To tell if turkey bacon is bad, you will notice a change in color. Fresh turkey bacon is a light pink color. If it turns brown or gray, it’s probably going bad.
There may even be blue or green tones, which are a clear sign that the turkey bacon has mold and needs to be thrown away right away. In addition to color, you should also pay attention to the smell and texture of the turkey bacon.
If you’re a fan of turkey bacon, you know how delicious it can be. But like any food, it can go bad. Knowing how to tell if your turkey bacon has gone bad is important to avoid getting sick.
I’m going to talk about some ways to tell if your turkey bacon has gone bad and what to do if you think it has.
Turkey bacon is a popular lower-fat alternative to traditional pork bacon. But like any perishable food it requires proper storage to maximize freshness and avoid spoilage. So how long does unopened and opened turkey bacon last in the refrigerator?
Below is a complete guide to turkey bacon’s fridge life so you can keep it safe, tasty and avoid waste.
How to Tell When Turkey Bacon Goes Bad
Turkey bacon shows obvious signs when it’s no longer fresh and safe to eat Be on the lookout for
- Gray, brown or greenish color instead of light pink
- Dull, slimy or sticky texture
- Rancid or sour smell
- Mold growth – discard whole pack if any appears
- Discolored patches or dry edges
Trust your senses. If the turkey bacon looks or smells “off” in any way, err on the side of caution and throw it out. Don’t rely on the expiration date alone.
How Long Does Unopened Turkey Bacon Last in the Fridge?
An unopened package of turkey bacon typically lasts 1-2 weeks past the sell-by date if continually refrigerated below 40°F.
To maximize shelf life:
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Store unopened turkey bacon on a fridge shelf, not the door where temperatures fluctuate.
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Check for damage or tears to packaging and use within 5 days if any present.
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Look at the sell-by date and use within 7-10 days past it at most.
The sell-by date is a general guide, not an exact expiration. So consider 7-10 days past it the maximum for unopened turkey bacon, not a guarantee of freshness.
How Long Does Opened Turkey Bacon Last in the Fridge?
Once opened, turkey bacon has less protective barriers from air exposure and moisture loss. Follow these guidelines once package is opened:
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Refrigerate unused turkey bacon strips in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
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Use within 5-7 days for best quality and taste.
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Discard any turkey bacon that is sticky, dull, or smells unpleasant. Don’t rely on date alone.
Opened packages don’t keep as long as unopened. Finish up turkey bacon within a week once opened, less if not stored airtight or showing any signs of spoilage.
Freezing Turkey Bacon to Prolong Freshness
You can freeze unopened and opened turkey bacon to extend its shelf life beyond the refrigerator:
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Unopened – Keeps 6 months frozen past sell-by up to 9 months total.
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Opened – Keeps 2-3 months in airtight packaging with minimal air.
Tips for freezing turkey bacon:
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Wrap tightly in freezer bags, plastic wrap, or foil. Exclude extra air.
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Separate strips with parchment paper before freezing to prevent sticking.
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Portion packages into usable amounts before freezing if opened.
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Thaw overnight in the fridge before using to retain texture and moisture.
What Happens If You Eat Spoiled Turkey Bacon?
Eating turkey bacon past its prime can potentially cause foodborne illness. Potential risks include:
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Salmonella – Nausea, fever, cramps, vomiting, chills.
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Listeria – Headache, nausea, confusion, loss of balance.
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Staphylococcus aureus – Severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramping.
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Mold – Allergic reactions or respiratory irritation. Discard moldy bacon.
When expired or questionably handled, turkey bacon can harbor dangerous levels of pathogenic bacteria that heat can’t remove. Following safe fridge/freezer storage and avoiding old, smelly turkey bacon reduces the risk of sickness.
How To Store and Handle Turkey Bacon Safely
To safely maximize turkey bacon’s shelf life:
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Check pack dates and avoid torn packages when buying. Refrigerate immediately.
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Keep unopened turkey bacon on a fridge shelf before the sell-by date, not warmer door storage.
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Open package only when ready to use. Don’t repeatedly open and close.
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Wrap leftovers tightly in airtight containers or bags. Use within 5-7 days.
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Divide into smaller portions if you won’t use a full package.
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Freeze for up to 2-3 months to prolong storage past refrigerator times.
Proper refrigeration and freezing prevents spoilage and bacteria overgrowth. Cook turkey bacon thoroughly until crispy before eating. Discard bacon that smells, looks or feels foul rather than tasting it. Follow safe handling methods and turkey bacon stays fresh for 1-2 weeks refrigerated or 2-3 months frozen.
When Does Turkey Bacon Begin To Spoil?
Raw turkey bacon typically has a shelf life of 7-14 days in the refrigerator, after being opened.
However, this can vary depending on factors such as the sell-by date, packaging, and storage conditions. So, check the expiration date and use-by date.
It could mean that your turkey bacon has gone bad if it turns brown or gray.
Once you see any changes in color, like blue or green spots, you know the bacon has gone bad and needs to be thrown away right away.
If your turkey bacon has a bad odor, it is a clear indication that it has gone bad.
It is important to trust your nose when deciding if your bacon is still safe to eat. A rancid or sour smell is often a sign of spoilage.
It’s clear that your turkey bacon has gone bad if it feels slimy or sticky when you touch it. Often, this is caused by too much water, which can help bacteria and other harmful microorganisms grow.
Keep in mind that lactic acid bacteria, which are not harmful to people, often live in raw meat. However, if these bacteria are allowed to multiply, they can eventually lead to spoilage and food poisoning.
To keep your turkey bacon fresh, put it in the fridge in its original packaging or wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Vacuum-sealed or zip lock bags are also an option for longer storage periods.
Leave it in the refrigerator or in a bowl of cold water, when thawing your turkey bacon. Avoid thawing at room temperature, as this can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria.
It is important to follow the right handling and cooking steps when cooking your turkey bacon to make sure it is safe to eat. Clean your hands and any surfaces you touch with raw meat after handling it. Cook the bacon until it is soft and bendable.
In the end, if you think your turkey bacon has gone bad, it’s better to be safe than sorry and throw it away right away.
How To Tell If Turkey Bacon Is Bad
When you buy turkey bacon, it is important to check the expiration date before purchasing. If the expiration date is approaching or has passed, it is best to avoid buying it.
Once you have purchased the turkey bacon, check the packaging for any signs of damage or punctures. If the turkey bacon is still in its original package and before its expiration date, you can be sure that it is still fresh.
If you have cooked turkey bacon, you should check for any signs of spoilage before consuming it.
Spoiled turkey bacon will have a sour smell and may have a slimy texture. If the turkey bacon has any discoloration or an off odor, it is best to discard it.
If you have leftover turkey bacon, it is important to store it properly to prevent spoilage.
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume it within 3-4 days.
If you have frozen turkey bacon, check for freezer burn before consuming it.
Freezer burn happens when turkey bacon is left out in the air in the freezer, which dries it out and changes its color.
If the turkey bacon looks like it’s been frozen, like if it’s white or gray, you can still eat it, but it won’t taste good.
If you follow these tips, you can be sure that your turkey bacon is safe to eat and avoid getting any food-borne illnesses.