Expiration & Storage Tips
When does bacon expire?
Bacon, typically being a cured meat product, lasts a fair amount of time. Unopened, store-bought bacon remains safe past its 'sell by' date, usually about one to two weeks in the refrigerator and up to 6 months in the freezer. Once opened, it's best to consume bacon within 10 days. When frozen, bacon can keep its quality for around 1-2 months, but will be safe to eat beyond that time.
How do you tell if bacon is bad?
Bacon has a few tell-tale signs if it has gone bad. Firstly, any off smell or a sour smell are a clear indication that bacon has spoiled, it should always smell fresh and not have an off-putting odor. Secondly, if you see colors like grey-brown, green or blue tints on the bacon fat, it's time to discard it. The color of fresh bacon is pink with bright or glossy white fat. Lastly, if the bacon feels slimy, sticky or excessively damp, it has likely spoiled.
Tips for storing bacon to extend shelf life
• Always store bacon in the refrigerator or freezer to keep it as fresh as possible.
• Try to use opened bacon within one week if not freezing.
• Freezer bags or airtight containers help extend the bacon's shelf life in the freezer.
• Don't store bacon in the door of the fridge where the temperature fluctuates. Keep it on a shelf towards the back of the fridge where the temperature is more consistent.
• Never leave raw or cooked bacon at room temperature for more than 2 hours.