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How long does bacon (sealed) last?
Updated 2026-05-13 · USDA FoodKeeper & FDA guidelines
Refrigerator
2 weeks
Unopened, past sell-by
After opening
1 week
Once opened
Freezer
2 months
Wrap tightly — fat goes rancid
The short answer
Bacon (sealed) 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 bacon, sealed package. 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 (sealed) is bad
- Slimy surface
- Sour smell
- Green or gray color
- Yellow fat
Storage tips
- Lasts 2 weeks past sell-by unopened
- Freeze portions in single layers
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Frequently asked questions
How long does bacon (sealed) last in the refrigerator?
Bacon (sealed) lasts 2 weeks in the refrigerator. Unopened, past sell-by
How long does bacon (sealed) last in the after opening?
Bacon (sealed) lasts 1 week in the after opening. Once opened
How long does bacon (sealed) last in the freezer?
Bacon (sealed) lasts 2 months in the freezer. Wrap tightly — fat goes rancid
How can you tell if bacon (sealed) is bad?
Watch for: Slimy surface; Sour smell; Green or gray color.