Bacon is a beloved breakfast staple that can also be used to add flavor to a variety of dishes.
But how long can you keep that pack of Oscar Mayer bacon in your fridge before it goes bad? Proper storage is key, but there are also guidelines to follow to ensure you’re consuming safe and fresh bacon.
In this article, we’ll explore the shelf life of Oscar Mayer bacon and provide tips on how to store it properly.
So, whether you’re a bacon enthusiast or just looking to add some sizzle to your meals, read on to learn more about how long Oscar Mayer bacon is good for.
How Long Is Oscar Mayer Bacon Good For?
According to the Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS), raw Oscar Mayer bacon will remain fresh for seven days if it is promptly refrigerated and kept at a consistent temperature of 40°F or below. However, it’s important to note that these guidelines are dependent on proper storage. If you don’t store your bacon correctly, it can go bad quickly.
If you’ve purchased vacuum-sealed packages of Oscar Mayer bacon, they will remain safe to eat for seven days past the sell-by date, which may be weeks after you purchased it at the store. But if you’ve already opened the package and enjoyed a few strips, be sure to consume the remaining bacon within seven days of opening the package, regardless of what the sell-by-date says.
Cooked Oscar Mayer bacon will stay fresh in the fridge for four to five days, which is more than enough time to enjoy it in a mouth-watering BLT or any other dish you desire. To further extend the shelf life of cooked bacon, you can freeze it in covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, or wrap it tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil or freezer wrap.
Understanding Bacon Shelf Life
When it comes to bacon, understanding its shelf life is crucial to ensuring that you’re consuming safe and fresh meat. Generally, unopened packages of bacon can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator and up to eight months in the freezer. However, once you’ve opened the package, the shelf life of your bacon will shorten.
Raw bacon that has been opened but not cooked will last for about a week in the refrigerator and up to six months in the freezer. It’s important to note that even if you reseal your bacon after opening, the initial exposure to air has already started the chemical reactions leading to spoilage. To maximize the shelf life of your opened bacon, store it in a resealable plastic bag or wrap it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
Cooked bacon, on the other hand, will last for about five days in the refrigerator and up to one month in the freezer if stored properly. To ensure that your cooked bacon stays fresh longer, store it in covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
It’s also important to check your bacon regularly for signs of spoilage. If not stored properly, bacon can go bad quickly and may cause foodborne illness if consumed. Always check the sell-by date before purchasing bacon and discard any bacon that has spoiled or smells off. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy delicious and safe bacon for longer periods of time.
Factors That Affect Bacon Shelf Life
There are several factors that can affect the shelf life of bacon, including how it is stored, whether it is cooked or not, and what type of bacon it is. Proper storage is key to ensuring that your bacon stays fresh for as long as possible. When storing unopened Oscar Mayer bacon in the refrigerator, it can last up to two weeks. In the freezer, it can last up to eight months.
Once you have opened the package of Oscar Mayer bacon, the shelf life decreases significantly. Opened raw bacon will only last about a week in the refrigerator, and up to six months in the freezer. Cooked bacon, on the other hand, has a shorter shelf life than raw bacon. Cooked Oscar Mayer bacon can last around 4-5 days in the refrigerator and up to one month in the freezer.
The type of bacon can also affect its shelf life. For example, cooked Canadian bacon can be refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen for 4-8 weeks. Other varieties like pancetta, turkey bacon, and beef bacon all last approximately the same amount of time in the fridge or freezer as regular bacon.
It’s important to note that bacon should be stored at a consistent temperature of 40°F or below to prevent it from spoiling quickly. If you notice any signs of spoilage such as a sour smell, sticky texture, moldy flecks or unusual color, it’s best to discard the bacon right away.
How Long Can You Keep Oscar Mayer Bacon In The Fridge?
If you’ve purchased raw Oscar Mayer bacon and stored it properly in the fridge, it should remain fresh for up to seven days. However, this timeline depends on proper storage and refrigeration at a consistent temperature of 40°F or below. If you’ve opened the package, be sure to consume the remaining bacon within seven days of opening, regardless of what the sell-by-date says.
Cooked Oscar Mayer bacon, on the other hand, will last for four to five days in the fridge if stored properly. To extend its shelf life, you can freeze it in covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Alternatively, you can wrap it tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil or freezer wrap.
It’s worth noting that while freezing bacon is a great way to preserve commercially produced items for the long term, it’s important to store it properly in airtight packaging. Freezing bacon can extend its lifespan up to six months, but if wrapped properly and stored in a vacuum-sealed package, it can last up to a year. However, it’s recommended to rotate your stock regularly to ensure freshness and quality.
Signs That Oscar Mayer Bacon Has Gone Bad
While Oscar Mayer bacon is known for its delicious taste and high quality, it can still go bad if not stored properly. Here are some signs that your Oscar Mayer bacon has gone bad:
1. Discoloration: Fresh bacon should be bright red in color with white streaks of fat. If the bacon has started to turn brown, gray, or has a greenish hue, it’s time to throw it away.
2. Slimy texture: If the bacon feels slimy or sticky to the touch, it’s a sign that bacteria has started to grow on it.
3. Foul odor: Fresh bacon should have a mild, meaty scent. If the bacon smells sour, fishy, or rancid, it’s time to toss it.
4. Mold: Any mold spots on the bacon are a clear indication that it has gone bad and should not be consumed.
Consuming bad bacon can lead to food poisoning and other health issues, so it’s important to always check for these signs before consuming any Oscar Mayer bacon. Remember to always store your bacon properly in the fridge or freezer to ensure its freshness and quality.
Tips For Properly Storing Oscar Mayer Bacon
To ensure the longevity and freshness of your Oscar Mayer bacon, it’s crucial to store it properly. Here are some tips to help you do just that:
1. Refrigerate promptly: As soon as you bring your bacon home from the store, make sure to promptly refrigerate it at a consistent temperature of 40°F or below. This will help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria that can cause foodborne illness.
2. Keep it sealed: If you’ve purchased vacuum-sealed packages of Oscar Mayer bacon, keep them sealed until you’re ready to use them. This will help keep the bacon fresh for longer.
3. Use within seven days: If you’ve opened a package of Oscar Mayer bacon, be sure to consume the remaining bacon within seven days of opening the package, regardless of what the sell-by-date says.
4. Freeze for longer storage: To extend the shelf life of cooked bacon, you can freeze it in covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, or wrap it tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil or freezer wrap. Just make sure to label and date the container or package so you know when it was frozen.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your Oscar Mayer bacon stays fresh and delicious for as long as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oscar Mayer Bacon Shelf Life
Here are some frequently asked questions about Oscar Mayer bacon shelf life:
1. How long does unopened Oscar Mayer bacon last in the fridge?
Unopened raw Oscar Mayer bacon will stay fresh for seven days if it is promptly refrigerated and kept at a consistent temperature of 40°F or below.
2. Can you eat Oscar Mayer bacon after the sell-by date?
If you’ve purchased vacuum-sealed packages of Oscar Mayer bacon, they will remain safe to eat for seven days past the sell-by date. However, if you’ve already opened the package and enjoyed a few strips, be sure to consume the remaining bacon within seven days of opening the package, regardless of what the sell-by-date says.
3. How long does cooked Oscar Mayer bacon last in the fridge?
Cooked Oscar Mayer bacon will stay fresh in the fridge for four to five days.
4. Can you freeze cooked Oscar Mayer bacon?
Yes, you can freeze cooked Oscar Mayer bacon in covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, or wrap it tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil or freezer wrap to extend its shelf life.
