Bacon is cured, so it lasts a little longer than fresh pork, but it is still perishable. The USDA’s storage chart gives these guidelines:
- Raw bacon, in the fridge: about 7 days once opened, or until the use-by date on an unopened pack.
- Raw bacon, in the freezer: about 1 month for best quality. Because of its salt and fat, bacon loses flavor in the freezer faster than other meats.
- Cooked bacon: treat it like other leftovers and eat it within 3 to 4 days from the fridge.
Sell-by, use-by, best-by
Dates on meat packaging are mostly about quality, not safety, with the exception of infant formula. A “sell-by” date tells the store how long to display the product; you can still use the bacon for a few days after it if it has been kept cold. A “use-by” date is the manufacturer’s recommendation for peak quality. When in doubt, use your senses and the storage times above.
How to store opened bacon
- Fold the end of the package tightly and put it in a zip-top bag, or wrap the remaining slices in plastic wrap or foil.
- Keep it in the coldest part of the fridge, not in the door.
- To freeze, lay slices flat on parchment, roll them up, and freeze in a bag. You can then take out just what you need.
Storing cooked bacon
Let it cool briefly, drain on paper towels, then store in an airtight container lined with a paper towel. Cooked bacon can also be frozen and reheated in a skillet, oven or microwave. Crumbled cooked bacon in the freezer is handy for salads and pasta.
Signs bacon has gone bad
- A sour or rancid smell.
- A slimy or sticky texture.
- Color turning from pink to gray, green or brown.
- Any mold.
If you notice one of these, throw it out. Remember, though, that harmful bacteria can be present without any of these signs, so respect the storage times.
What about the grease?
Many people save bacon fat for cooking. Strain it, store it in a sealed jar in the fridge and use it within a few months. Do not pour it down the drain: it solidifies and clogs pipes.
Other common fridge questions are answered in how long pizza keeps in the fridge and how long cooked chicken can be left out. To learn what goes into another popular cured meat, see what pepperoni is made of.
