Just like any food, bacon can quickly get spoiled if it is not stored properly. It must be discarded right away if it has passed its expiration date (indicated on the package).
Bacon’s shelf life depends on a lot of things, like the type, how it’s stored, and whether it’s been opened or cooked. Youll notice that most varieties have a sell-by date printed right on the package.
To be clear, this date doesn’t always show how long bacon can be used and eaten without getting sick. It may simply mean the date till which bacon can be kept on the shelves for sale.
Bacon is one of America’s favorite foods. The salty smoky flavor takes breakfast sandwiches burgers, and BLTs to the next level. With proper storage, an unopened pack of bacon can last 1-2 weeks beyond the printed expiration date. But can you still eat bacon after it expires? Here’s what you need to know about bacon freshness, safety, and the signs of spoiled bacon.
How to Tell if Bacon is Still Good After the Expiration Date
The expiration date printed on the package is a good starting point, but not necessarily an exact cutoff for when the bacon is no longer edible Here are some tips on identifying whether your bacon is still fresh and safe to eat
- Look – Raw bacon should be pinkish-red in color. It may turn slightly brown but should not look grey or green. Mold is a definite sign to throw it out.
- Smell – Fresh bacon has a meaty, smoky aroma. Rancid bacon will have an off-putting sour or rotten odor.
- Texture – The fat should be firm and the meat should not feel slimy or sticky. Bacon that is past its prime may feel tacky or mushy.
- Storage conditions – If the bacon has been continuously refrigerated below 40°F and the package is not damaged, unopened bacon can likely last 1-2 weeks past the printed date.
- When in doubt, throw it out! Don’t risk getting sick from spoiled meat.
As a general rule, I recommend using bacon within 4-7 days after opening the package. An unopened pack that still looks, smells, and feels fresh can likely be enjoyed up to 2 weeks past the date on the label when properly refrigerated. But always inspect it carefully first and toss it if you detect any funky odors, textures, or colors.
How Long Does Bacon Last in the Fridge or Freezer?
Proper storage is crucial for maximizing bacon’s shelf life and eating it safely. Here are some bacon storage guidelines:
- Unopened package – Up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator, 6-8 months in the freezer
- Opened package – 1 week in the refrigerator, 4-6 months in the freezer
- **Cooked bacon ** – 5 days in the refrigerator, 1-2 months in the freezer
The freezer is your friend when it comes to preserving bacon! Freeze any unused portions for significantly longer storage. Thaw frozen bacon overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
Bacon can be prone to freezer burn, so wrap it well in plastic wrap or freezer bags. You can also wrap cooked bacon slices individually in paper towels before freezing to prevent them from sticking together.
How to Store Bacon Properly
Follow these tips to keep bacon fresher for longer:
- Store unopened bacon on a lower shelf in the back of the refrigerator, where temperatures are coldest.
- Once opened, rewrap the package tightly in fresh plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Limit air exposure.
- Cooked bacon should be placed in an airtight container or bag before refrigerating.
- Divide cooked bacon into smaller portions before freezing for easier thawing and use.
- Try to use refrigerated bacon within 5-7 days of opening for best quality.
- Label any bacon stored in the freezer with the date it was frozen.
Can You Eat Bacon After It Turns Slimy?
Sliminess is one of the first signs that bacon has spoiled. The slimy texture comes from increased bacteria growth breaking down the fat and tissues. So no, you should never eat bacon after it has become slimy, sticky, or tacky to the touch. Discard it right away. Eating spoiled, slimy bacon can potentially cause food poisoning.
Can You Get Sick from Eating Expired Bacon?
Yes, eating bacon that has gone bad can make you sick. Over time, bacteria like salmonella, listeria, and E. coli can grow to dangerous levels in expired, incorrectly stored bacon. Consuming rancid bacon that contains these foodborne pathogens could cause symptoms like:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal cramping
- Diarrhea
- Fever and chills
- Food poisoning
The risks increase if bacon is left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours before cooking. Bacteria multiply rapidly between 40°F and 140°F. Refrigerating and freezing prevents this exponential growth.
