.
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Store in back of fridge away from door.
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Keep package sealed until opening. Don’t reseal opened pouches.
The cold environment of the fridge is ideal for sealed Field Roast sausage packages. But pay close attention to expiration dates.
Storing Opened Field Roast Sausage
Once opened, Field Roast sausage won’t last as long. Follow these guidelines:
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Refrigerate below 40°F immediately after opening.
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Seal in airtight containers or zipper bags.
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Minimize air exposure by removing excess before sealing.
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Use within 3 days for best texture and freshness.
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Check for odd colors or smells denoting spoilage.
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Don’t freeze opened packages – texture and moisture degrade.
The fridge keeps opened Field Roast sausage fresh for a few days. Freezing causes damage so use opened links ASAP.
Can You Freeze Opened Field Roast Sausage?
It’s not recommended to refreeze Field Roast sausage once opened. Freezing and thawing degrades texture, moisture content and overall quality. Limit opened packages to a 3 day maximum fridge life.
However, unopened Field Roast sausage packages can be safely frozen any time prior to expiration. Freezing stops the shelf life clock, extending the useable life of unopened packages.
How Long Does Field Roast Sausage Last Frozen?
Properly frozen at 0°F, Field Roast sausage keeps well for up to 1 year before quality drop-off. Maintaining a steady 0°F temperature is crucial for preserving texture and flavor for the full year.
Warmer freezer temperatures decrease frozen food lifespan. At higher than 0°F expect 6-9 months maximum.
Regardless of freezer age, don’t keep Field Roast products frozen beyond 1 year. Enjoy within a few months for best quality.
Freezing Field Roast Sausage
Follow these steps for successfully freezing Field Roast sausage:
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Check expiration date – only freeze unexpired sausage
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Double wrap pouches in plastic or bags to prevent freezer burn.
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Remove excess air with a straw before sealing wrap.
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Label with name, freeze date and original “best by” date.
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Lay flat in single layer until solidly frozen, then stack.
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Freeze at 0°F or below for up to 1 year maximum.
Proper freezing protocols maintain quality. Always thaw refrigerated before consuming frozen links.
Thawing Frozen Field Roast Sausage
To safely thaw frozen Field Roast sausage:
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Thaw in the refrigerator – takes 1-2 days but is food-safe.
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Quick thaw in cold water, changing water every 30 mins until thawed.
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Never thaw at room temp or warmer.
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Cook immediately after thawing – don’t refreeze.
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Use within 3 days of thawing if not using right away.
Slow fridge thawing is best for reducing bacteria risks. Consume thawed sausage ASAP and do not refreeze.
Field Roast Sausage Storage Chart
Refer to this storage chart for quick guidelines on maximizing shelf life:
| Storage Method | Unopened Shelf Life | Opened Shelf Life |
|---|---|---|
| Pantry | Don’t store at room temp | Don’t store at room temp |
| Refrigerator | 65 days | 3 days |
| Freezer | 1 year | Don’t refreeze opened |
The Bottom Line
With proper refrigeration and freezing, Field Roast plant-based sausages can be enjoyed safely for up to one year when purchased. Thaw frozen links slowly in the fridge before use. And consume opened sausages within 3 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
Following food safety guidelines preserves quality and prevents illness from spoiled plant-base
How long does plant-based meat last in the fridge?
In general, plant-based meat will stay fresh in the fridge for at least a week to ten days if it is not opened. Not all plant-based meat products last as long as others, but once they’re opened, they all go bad faster.
Keep in mind that these guidelines only apply when the plant-based meats have been stored at the proper refrigerator temperature and have not been left out in what’s known as the temperature danger zone for more than two hours (or more than one hour if the temperature is 90° Fahrenheit or above).
According to the USDA, the temperature danger zone is between 40° Fahrenheit and 140° Fahrenheit. In addition, refrigerator temperatures should be 40° Fahrenheit or lower for safe storage.
If you’re wondering how long does Beyond Meat last, you’re about to find out. When Beyond Meat products are purchased refrigerated (not frozen), they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 10 days after they’re thawed.
Beyond Meat’s customer service team says that the grocery store where the product is bought has to put a “best by” sticker on it once it’s been thawed.
This means that if the store thawed the food several days before you brought it home, it may not last as long in your fridge by the time you buy it.
After Beyond Meat is opened, it’s recommended that the product be consumed within three days.
How long can Impossible meat be in the fridge? Impossible is like other major plant-based meat brands when it comes to storage. According to the Impossible website, products should be consumed by the “best by” date on the package.
After being frozen and then thawed, the food should be eaten within 10 days or by the “best by” date on the package, whichever comes first.
It’s also recommended that Impossible products be stored in an airtight container to ensure freshness. After opening, products should be eaten within three days.
It is important to note that some Impossible products may have a sticker that says “if frozen best if used by.” If this is the case, you should follow the date on the sticker.
Field Roast makes a variety of plant-based meats, including burgers, sausages, pepperoni, deli slices, and roasts.
According to the Field Roast website, products can be kept frozen for one year and once thawed, they’re good for 65 days. This is a much longer shelf life than many other plant-based meats including Beyond Meat and Impossible.
Field Roast products can also be frozen to make them last longer, which is another thing that makes them different from the others.
Field Roast, like other companies that make plant-based meat, says to follow the “use by” stickers that stores put on their products.
From plant-based chicken and tempeh to plant-based burgers, sausage, and hot dogs, Lightlife is one of the more versatile plant-based meat companies on the market today.
Lightlife products are usually found in the refrigerated section of the grocery store. The company suggests keeping their products in the fridge at home instead of freezing them.
However, when frozen, the products will stay good for one year. As with all plant-based meats, the “best by” date on the package should be followed at the time of purchase.
Additionally, it’s recommended that the products be consumed by the “best by” date, even if frozen.
Signs your plant-based meat has gone bad
If your wondering how to tell if Beyond meat is bad, well, there’s a lot to know.
You should know what to look for to tell if your plant-based meat has gone bad because it might not have the same spoilage signs as real meat.
The first and most important thing to look for is the “best by” date on the package. You should stay away from food that has passed its “best by” date if you want to greatly lower your risk of getting a foodborne illness from bacteria or viruses.
However, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), many “best by” dates are not based in exact science.
Often, the dates on the products pertain to the quality of the product, not safety. That is, the “best by” dates might not be meant to be used as an expiration date, and the food might still be safe to eat after the date on the sticker.
In any case, the FDA says to check the product for changes in color or texture to see if it is safe to eat.
Even so, “best by” dates and storage instructions should be followed when issued by the company, as is the case with Beyond Meat and Impossible products.
Vegan Sausage Battle – BEYOND MEAT vs FIELD ROAST
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