How to Store Bacon in Refrigerator

Bacon is a beloved kitchen staple — but it has a shorter shelf life than many people realize, especially once the package is opened. Here's how to store bacon in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and safe for as long as possible.

Unopened vs. Opened Bacon

Like deli meat, bacon's storage life depends heavily on whether the package has been opened:

• Unopened bacon: Lasts up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator (check the use-by date).
• Opened bacon: Use within 1 week.

How to Store Opened Bacon

1. Wrap tightly — Once opened, wrap the remaining bacon tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, pressing out as much air as possible.
2. Place in a sealed bag or container — Store the wrapped bacon in a SPLF Reusable Bag with air squeezed out, or in a ComSaf Airtight Container. Double-sealing is important — bacon's strong aroma can permeate the entire fridge if not properly contained.
3. Store in the coldest part of the fridge — The back of the bottom shelf or the meat drawer maintains the most consistent cold temperature.
4. Label with the date opened — Always mark when you opened the package.

How to Store Cooked Bacon

1. Let cooked bacon cool completely on a paper towel to absorb excess grease.
2. Store in a ComSaf Airtight Container lined with a paper towel to absorb any remaining grease.
3. Refrigerate and use within 4–5 days.

How Long Does Bacon Last in the Refrigerator?

• Unopened bacon: up to 2 weeks (check use-by date)
• Opened raw bacon: up to 1 week
• Cooked bacon: 4–5 days
• Frozen raw bacon: up to 1 month (quality), up to 4 months (safety)
• Frozen cooked bacon: up to 1 month

How to Freeze Bacon

Bacon freezes well. For raw bacon, freeze the entire unopened package as-is, or separate into portions by rolling individual slices and freezing on a baking sheet before transferring to a SPLF Reusable Freezer Bag. This lets you pull out individual slices as needed. For cooked bacon, layer between paper towels in a freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Signs Bacon Has Gone Bad

• Sour or off smell (beyond normal bacon aroma)
• Slimy texture
• Dull gray or green discoloration
• Mold on the surface
• More than 1 week since opening (raw) or 5 days (cooked)

Quick Tips Summary

• ✅ Wrap opened bacon tightly and seal in a bag or airtight container
• ✅ Use opened raw bacon within 1 week
• ✅ Store cooked bacon in a paper towel-lined airtight container for 4–5 days
• ✅ Freeze individual slices for easy portioning
• ❌ Don't leave opened bacon loosely wrapped — it dries out and the smell spreads
• ❌ Don't ignore the use-by date on unopened packages