How long is turkey bacon good after opening? Well, it is true that bacon’s flavor can diminish after being opened, but it does not mean it is any less remarkable.
Unless you totally ignore any storage guidelines because it would make the bacon lose its crispness and become soggy. And sometimes, the bacon may actually go bad and no longer stay edible.
So, how long is turkey bacon good for after opened? It depends on many factors including how you store it in the first place.
And though it lasts longer in the freezer, it may still be useable after a while if stored in the refrigerator.
Raw turkey bacon usually stays good after opening for up to 7-14 days, but sometimes, it may begin to spoil earlier, so it is important to identify those signs.
How Long is Turkey Bacon Good After Opening?
To ensure the bacon stays fresh when stored, you need to pay attention to how well you wrap it in the first place.
Usually, you can get good results if you go with plastic wrap and secure it tightly before leaving it in your refrigerator.
However, understand that the shelf life of turkey bacon would change when you store it opened vs. unopened.
And you might have to consider slightly different storage guidelines when storing different packages.
How Long Will Turkey Bacon Last If Unopened?
When stored in the fridge, unopened bacon packages may stay good for up to a couple of weeks.
Bacon alternatives like turkey bacon or pancetta should be kept for about the same time.
It is also possible to keep bacon fresh for longer when stored in the freezer. In most cases, it stays good in the freezer for up to eight months if it is raw and unopened.
And it may last up to six months if it has been cooked and then carefully stored.
Tip: Under no circumstances should raw turkey bacon be kept out in the open, as refrigeration is required for meat storage to inhibit bacterial growth.
How Long Does Turkey Bacon Last When Opened?
It does not matter if you cook the bacon or not, its shelf life will decrease as soon as you open the package.
Uncooked bacon can be stored for up to a week in the fridge, but cooked bacon will keep for no more than 4-5 days, even if stored properly.
In the case of turkey bacon, there is a seven-day refrigeration window once it has been opened.
But, keep in mind that there is a possibility that bacon goes bad much earlier than this.
As the risk of turkey bacon going bad is for real, you have to check it carefully before you reuse it.
If you intend to store it for an extended period of time, check for color and odor changes. When this happens, throw it away.
How to Store Turkey Bacon When Opened
Before storing, be sure to wrap any opened turkey bacon using tin foil or store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Make sure it does not get a freezer burn by wrapping it twice and placing it in a freezer bag if you have to store it in the freezer.
Here is a step-by-step process to freeze turkey bacon correctly:
- Divide your bacon into smaller slices and spread on wax paper.
- Carefully fold the wax paper so that it covers the bacon completely.
- Now that another slice of bacon and place it over the first one.
- Again, fold the wax paper over it.
- Keep using the same technique until you pile all slices of bacon.
- Simply put the package in the freezer.
An Important Consideration
It is okay to put an already opened package of turkey bacon in the fridge if you know you will use it in a few days.
But if you have any leftovers, ensure that you have put them in an airtight container before placing them in the fridge.
Tip: Be sure to label the box with a date when you store the bacon along with any best-by date you find on the package.
The Shelf Life of Thawed Bacon in the Fridge
When you want to reuse frozen turkey bacon, it is naturally important to thaw it first.
But, what if you wish to re-freeze after it has been thawed?
Well, it is possible but not always recommended. You can definitely make thawed bacon last for a couple more days when stored in the freezer.
But it also increases the risk of your turkey bacon becoming contaminated with bacteria.
The Shelf Life of Cured Bacon in the Fridge
Cured turkey bacon can also go bad in a couple of weeks if you store it in the fridge.
Many people think that curing bacon would make it last longer but that is not always the case.
It might be safer to eat once cured with salt and sugar mix, but it can sometimes be risky if you leave it for long enough.
Fact: It is always better to freeze cured turkey bacon to make it last longer than a couple of hours, or be sure to smoke it first and then store.
Why Does Turkey Bacon Go Bad after Opening?
Turkey bacon serves as a great alternative for those who do not like traditional turkey bacon.
It is cheaper, healthier, and more delicious than traditional bacon, with fewer calories and sodium.
However, improper storage can cause turkey bacon to spoil.
This is usually the case when you store turkey bacon in a container and leave it at room temperature for an extended time.
Even in an airtight container, your turkey bacon won’t last long.
Identifying Spoiled Turkey Bacon
If you are looking for a bacon alternative that is a little lighter on fat, turkey bacon is the way to go.
In fact, so many people opt for it when they cannot enjoy the regular option because of its high cholesterol content.
But, the most difficult part of switching to turkey bacon is learning to appreciate the subtle flavor distinctions.
When compared to real bacon, turkey bacon is not always the same in texture or appearance.
Moreover, deciding if your frozen turkey bacon has already started going bad can be tricky.
Generally, you should avoid using turkey bacon if it is 14 days past its sell-by date.
But, sometimes, it may begin to show signs of spoilage within a week or so.
Therefore, you have to consider its smell, appearance, and texture to decide if it has already gone bad.
Appearance
So, first things first: pay attention to how it looks from the outside.
There are instances when spoiled turkey bacon is so obviously off that you can trash it without even trying to touch it.
Turkey bacon has a natural pink shade, neither too dark nor too light. That is something you will notice when you look at a new package of turkey bacon.
Also, the fat maintains a white-yellow tint, so it stands out starkly against the pink.
Now, if you notice the color does not look like fresh bacon or it has already started turning gray or brown, it is time to get rid of it.
In fact, it is not uncommon to see hints of blue or even green among the gray tinge.
If any of these signs are present, know that the turkey bacon has gone bad and is growing mold. Be prepared to discard it.
Smell
Often, a fishy odor, or even just a rotting stench, will be a telltale sign of deterioration.
Remember, the smell of spoiled turkey bacon is similar to that of sour or rancid fat, so it is easy to pick it.
Texture
Finally, touch the bacon and feel the texture.
Authentic, high-quality turkey bacon has a tender, almost juicy texture. Since it is fresh meat, the texture will be a little spongy, but it will not be gooey.
Turkey bacon degrades because of the growth of lactic acid bacteria. That is when it becomes slightly slimy.
An unpleasant slimy texture, verging on stickiness, will form on spoiled turkey bacon. Therefore, it is time to simply toss it.
Tip: Avoid eating expired bacon may cause serious symptoms, including diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea.
Takeaway
How long is turkey bacon good after opening? Turkey bacon can last a few days in the fridge after opening.
But, you can definitely extend that time by freezing it. Still, you should store it in the fridge only when you believe you will use it in the next couple of days.
Leaving it there for longer than a week may cause your bacon to go bad.