How Long Does Costco Pulled Pork Last?

Costco’s Kirkland Signature Smoked Pulled Pork is a convenient pre-cooked meat that can make for a quick and easy meal. But with its long shelf life, many people wonder – how long does Costco pulled pork last? Here’s a comprehensive look at how to store Costco pulled pork to maximize freshness and avoid waste.

Overview of Costco Pulled Pork

• Sold refrigerated at Costco warehouses in 2 lb. vacuum sealed bags
• Fully cooked and smoked
• Shelf life around 4 months sealed
• Once opened, lasts 3-4 days refrigerated

Costco pulled pork is fully cooked when you buy it, so no additional cooking is required. The smoking and vacuum sealing give it a long shelf life compared to raw pork.

But once opened, it has a much shorter shelf life like any cooked meat. Proper storage is key to ensure it stays fresh and safe to eat.

How Long Does Sealed Costco Pulled Pork Last?

In the unopened vacuum sealed package, Costco pulled pork lasts for around 4 months from the packed date.

The packaging techniques create an anaerobic environment that limits bacteria growth. As long as the seal stays intact, the pork remains shelf stable.

Be sure to check the use by or best by date on the package before purchasing. Buy it with ample time to spare before the expiration date.

Store unopened packages in the refrigerator below 40°F. The cold temperature further prevents spoilage and bacteria growth.

Avoid keeping it in the door shelf which sees more temperature fluctuations.

How Long Does Opened Costco Pulled Pork Last?

Once opened, the clock starts ticking on the shelf life Exposing the pork to air allows bacteria to start growing again

Here are some guidelines for how long Costco pulled pork lasts refrigerated after opening:

• 3-4 days in the refrigerator
• 4-6 months in the freezer

To maximize freshness, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. Limit air exposure by sealing the container tightly.

Regularly check for any signs of spoilage. Look for sliminess, off odors, or mold development. Discard at the first hint of spoilage.

For longer term storage, divide meat into smaller portions and freeze. Thaw refrigerated in the sealed container to avoid contamination.

Follow the “If in doubt, throw it out” motto when dealing with leftovers. Don’t risk foodborne illness.

How To Tell If Opened Costco Pulled Pork Has Gone Bad

Here are signs that your opened Costco pulled pork has spoiled and needs to be discarded:

• Slimy texture – Fresh pork should not feel overly sticky or tacky. Sliminess indicates bacteria growth.

• Off odors – Spoiled pork gives off a rancid, sour, or ammonia-like smell.

• Change in color – Gray, green, or yellow discoloration signals the pork has turned.

• Mold growth – Fuzzy or dry mold on the surface means the pork has spoiled. Don’t try to scrape it off.

• Expired date – If it’s past the 3-4 day window after refrigerating an opened package, toss it.

When in doubt, remember it’s not worth risking your health. Stick to the storage timelines and discard it if you notice any odd characteristics.

How To Store Costco Pulled Pork for Maximum Freshness

Here are some tips for keeping Costco pulled pork fresh for as long as possible:

• Store unopened package on a refrigerator shelf, not in the door.

• Use opened pork within 3-4 days. Eat within 2 days for best quality.

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container, not the original bag. Remove excess air.

• Keep leftovers towards the back of the fridge, not on the door.

• Label the storage container with the opened date.

• Don’t go by smell alone to determine freshness. Also look for mold and slime.

• When freezing, portion into smaller bags to limit thawing time. Squeeze out excess air.

Proper cold storage is key for both sealed and opened packages. Use clean utensils and containers when handling cooked pork to prevent introducing bacteria.

Adhering to food safety best practices helps ensure you safely enjoy Costco pulled pork before it has a chance to spoil.

Freezing and Thawing Costco Pulled Pork

Freezing offers a way to significantly extend the shelf life of Costco pulled pork. Here are some tips:

To freeze:

• Portion pulled pork into airtight freezer bags or containers. Avoid overstuffing.

• Remove as much air as possible and seal tightly.

• Label package with contents and freeze-by date (4 months from freeze date).

• Place flat in freezer to freeze quickly. Avoid large temperature fluctuations.

To thaw:

• Move frozen package to refrigerator 24 hours before use.

• Thaw in refrigerator below 40°F, not on the counter.

• Cook immediately after refrigerator thawing. Don’t refreeze.

• Microwave thawing not recommended as it partially cooks the pork.

With proper freezing techniques, the pulled pork retains quality for around 4 months frozen. Always thaw in the refrigerator for food safety.

Can You Refreeze Thawed Costco Pulled Pork?

Previously frozen pork that has been correctly thawed in the refrigerator can be safely refrozen without compromising quality.

To refreeze thawed Costco pulled pork:

• Refreeze immediately after thawing is complete. Don’t let it sit out.

• Check condition to ensure it still looks and smells fresh.

• Repackage with minimal air exposure if the original packaging has been compromised.

• Label with new freeze date and use within 4 months.

• Only refreeze once for best texture. Multiple thaws take a toll.

Avoid refreezing pork that didn’t thaw properly at fridge temperatures. Defrosting on the counter allows bacteria to multiply to unsafe levels.

Is Costco Pulled Pork Fully Cooked?

Yes, Costco pulled pork comes fully cooked right out of the package. It has been smoked at USDA-regulated temperatures to eliminate harmful pathogens.

According to the package labels, no additional cooking is required. You just need to reheat it to desired serving temperature before eating.

Costco does the initial smoking and cooking for you so the pulled pork can be shelf stable. All you have to do is quickly reheat and enjoy!

How To Reheat Costco Pulled Pork

Here are some recommended methods to safely reheat Costco pulled pork:

• Microwave – Heat sealed bag 2-3 minutes until165°F internal temperature.

• Stovetop – Heat in skillet with small amount of water or broth 8-10 minutes.

• Oven – Bake loosely covered dish at 325°F 15-20 minutes until hot.

• Slow cooker – Add pork and 1⁄4 cup liquid. Cook 2-4 hours on low until heated through.

Stir and shred pork thoroughly after reheating to distribute moisture. Cook to at least 165°F internal temperature as checked with a food thermometer.

Bringing Costco pulled pork to safe serving temperature helps improve texture and kill off any bacteria that may have developed during storage.

How Long Does Cooked Pulled Pork Last In The Fridge?

Like any cooked meat, refrigerated pulled pork lasts 3-4 days. Follow these tips for maximizing shelf life:

• Store in airtight container to limit air exposure

• Keep towards back of refrigerator, not door

• Eat within 3 days for best quality, 4 days max

• Discard if you notice any odd colors, textures, or smells

The short fridge life is why proper freezing is so important if you can’t eat it all within 3-4 days. Divide into portions to avoid waste.

Signs Your Pulled Pork Has Gone Bad

Here are indicators that refrigerated pulled pork has spoiled and needs to be thrown out:

• Slimy or sticky texture

• Grayish color

• Rancid or sour smell

• Mold growth

• More than 4 days after refrigerating cooked

Don’t take chances with suspect leftovers. Pulled pork sitting at unsafe temperatures provides the perfect breeding ground for pathogenic bacteria.

FAQs

How long can you keep pulled pork in the freezer?

Properly frozen pulled pork keeps well for 4-6 months in the freezer. Maintain constant 0°F temperature to prevent freezer burn.

Can you eat Costco pulled pork after use by date?

It’s not recommended to eat it after the use by date. These best by and use by dates are safety indicators for quality assurance.

How do you know if cooked pulled pork is bad?

Signs that cooked pulled pork has spoiled include sliminess, foul odors, mold, discoloration, or if left refrigerated for over 4 days. Discard at the first signs of spo