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How long does bacon last?
Updated 2026-05-13 · USDA FoodKeeper & FDA guidelines
Refrigerator
1 week
After opening: 1 week. Unopened: until sell-by + 1 week
Freezer
1 month
1 month for best quality (high salt slows freezer life)
The short answer
Bacon lasts as long as you store it correctly — which can mean anywhere from a few days on the counter to a year in the freezer. The numbers above represent best quality per USDA and FDA guidelines, not absolute safety limits.
Why these numbers vary
Cured pork strips. Storage life depends on temperature consistency, humidity, packaging, and how fresh it was when you got it. Refrigerators that swing between 38°F and 45°F shave days off these numbers; vacuum-sealing or freezing extends them.
How to tell if bacon is bad
- Slimy surface
- Sour smell
- Greenish or grey color
- Mold
Storage tips
- Freeze in usable portions — separate slices with parchment
- Unopened 1 week past sell-by
- Cooked bacon: 4–5 days fridge
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Frequently asked questions
How long does bacon last in the refrigerator?
Bacon lasts 1 week in the refrigerator. After opening: 1 week. Unopened: until sell-by + 1 week
How long does bacon last in the freezer?
Bacon lasts 1 month in the freezer. 1 month for best quality (high salt slows freezer life)
How can you tell if bacon is bad?
Watch for: Slimy surface; Sour smell; Greenish or grey color.