Even just thinking about the smell and sound of bacon sizzling on the stove is enough to have your mouth watering. From weekend breakfast spreads to hamburger toppings, there is never a bad time for bacon. If you’re like us, you never have to worry about leftovers, either!
But maybe you’re trying to prepare a batch of bacon in bulk so you can use it in other recipes throughout the week. Or, perhaps you’re just curious about the shelf life of smoked bacon.
So, how long is smoked bacon good for? Let’s get more specific:
- How long is uncooked bacon good for in the fridge? Typically about 7 days.
- How long is bacon good for in the fridge after being cooked? Up to 4-5 days.
- How long does bacon last in the freezer? As long as 6 months.
We’ll answer all these questions below and help you identify the signs of spoiled bacon so you can protect yourself and your loved ones from food poisoning. You’ll also learn how to store bacon properly to maximize its shelf life.
The best part? We’ll introduce you to the best bacon for sale online right here at Mahogany Smoked Meats. We’ve already slow-smoked it to perfection so you can simply warm it up and enjoy. Learn more below and bring the bacon to your doorstep today!
Does Bacon Go Bad?
First things first, does bacon go bad? Yes, just like with the question - does beef jerky go bad - bacon is not some miracle meat that lasts forever. As with all animal-based products, it has a shelf life. Eating it past a certain point puts you at risk of foodborne illness.
Now, exactly how long the smoked bacon shelf life is remains to be seen. There are far too many moving pieces to give you a one-size-fits-all answer. That includes whether it’s smoked or unsmoked, how it’s stored, and its exposure to temperature changes.
While smoking and curing extend the bacon lifespan, these techniques don’t make it immune to spoilage. So, how long is smoked bacon good for? Let’s get into the different guidelines based on how you’re storing it.
How Long is Smoked Bacon Good for?
In general, smoked bacon has a longer shelf life than unsmoked bacon - that much we can tell you with certainty. But how long does bacon last in the fridge or freezer? That’s what we’ll explore below.
How Long is Uncooked Bacon Good for in the Fridge?
So, how long is uncooked bacon good for in the fridge? A good rule of thumb is 7 days when stored correctly. Emphasis on stored correctly! It needs to be kept in its original packaging or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent exposure to air and contaminants.
If you’ve opened the package to cook a few pieces but didn’t cook the rest, we encourage you to transfer it to an airtight container or resealable bag to maintain its freshness.
How Long is Bacon Good for in the Fridge After Being Cooked?
It’s rare to have bacon leftovers, but how long is bacon good for in the fridge after being cooked? The shelf life of smoked bacon that’s been cooked tends to be shorter than its uncooked counterpart. You can reasonably expect it to last 4-5 more days after cooking.
As with uncooked bacon, though, you should make sure it’s stored properly to preserve its freshness for as long as possible. That means an airtight container or tight wrapping to minimize moisture loss and prevent cross-contamination.
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, just make sure you reheat them to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F before consuming.
How Long Does Bacon Last in the Freezer?
Maybe you’re thinking ahead and trying to buy bacon in bulk. So, how long does bacon last in the freezer? Up to 6 months is what most food safety experts will tell you. That is, for uncooked bacon that’s still in its original packaging.
Cooked bacon, on the other hand, can last for 1-2 months in the freezer while maintaining some level of flavor and texture. However, it won’t taste as good as the fresh stuff, so try to use any cooked bacon as quickly as possible rather than freezing it.
The truth is, freezer burn is a concern even for uncooked bacon - so make sure you remove all air from the packaging and label it with the date of freezing for easy tracking.
Freezing definitely has its place, though. It allows for flexible meal planning while reducing the risk of waste. It also helps you save money as you can get better deals when buying in bulk.
Factors Influencing the Smoked Bacon Shelf Life
We said from the start it’s hard to tell you exactly how long smoked bacon is good for because there are just too many moving pieces impacting freshness.
That being said, let’s get into some of the things that influence the smoked bacon shelf life so you can understand how to properly store yours while also setting realistic expectations for longevity.
Vacuum-Sealed vs Open Packaging
Vacuum sealing will dramatically increase your smoked bacon shelf life. It completely removes air - or more specifically, oxygen (the main enemy of food freshness).
On the other hand, once that seal is broken and the bacon is exposed to air. The clock starts ticking on the shelf life of smoked bacon at this point.
Storage Temperature and Environment
It should go without saying that the condition in which you store your bacon influences its staying power. The optimal temperature is below 40°F (4°C), as this slows the growth of harmful bacteria. Temperature fluctuations or storing bacon above this level can speed up spoilage.
Freezing bacon at 0°F (-18°C) preserves its quality for longer periods. However, even in frozen conditions issues can arise, like freezer burn. This can be caused by improper wrapping or air exposure and will impact the bacon's flavor and texture over time.
Fat Content and Its Role in Shelf Life
Fat is part of what gives bacon its irresistible flavor and aroma, but it also influences how quickly it spoils. Bacon with higher fat content may spoil faster as oxygen interacts with the fat, which causes it to become rancid.
You can minimize fat oxidation to some extent by storing bacon in airtight conditions and away from light, but this is inevitable. However, leaner cuts of bacon might last longer, as they contain less fat that can break down and become unpleasant over time.
Impact of Smoking and Curing Techniques
Traditional smoking methods using natural hardwoods like hickory, applewood, or in our case, mahogany, don’t just infuse bacon with flavors. They also act as a natural preservative.