Take proper precautions when handling raw bacon. Avoid cross-contaminating other foods with the raw juices, wash hands thoroughly after handling, and fully cook until crispy. If in doubt, throw it out! Don’t chance getting sick from spoiled or questionably-aged bacon.
Does Cooking Bacon Kill Bacteria?
Thorough cooking is important for eliminating harmful bacteria that could be present in raw bacon. The USDA recommends cooking bacon to an internal temperature of 145°F to destroy potential foodborne illnesses. Frying, baking, or microwaving bacon to a crisp texture should surpass this safe temperature.
However, cooking can’t reverse the effects of prolonged storage. Bacons that has surpassed its prime and turned slimy or rancid should still be discarded, even if cooked. At that point, the quality has deteriorated. Off-flavors and odors may persist even after cooking spoiled bacon.
Can You Freeze Bacon Grease?
Since we’re discussing bacon storage, let’s talk about bacon grease! The pork fat renders out during cooking and is perfect for sautéing other foods. To preserve the smoky liquid gold, you can store bacon grease in the refrigerator for up to 6 months or in the freezer for up to 1 year.
Here are some tips for storing bacon fat:
- Let the grease cool completely before transferring to storage containers.
- For fridge storage, pour into a tightly lidded jar or bowl. For freezer storage, freezer-safe plastic bags or containers are best.
- Leave some headspace in containers, as the grease will expand when frozen.
- Label the container with the date to track freshness.
- When ready to use, thaw frozen grease in the refrigerator overnight.
With proper storage, you can keep bacon grease on hand for elevating all kinds of savory dishes!
Signs That Bacon Has Gone Bad
Keep a lookout for these red flags that indicate bacon is past its prime:
- Change in color – Fresh bacon is pink to deep red. Spoiled bacon may look gray, green, or brown.
- Slimy texture – The fat and/or meat feels excessively sticky, tacky, or mushy.
- Dull or wet appearance – Oxidation causes spoiled bacon to look wet or lackluster.
- Mold – Fuzzy white, green, or black mold spots are a definite sign to trash it.
- Rancid smell – Rotten, sour, or “off” odors mean the bacon has turned.
- Expired date – The date on the package should only serve as a general guideline. Rely more on other signs of freshness.
- Improper storage – Bacon stored at room temperature for over 2 hours or not continuously refrigerated is at higher risk of spoiling.
When inspecting older bacon, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you notice any of these red flags or it’s more than 2 weeks past the printed date, bacon is not worth the food poisoning risk. Follow your senses and toss it!
Can You Eat Bacon Raw?
It’s not recommended to eat raw bacon. Pork is more prone to certain parasites and bacteria compared to other meats. Thorough cooking helps kill potential pathogens that could be present.
Curing and smoking bacon does help reduce the risk vs. raw pork, but not to a guaranteed safe level. Cooking it crispy is still advised.
If you really want to try raw bacon, look for high-quality, sustainably-raised heritage breed bacon that has been frozen solid to help kill parasites. But there is still some level of risk with consuming raw, uncooked pork. Frying or baking it is the safest route for enjoying bacon.
Tips for Cooking Bacon Properly
Now that you know how to store bacon safely, let’s ensure you cook it properly as well. Here are some bacon cooking tips:
- Cook raw bacon until crispy to 145°F internal temperature.
- Bake bacon in the oven on a foil-lined sheet for easy cleanup. 400°F for 18-24 minutes works well.
- Pan-fry over medium heat to render the fat slowly. Pour off grease as it accumulates.
- Microwave in a bacon rack or on paper towels for convenient crisping.
- Drain fried bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease.
- Let bacon rest for a few minutes after cooking before serving.
- Refrigerate cooked bacon within 2 hours and use within 5 days.
Crisp, well-drained bacon makes for the perfect crunchy garnish or snack. Now that you know how long it lasts and how to store it, you can always keep some bacon ready for cooking!
The Bottom Line
Thanks to preservatives and refrigeration, bacon can typically last 1-2 weeks past its printed expiration date if the unopened package is properly stored. But don’t rely solely on the date. Inspect bacon closely and look for signs of sliminess, discoloration, odor, or mold before consuming. Cook bacon thoroughly to 145°F internal temperature and refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours to prevent bacteria growth. With proper handling and storage, you can safely enjoy delicious bacon even after its “best by” date has passed.
