How Long Does Bacon Last? The Ultimate Guide to Storing and Freezing Bacon

Bacon is a breakfast hero, but it’s also a meat product that requires careful handling. Because of its high fat content and curing process, the rules for bacon shelf life differ slightly from fresh raw pork.

Whether you have a bulk pack of raw strips or leftover crispy slices, knowing how to store them properly ensures you never waste a delicious bite (or risk food poisoning).

Fresh vs. Cooked: The Timeline

Raw Bacon

Unopened, vacuum-sealed bacon typically lasts about 1 week in the fridge. Always check the “sell-by” or “use-by” date on the package for the best guidance.

• Opened Raw Bacon: Good for 1 week (7 days) in the fridge.
• Uncured / Natural Bacon: Often has a shorter shelf life due to fewer preservatives. Generally aim for 4 to 7 days in the fridge.

Cooked Bacon

If you’ve batch-cooked a pound of bacon (smart move!), it needs to be refrigerated within two hours.

• Fridge: Lasts 5 to 14 days depending on how well it’s sealed.
• Freezer: While safe indefinitely, quality is best if used within 1 month.

Freezing Bacon: The Long-Term Solution

Can you freeze bacon? Yes. In fact, it’s one of the best ways to keep it handy.

Freezing Raw Bacon

1. Unopened: Toss the whole package in the freezer. Best used within 1 month (30 days) to avoid flavor changes in the fat.
2. Opened: Don’t just throw the floppy package in! Flash freeze individual slices on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a bag. This lets you grab just one or two slices at a time without thawing the whole block.

Freezing Cooked Bacon

Cooked bacon freezes surprisingly well. It’s perfect for meal prep—just microwave for 30 seconds to reheat.

Thawing Bacon Safely

Never leave bacon on the counter to thaw. Bacteria love room temperature meat.

1. Overnight in the Fridge: The safest method.
2. Cold Water: Submerge the sealed bag in cold water. Change water every 30 minutes.
3. Microwave: Use the defrost setting. Cook immediately after thawing.

Signs Your Bacon Is Bad

Don’t rely on the date alone. Your senses are your best tool.

• Appearance: Fresh bacon is pink and white. If it turns gray, green, or brown, pitch it.
• Texture: Fresh bacon is soft and moist. Slimy or sticky bacon indicates bacterial growth.
• Smell: It should smell like smoky meat. A sour, fishy, or sulfur smell means it’s spoiled.