The curing process for bacon can also play a role in its shelf life. This involves salting and sometimes adding nitrates to draw moisture out and creating an inhospitable environment for bacterial growth.
Variances in smoking time, temperature, and the type of wood or curing ingredients affect just how long smoked bacon is good for. This is where some of the uncertainty lies, as there’s no way to know for 100% fact what went into your bacon - unless you trust where you buy it.
Preservatives and Additives in Commercial Bacon
While we prefer our bacon without preservatives and additives, they do have their place in extending the shelf life of smoked bacon.
Sodium nitrate and nitrite are common additives that help prevent botulism (a rare condition associated with foodborne illness) and keep bacon looking fresh and pink.
While additive-free bacon may not last as long, we still think it’s the better choice. You just need to tether your expectations for the smoked bacon shelf life and eat it faster! Because it tends to taste better, this shouldn’t be an issue.
Risks of Consuming Spoiled Bacon
So what’s the big deal about the smoked bacon shelf life - what happens if you consume spoiled bacon? We don’t want to be overly dramatic or scare you, but it definitely can be a matter of life or death.
In most cases eating spoiled bacon will simply result in food poisoning. That being said, this is something you definitely want to avoid. Symptoms like nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, fever, and diarrhea are certainly not fun.
But in severe cases, foodborne illness may be linked to Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli. - all of which can cause death. The risks are most prominent in those with compromised immune systems, young children, and the elderly, though everyone should be aware of them.
The good news is you can easily avoid these concerns simply by knowing what to look out for. So, what does spoiled bacon look like? We’ll share some tips on how to tell if bacon is spoiled below.
How to Tell if Bacon is Spoiled
While we’ve covered everything you need to know about the smoked bacon shelf life, these guidelines aren’t just that - guidelines. You need to use your senses and judgment to determine whether or not bacon is past its prime and no longer safe to consume.
What Does Spoiled Bacon Look Like?
So what does spoiled bacon look like? The visual cues are your best bet, as fresh bacon should have a pinkish hue with a slightly translucent appearance. On the other hand, spoiled bacon often turns gray, green, or develops dark spots.
The presence of mold or a slimy film is a clear sign that the bacon is no longer safe to eat. If you notice any discoloration or patches that look questionable, trust your gut and toss it.
Texture and Touch
You can also assess how the bacon feels to assess its freshness. It should be slightly moist but firm. Of course, you should always handle bacon with clean hands to prevent inadvertently transferring bacteria onto it.
That being said, spoiled bacon will usually feel slimy or sticky due to the buildup of bacteria and fat decomposition. If the bacon leaves a slippery residue or has an unusual tackiness when touched, it’s no longer safe for consumption.
The Smell Test
When in doubt, take a whiff and your nose will leave you with complete certainty as to how fresh the bacon is. Fresh bacon should have a slightly savory, smoky aroma. Spoiled bacon emits a sour, rancid, or even fishy odor.
Our advice is to always err on the side of caution when weighing whether or not your bacon is spoiled or still safe to eat. The stakes are too high, and it’s not worth rolling the dice when it comes to foodborne to illness - especially because fresh bacon is just a click away!
Treat Yourself and Loved Ones to the Best Smoked Bacon Online at Mahogany Smoked Meats Today!
Don’t take any chances on spoiled bacon. Instead, spoil yourself with fresh, one-of-a-kind smoked bacon for sale at Mahogany Smoked Meats!
We’ve been doing this for over a century, and like a fine wine, our meats have only gotten better with time. Our process blends time-honored techniques with the finest ingredients to create rich, flavorful bacon that will have you coming back for more.
Each cut is meticulously smoked using our signature mahogany wood method, infusing the meat’s natural taste with a smoky aroma that captivates all senses. It’s perfect for breakfast, gourmet recipes, or as an indulgent snack.
Plus, we even have Canadian bacon for sale so you can switch it up from time to time with something unique. On that note, we also have all sorts of other great meats in store for you:
- Beef jerky for sale
- Bone-in hams for sale
- Boneless hams for sale
- Smoked turkey for sale
- Smoked ham steaks for sale
- Smoked pork chops for sale
- Smoked sausage for sale
All our meats arrive at your doorstep pre-smoked and ready to warm up. You can let us do all the heavy lifting - you just enjoy! Order today and see what a difference a century of tradition makes.
Parting Thoughts on the Shelf Life of Smoked Bacon
So, how long is smoked bacon good for in the fridge? How long does bacon last in the freezer? We hope this guide has left you with a clear understanding of the smoked bacon shelf life. Anywhere from 4-7 days in the fridge, or 6 months in the freezer.
The key takeaway is that proper storage - be it in the fridge or freezer - can make a world of difference in the shelf life of smoked bacon. You always need to watch out for the signs of spoiled bacon, even if you think you’ve stored it properly.
Learn about how to cook smoked bacon, Canadian bacon vs bacon, sides for pork chops, how to cook a smoked ham, how to cook smoked pork chops, turkey leftover recipes, beef jerky in air fryer, beef jerky marinade, and more in our blog. We also have more shelf-life guides:
- How long does smoked ham last in the fridge
- How long does turkey last in the fridge
- How long does sausage last in the fridge
- How long are pork chops good in the fridge
- How long does beef jerky last
But from smoked bacon to all the different types of smoked sausages and more, remember that Mahogany Smoked Meats is your one-stop shop for all your favorite meaty treats. Browse our catalog today and savor the taste of expertly smoked bacon!
