Are you a fan of turkey bacon?
It’s a healthier alternative to traditional pork bacon, but how long can it stay fresh in the refrigerator?
With conflicting information online, it can be confusing to know when it’s time to toss your turkey bacon.
In this article, we’ll break down the shelf life of turkey bacon and provide tips on how to store it properly.
Whether you’re a seasoned turkey bacon lover or trying it out for the first time, read on to learn everything you need to know about keeping your turkey bacon fresh and delicious.
How Long Can Turkey Bacon Stay In The Refrigerator?
When it comes to storing turkey bacon in the refrigerator, there are a few factors to consider.
If the package of turkey bacon is unopened and stored in the fridge correctly, it can last up to 14 days past the sell-by or expiration date. However, it’s best to use it within a week for safety reasons.
Once the package is opened, the turkey bacon should be tightly wrapped and stored in the fridge for up to one week. After that, it’s time to toss it out.
It’s important to note that leaving turkey bacon out on the counter for more than one hour can lead to spoilage. Any unused bacon should be wrapped and refrigerated immediately to avoid bacteria growth.
Understanding The Shelf Life Of Turkey Bacon
The shelf life of turkey bacon can vary depending on various factors such as the sell-by date, storage conditions, and whether the package is opened or unopened.
Unopened turkey bacon in a sealed package can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator or seven days past the expiration date, whichever comes first. However, it’s always best to use it within a week for safety reasons.
Once the package is opened, the shelf life of turkey bacon decreases significantly. It can be stored in the fridge, tightly wrapped, for up to one week. It’s important to note that any leftover turkey bacon should be refrigerated immediately after use to avoid spoilage.
If you’re unsure whether your turkey bacon has gone bad, there are a few signs to look out for. Spoiled turkey bacon may have a sour smell, a change in color from light pink to gray, or a slimy and sticky texture. In such cases, it’s best to discard the bacon immediately.
It’s also worth noting that cooked turkey bacon has a shorter shelf life than raw turkey bacon. Cooked turkey bacon can last for up to three days in the refrigerator and up to two months in the freezer.
To extend the shelf life of turkey bacon, it’s best to store it in the freezer. Unopened packages of turkey bacon can last up to three months in the freezer, while cooked turkey bacon can last up to two months.
Factors That Affect The Shelf Life Of Turkey Bacon
The shelf life of turkey bacon can be affected by several factors. One of the most important factors is the storage method. If turkey bacon is stored properly in the fridge at a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below, it can last for up to one week after the sell-by or expiration date.
Another factor that affects the shelf life of turkey bacon is whether it has been opened or not. An unopened package of turkey bacon can last up to 14 days past the sell-by or expiration date, but once opened, it should be used within one week.
The type of turkey bacon also plays a role in its shelf life. Some types of turkey bacon may have preservatives added to extend their shelf life, while others may not. It’s important to check the label for any preservatives or additives that may affect the shelf life.
Cooking and freezing can also affect the shelf life of turkey bacon. Cooked turkey bacon can last for up to three to five days in the fridge, while frozen turkey bacon can last for up to six months in the freezer.
Lastly, it’s important to pay attention to any signs of spoilage, such as a sour smell, slimy texture, or change in color. If any of these signs are present, it’s best to discard the turkey bacon immediately.
How To Store Turkey Bacon In The Refrigerator
To properly store turkey bacon in the refrigerator, follow these steps:
1. Check the sell-by date on the package before purchasing.
2. Once you have opened the package, wrap the turkey bacon tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
3. Store the wrapped turkey bacon in an airtight container or plastic bag to prevent air exposure.
4. Place the container or bag in the fridge and make sure it is stored at a temperature of 40°F or below.
5. If you have cooked your turkey bacon and have leftovers, make sure to store it in the fridge within two hours of cooking.
6. Place the cooked turkey bacon on a paper towel to absorb any excess fat before wrapping it in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
7. Make sure that no areas of the meat are exposed to the air and that it is completely covered with the foil or cling wrap.
