meat
How Long Does Bacon Last?
Bacon lasts 7–14 days in the fridge (opened 7 days; unopened 2 weeks). Keep raw meat sealed on the lowest fridge shelf so juices cannot drip onto ready-to-eat food.
Fridge
7–14 days
opened 7 days; unopened 2 weeks
Counter
1–2 hours
Freezer
1–1 months
Storage Tips
- Keep raw meat sealed on the lowest fridge shelf so juices cannot drip onto ready-to-eat food.
- Freeze in flat portions with air pressed out for faster thawing and less freezer burn.
- Label the freeze date before storage so older packages get used first.
How to Tell If Bacon Has Gone Bad
Signs to look for
- Sour, rotten, or sulfur-like smell when the package opens.
- Sticky or slimy surface film that remains after patting dry.
- Grey-green color shifts or gas-bloated packaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does bacon last in the fridge?
Bacon usually last 7-14 days (opened 7 days; unopened 2 weeks) when stored correctly. Treat that as a quality window, then use smell, texture, and visible spoilage checks before eating.
Can you freeze bacon?
Yes. The usual freezer window is 1 months. Freeze in airtight portions, label the date, and thaw in the fridge for the best safety and texture.
How long can bacon sit out?
Use 1-2 hours as the room-temperature limit. When in doubt, refrigerate sooner; warm counter time is where most safety margin disappears.
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