The Shelf Life of Opened Beef Sticks: How Long Do They Last?

Beef sticks make for the perfect high-protein, on-the-go snack. But once you open a pack, how long do those sticks last before going bad? Knowing the shelf life can prevent needlessly tossing beef sticks that are still fresh and safe to eat.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about storing opened beef sticks to maximize freshness. You’ll also learn how to identify signs of spoilage, plus tips on freezing beef sticks for even longer lasting enjoyment.

How Long Do Opened Beef Sticks Last?

The shelf life of opened beef sticks depends mainly on two factors:

Ingredients – Commercially made beef sticks loaded with preservatives tend to last longer than homemade varieties,
Storage method – Proper refrigeration extends the shelf life compared to leaving sticks out at room temperature.

Follow these general guidelines for maximizing the shelf life of opened beef sticks

Commercial beef sticks – Last 2-3 weeks refrigerated after opening
Homemade beef sticks – Last 1-2 weeks refrigerated after opening.

Of course, shelf life is only part of determining safety. You also need to evaluate the look, smell and texture of opened beef sticks regardless of when they were opened.

How to Store Opened Beef Sticks

To get the most out of the shelf life for opened beef sticks, follow these storage tips:

Immediately refrigerate beef sticks after opening. The cold temperature inhibits bacteria growth.
Place opened packs into airtight containers or resealable plastic bags. This prevents drying out.
Avoid introducing extra moisture that could cause sogginess through condensation.
Keep refrigerated beef sticks towards the back of the fridge furthest from the door. This part experiences less temperature fluctuations.
When taking sticks out of the pack, use clean utensils each time. Never eat directly from the pack or double dip with dirty fingers.
Check the ingredients label for any specific storage instructions and follow them.

Proper refrigerated storage gives both commercial and homemade beef sticks the best chance of lasting as long as possible after opening.

How to Tell If Opened Beef Sticks Have Spoiled

Be on the lookout for the following visible and aromatic signs that opened beef sticks have spoiled:

Sliminess – Fresh beef sticks feel slightly tacky. Any slime, goo or drippiness means throw them out.
Mold – Fuzzy white, green or black mold spots indicate spoilage. Discard the entire pack immediately.
Weird colors – Unnatural gray, brown or green hues signal the beef sticks are bad.
Off odors – Sour, rotten or ammonia smells mean don’t eat them.
Texture changes – Very stiff, dried out, mushy or crumbly textures denote the beef sticks are unsafe to eat.
Discoloration – Patches of black, green or yellow suggest dangerous molds and bacteria.

When inspecting beef sticks, carefully check all surfaces and interior areas for signs of spoilage. If you notice any of these red flags, discard the pack right away. Don’t take risks by tasting questionable beef sticks.

Can You Freeze Beef Sticks To Extend Shelf Life?

Freezing is an excellent way to safely prolong the shelf life of beef sticks far beyond refrigeration alone. Follow these guidelines for freezing beef sticks:

Portion beef sticks into airtight freezer bags or containers right after opening. Remove excess air.
Label packages with contents and date before freezing for easy identification later.
Freeze beef sticks as soon as possible after opening for best quality. Don’t leave sitting in the fridge.
Beef sticks that have been properly frozen can last 3-6 months in the freezer.
Thaw sticks overnight in the refrigerator before consuming.
Avoid refreezing beef sticks after they’ve thawed.

Freezing halts bacteria growth and mold formation, keeping beef sticks tasting fresh for extended periods. Just be diligent about food safety practices when handling frozen beef sticks to avoid cross-contamination.

Safe Handling Tips for Opened Beef Sticks

To safely enjoy beef sticks after opening, remember:

Discard any sticks that smell funny or look slimy/moldy. Don’t take risks.
Store opened packs in the fridge immediately after use. Never leave sitting out.
Always use clean utensils and hands when taking sticks out of packaging.
Throw away beef sticks left out overnight within 2 hours of refrigeration.
Consume refrigerated sticks within 3 weeks and frozen within 6 months.
Freeze extra beef sticks if you don’t plan to eat within a week.

Following proper storage, hygiene and food safety practices will keep those beef sticks fresh and safe to eat.

The Bottom Line

When stored in the refrigerator, opened packs of commercial beef sticks stay fresh for 2-3 weeks, while homemade versions last 1-2 weeks. Freezing can significantly extend the shelf life up to 6 months.

To maximize freshness, keep opened beef sticks sealed in the fridge farthest from the door. Check for any mold, sliminess, funny colors or smells before eating. With proper handling, you can safely enjoy beef sticks without needless waste. Just be vigilant about signs of spoilage.

Beef sticks make the perfect high-protein snack to power you through your busy day. Knowing how long they last after opening ensures you can keep enjoying those meat sticks safely. A little planning goes a long way!

how long do beef sticks last after opening

Jerky for Survival Preps: Shelf Life, Storage and Uses.

FAQ

How long do opened beef sticks last?

Once opened, however, it’s best to store them in the refrigerator to prevent mold. Beef sticks are best enjoyed within three days of opening the package.

How to tell if beef sticks are bad?

If you’re in doubt, there are a few telltale signs your jerky has gone bad. It will likely have a rancid smell, have visible mold, or be darker and harder than it should be.

How long are snack sticks good for in the fridge?

Once in the fridge, wait until the snack sticks reach an internal temperature of 39 degrees before vacuum packing or storing. If properly sealed and packaged, snack sticks can last in the freezer for several months or in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks.

How long does beef jerky stay good after opening?

If the package remains unopened, the jerky may still be good for a month or two past the date on the bag. After you open a package of jerky, the shelf life shortens. Opened packages of commercial jerky will stay fresh for about one to two weeks in the pantry or three to four weeks in the refrigerator.

How long do beef sticks last?

Here are some general guidelines for how long properly stored beef sticks last: Unopened commercial beef sticks – About 1-2 months past the sell-by date. Opened commercial beef sticks – 2-3 weeks in the fridge. Homemade beef sticks – 1-2 weeks in the fridge. Of course, food safety is about more than just dates and times.

Do beef sticks go bad?

When stored properly in the fridge or freezer, most beef sticks stay fresh for a few weeks. But eventually they can spoil, especially if left out too long. Keep an eye out for obvious signs like slime, mold and sour smells to determine if your beef sticks have gone bad.

How long do old Wisconsin beef sticks last?

If properly sealed and packaged, snack sticks can last in the freezer for several months or in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks. Do Old Wisconsin beef sticks need to be refrigerated? Yes, all Old Wisconsin Keep Refrigerated products are ready to eat and fully cooked.

Do beef sticks need to be refrigerated?

Store unopened beef sticks in a cool, dark pantry away from heat and sunlight. Once opened, immediately refrigerate beef sticks. Cold temperatures slow bacteria growth. Seal opened packs in airtight containers or resealable bags. This prevents drying out. Avoid introducing extra moisture that could cause sogginess through condensation.