How Long Does Bacon Last in the Fridge?
Quick Answer
Unopened bacon lasts up to 2 weeks in the fridge (or the sell-by date). Once opened, use raw bacon within 7 days and cooked bacon within 4–5 days.
Duration by Type
Through the sell-by date if kept below 40°F
Quick Answer
An unopened package of raw bacon keeps for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator, and generally at least a week past the printed sell-by date if kept cold. Once the package is opened, use raw bacon within 7 days. Cooked bacon lasts 4–5 days refrigerated. For much longer storage, freeze it — bacon keeps its best quality for about 1 month frozen but stays safe far longer.
Bacon Fridge Life by Type and State
| Type | Refrigerator (40°F / 4°C) | Freezer (0°F / -18°C) |
|---|---|---|
| Raw bacon, unopened | Up to 2 weeks (through sell-by) | 1 month (best quality) |
| Raw bacon, opened | 7 days | 1 month |
| Cooked bacon | 4–5 days | 1 month |
| Bacon bits (real, refrigerated) | 4–5 days after opening | 6 weeks |
| Precooked/shelf-stable bacon, opened | 5–7 days | Not recommended |
| Turkey bacon, opened | 7 days | 1 month |
How to Tell If Bacon Has Gone Bad
Fresh raw bacon is pink with white or cream-colored fat and smells mildly meaty. Toss it if you notice:
- Slimy or sticky film on the surface
- Gray, green, or brown discoloration in the meat
- A sour, rotten, or ammonia-like smell
- Fuzzy mold on the meat or inside the package
When in doubt, throw it out. Spoiled bacon can harbor Listeria and other bacteria that cause serious illness.
Factors That Affect How Long Bacon Lasts
- Refrigerator temperature. Bacon lasts longest at or below 40°F (4°C). The door is the warmest spot; store bacon on a middle or lower shelf.
- Packaging. Vacuum-sealed, unopened packs last longest. Once opened, oxygen and bacteria shorten the clock.
- Curing and preservatives. Standard cured bacon with nitrites lasts longer than uncured or "no nitrates added" varieties, which spoil faster.
- Handling. Every time you touch bacon with hands or utensils, you introduce bacteria. Reseal tightly and refrigerate promptly.
How to Make Bacon Last Longer
- Reseal opened bacon tightly in a zip-top bag or wrap in foil, then place inside an airtight container.
- Freeze in usable portions. Roll individual slices or lay a few flat between parchment paper so you can grab what you need.
- Freeze cooked bacon for grab-and-go breakfasts; reheat straight from frozen in 30–60 seconds.
- Don't leave it out. Discard bacon (raw or cooked) left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
When Bacon Is a Food-Safety Risk
Bacon is a cured, ready-to-cook product, but it can still cause foodborne illness. See a doctor if, after eating bacon that may have been spoiled, you develop severe vomiting, diarrhea, high fever, or signs of dehydration. Pregnant people, older adults, and anyone immunocompromised should be especially cautious, since Listeria can be dangerous even in small amounts. Always cook bacon to a safe temperature and refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
Pro Tips
Store bacon on a middle or lower shelf, not the door, which is the warmest part of the fridge.
— USDA FSIS
Freeze bacon in single-slice portions between parchment so you can pull only what you need.
— StillTasty
If bacon is slimy, gray, or smells sour, throw it out — don't risk Listeria.
— USDA FSIS
Quick Facts
Unopened bacon is safe to use up to 2 weeks in the fridge, generally including about a week past the sell-by date.
Source: USDA FSIS
Frozen bacon keeps its best quality for about 1 month but remains safe to eat indefinitely at 0°F.
Source: USDA FoodKeeper
Bacon left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be discarded.
Source: FoodSafety.gov