8. Label the container or bag with the date so that you know when it needs to be consumed or thrown out.
Remember, cooked turkey bacon can last for 3-5 days in the fridge, while uncooked turkey bacon can last up to 14 days past its sell-by date if stored properly. Following these steps will help ensure that your turkey bacon stays fresh and safe to eat for as long as possible.
Signs That Your Turkey Bacon Has Gone Bad
If you’re unsure whether your turkey bacon is still good to eat, there are a few signs to look out for.
Firstly, check the color of the turkey bacon. Fresh turkey bacon should be light pink in color. If you notice any variations in color, such as brown or grey, it’s a sign that the bacon has gone bad and should be discarded immediately.
Another way to tell if your turkey bacon has gone bad is through its smell. Fresh turkey bacon should have a subtle smell of dark poultry with a slight hint of game. However, if you notice a sour or rancid smell coming from the meat, it’s a clear indication that the bacon has spoiled and should not be consumed.
Lastly, perform a touch test on the turkey bacon. It should feel moist to the touch but not slimy or sticky. If the texture feels slimy or sticky, this is another sign that the bacon has gone bad and should be thrown away.
Tips For Maximizing The Shelf Life Of Turkey Bacon
To maximize the shelf life of your turkey bacon, there are a few tips to keep in mind:
1. Double bagging: When freezing turkey bacon, it’s recommended to parcel up the rashers into thick plastic freezer-proof bags and then place all the bags in a much larger one before freezing. This “double bag” system helps to protect the tender surface of the turkey bacon from getting freezer-burn and spoiling.
2. Proper storage: To maintain freshness, uncooked and unopened bacon can be stored as is, but it’s recommended to wrap the package with tin foil if freezing to prevent freezer burn. Uncooked bacon that has been opened should be wrapped in tin foil or stored in an airtight container before placing it in the refrigerator or freezer. Cooked bacon should be separated into small portions and wrapped with paper towels prior to freezing.
3. Check for quality: Before freezing turkey bacon, it’s important to check that it’s still of good quality and not about to spoil. This will help avoid unpleasant accidents connected with food and allow you to enjoy this delicious meaty stuff way longer.
4. Use within the recommended time frame: It’s best to use unopened turkey bacon within 14 days past the sell-by or expiration date, and once opened, it should be used within a week for safety reasons. Any unused bacon should be wrapped and refrigerated immediately to avoid bacteria growth.
By following these tips, you can maximize the shelf life of your turkey bacon and enjoy it in your dishes for longer periods without worrying about spoilage or waste.
Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey Bacon Storage
Here are some frequently asked questions about storing turkey bacon in the refrigerator:
Q: Can I store raw turkey bacon at room temperature?
A: No, raw turkey bacon should never be stored at room temperature. Meat needs to be refrigerated to avoid bacteria growth and spoilage.
Q: How long can I store an opened package of uncooked turkey bacon in the fridge?
A: An opened package of uncooked turkey bacon should be tightly wrapped and stored in the fridge for up to one week.
Q: How long can I store cooked turkey bacon in the fridge?
A: Cooked turkey bacon will last for up to three days in the fridge when stored tightly wrapped or in an airtight container.
Q: Can I freeze turkey bacon?
A: Yes, turkey bacon can be frozen. If you need to store it in the freezer, make sure to double-wrap it and place it in a freezer bag to help avoid freezer burn.
Q: How long can I store frozen turkey bacon?
A: Frozen turkey bacon can last for up to six months before it starts losing its texture.
Q: Can I store turkey bacon at room temperature?
A: No, meat products, whether cooked or uncooked, cannot be kept at room temperature for more than 2 hours. When storing bacon out on the counter, make sure you cook or fry it and cover it with a paper towel or cling wrap. This way, it can last up to two days at its best.
Q: What is the safest way to store turkey bacon?
A: The safest way to store turkey bacon is in the fridge or freezer. When storing it in the fridge, make sure to use one of these options: aluminum foil, airtight container, plastic wrap, cling wrap, heavy-duty freezer bag, original package, Tupperware container, or vacuum bags.