What are the best ways to store bacon?
The most crucial thing to keep in mind is to always store bacon in a fridge or freezer. The bacon should remain fresh as a result of this effort to stop the growth of bacteria.
- Box that doesn’t let air in: If your bacon has already been opened, put it in a box that is tightly closed. It should last longer if stored in this manner. Limiting the flow of air keeps it healthy by stopping bacteria from growing.
- Plastic wrap: Similar techniques can be applied to plastic wrap. You can also use wax paper, freezer paper, or aluminum foil instead. This lessens airflow and stops the growth of bacteria. This way, you can put some in the fridge and some in the freezer for later use.
- Don’t let it sit out at room temperature for too long. Put it in the fridge or freezer as soon as you get home to keep it fresh, and don’t leave it out while you cook.
- Split into small pieces: To freeze bacon, split cooked bacon into small pieces. To keep the food from getting freezer burn, wrap each piece in a paper towel first, then in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Then put it in the freezer.
Bacon is on the list of foods that have gained the most popularity over recent years. Almost everyone enjoys it because it is so delicious.
- To keep your bacon fresh, store it in the fridge in its original, sealed package.
- If the package has been opened, close it again and wrap it in strong aluminum foil.
- Keep it somewhere that is consistently lower than 40°F. You should freeze bacon if you need to keep it for more than a week. It needs to be in a place where the temperature stays at 0°F.
- You can freeze bacon for four to six months and it will still taste good. Try to eat bacon within a month of buying it to keep the flavor of its freshness.
What measures should I take while handing and cooking bacon?
When handling and cooking any kind of bacon or meat, you should be very careful because it could be contaminated, which could cause many diseases, including food poisoning.
- Bacteria may be present when handling raw bacon. A clean, soapy cloth or bleach wipe is all that is needed to get rid of all bacteria on countertops. Wash your hands well with soap and water.
- However, you don’t have to rinse the raw bacon before cooking it.
- Anything germs that were on the meat will be killed by the heat from the stove or microwave.
- It’s bad for your stomach to eat meat that is raw or not cooked all the way through.
- A recent study found that bacon cooked in the microwave is more fully cooked than bacon cooked in the fryer.
- The study actually found that more potentially harmful chemicals were released into the air when bacon was cooked on the stove for longer.
- It is suggested that the bacon be cooked at 275°F for 30 minutes (medium well) to make sure it is fully cooked.
Expired Bacon Experiment
FAQ
Can you eat bacon if it has expired?
The USDA advises tossing bacon that has exceeded its “use by” date. It’s important to note that even if the bacon looks and smells fine after the “use by” date, it may not be safe to eat. If there is no date on the package, you can use your senses to determine if the bacon is still good.
How long does Bacon last after expiration?
Properly stored and handled bacon can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 2 months in the freezer. In conclusion, the use-by date on bacon is only a guideline, and it is safe to consume bacon after it has expired as long as it has been stored properly.
How do I know if my Bacon has expired?
Check the expiry date on the bacon packet. Look for either a “sell by” or “use by” date, and compare the indicated with the current calendar date. Don’t eat any bacon that’s past its “use by” date. The “sell by” date is a little different: properly stored bacon can be eaten up to 7 days past its “sell by” date.
Can you eat bacon after the use-by date?
The short answer is no, it is not recommended to eat bacon after the use-by date. The use-by date is a guide to help consumers determine when the product is at its peak quality and freshness. Consuming bacon after this date can increase the risk of foodborne illness and spoilage.
Can expired Bacon cause food poisoning?
However, it’s important to note that even if the bacon looks and smells fine, expired bacon can still carry harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Therefore, it’s best to err on the side of caution and discard any bacon past its use-by date. When faced with a pack of bacon that has expired, it can be tempting to throw it away.
How long does Bacon last if frozen?
Properly stored, unopened bacon will maintain best quality for about 1 to 2 months in the freezer, but will remain safe beyond that time. The freezer time shown is for best quality only – bacon that has been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely. How long does bacon last after being frozen and thawed?