Jerky is unquestionably the most popular type of snack for many people. The reason for this is not far-fetched. Jerky has a wide range of flavors, is filling, and keeps for a long time!
It’s also a convenient, filling snack for people who are always on the go. Is it still okay to eat an old packet of jerky that you find at the bottom of your backpack, though? Let’s find out.
Does beef jerky spoil?
Unlike eggs, milk, cheese, and bread, beef jerky does not go bad or become unfit for consumption. Beef jerky comes with a “best-by” date rather than an expiration date, unlike perishable foods.
It’s the reason people have loved beef jerky for centuries. It is a high protein, nutrient-dense snack that does not spoil quickly like other perishable foods.
Beef jerky can be enjoyed indefinitely as long as it has been produced, packaged, and kept properly. That’s not to say it’s immune from mishandling.
Jerky can have problems like mold and going rancid if it hasn’t been properly dehydrated or packaged. The good news is that it’s fairly simple to determine whether a bag of beef jerky is still edible and when it has become unusable.
How to tell if beef jerky is still good?
To check if beef jerky is still suitable for consumption, follow these simple four steps.
- Check for the best-by date.
- Check for any damage in the packaging.
- Inspect the jerky.
- Consult a professional.
It’s crucial to evaluate a bag of jerky using all of your senses, including sight, smell, and touch. Your eyes and nose will be your best guide. Common sense is the name of the game.
When in doubt, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our customer service team; they are always willing to assist. Doesnt matter if its our jerky or someone elses!.
Check for the best-by date.
A best-by date must be printed on the package of all beef jerky produced in the USA. It’s normally located near the bottom seal of the bag. Finding out if the beef jerky is still at its freshest can be done here. Keep in mind that just because jerky has passed its best-by date doesn’t mean it’s dangerous to consume.
Check for any rips or holes in the packaging.
Any damage to the package, such as rips, tears, pinholes, or an improper seal, may indicate that oxygen and moisture have entered the bag, which could lead to problems. Although it is not a guarantee that the jerky has spoiled, it is a sign to be aware of.
Inspect the jerky.
Here’s where your senses come into play.
How does it look? Notice the color. Pay attention to any imperfections. Does it have white spots, and how does it smell? It ought to smell like fresh, savory meat. It should be firm and malleable, but not overly so or mushy.
Mold and rancidity are two distinct indications that the jerky has spoiled and is unsafe to consume.
Is there evidence of mold on the jerky? Clearly discernible mold signs include furry, powdery, or fuzzy foreign substances that are white, green, or grey in hue. Mold typically has a spider-web pattern. If it looks like cobwebs, it’s mold. The white substance may be fat or salt that is coming to the surface. Read our guide to identifying mold on beef jerky if you’re not sure what the white substance on your jerky is.
In rare cases, when there is slightly more fat in beef jerky, it can result in the fat going rancid, which can make the jerky smell. The smell is a telltale sign that beef jerky has turned rancid. It will often have a spoiled, off smell.
Avoid eating and throw away any beef jerky that has mold or other signs of rancidity.
Consult a professional.
The beef jerky should be safe to eat if it successfully completes these three steps and exhibits no signs of mold or rancidity. But as always, seek professional advice if you have any worries or qualms.
You can contact our customer service team with any questions.
Why does beef jerky last so long?
The magic of beef jerky lies in the dehydration process.
Beef jerky is a shelf-stable product because all of the moisture has been removed. It can be stored without refrigeration. Lack of moisture and air-sealed packaging make for a product with a long shelf life. There is a purpose for why manufacturers of beef jerky stamp their products with a best-by date rather than an expiration date. Jerky doesn’t go bad when it’s made, packaged, and kept properly.
How to store beef jerky to extend the shelf life?
To keep your beef jerky as fresh as possible for as long as possible, follow these six simple steps.
- Maintain a steady temperature.
- Avoid any moisture.
- Keep out of the sun.
- Keep in the original packaging.
- Freeze only if you must.
- Buy from the best.
You can keep your jerky in top condition by following these instructions.
Keep it cool, but not cold.
The ideal temperature for beef jerky is ambient room temperature—not too hot or too cold. You could call it the goldilocks of snacks. Great places include the back of the pantry or inside a cabinet. Keep it away from the stove or other appliances.
The drier the better.
Although beef jerky is entirely sealed and packaged, there is still a tiny amount of oxygen that passes through the barrier. Additionally, it’s critical to store the jerky in a dry environment. Strong humidity areas can make the bag sweat, which can cause problems.
Sun is your enemy.
Keep your jerky away from the sun or bright light. Sun can accelerate the degradation process.
Minimize the exposure to oxygen.
Beef jerky should be kept in its original packaging for the best storage.
If you must, freeze it.
You can freeze your beef jerky until you’re ready to use it for even longer storage. We do not advise freezing beef jerky because it significantly reduces its flavor, texture, and nutritional value.
Buy from the best.
Buying from trusted sources is the most important factor. Start with a jerky that you can rely on.
How long does beef jerky last once opened?
Depending on whether the beef jerky is moist or dry, it will either last up to three days without refrigeration OR for as long as possible if it is a drier style.
For beef jerky to have a long shelf life, there are two key factors. Moisture and oxygen. Beef jerky can last for a very long time by reducing oxygen exposure (by packaging in a sealed package) and removing moisture from the jerky (through the drying process).
But as soon as the package is opened, oxygen and moisture are exposed to the beef jerky. To lessen the exposure to moisture and air, it’s crucial to reseal any leftover jerky in an airtight container. Beef jerky should last forever as long as you can keep it in an airtight plastic bag or container and store it somewhere cool and dry.
Is beef jerky good for survival?
Because it doesn’t spoil easily, keeps for a long time, has a lot of nutritional value, and doesn’t need to be cooked, beef jerky is excellent for survival needs. A serious emergency survival kit should feature beef jerky. When you need a high-protein snack, you can rely on this one.
How long does homemade beef jerky last?
Homemade jerky will last from 1 to 2 months.
Because of the processing methods used, homemade jerky does not keep as long as commercial jerky. Commercial jerky must adhere to exacting cooking, drying, and packaging standards. Although homemade jerky can be made and consumed without any risks, it won’t keep as long as commercial jerky.
Beef jerky has been a go-to snack for centuries. It’s beloved by pioneers and backpackers alike. The secret is the shelf life. It will last for a long time.
It’s important to buy from a trusted source. For more than 90 years and four generations, we have been making beef jerky by hand. You could say that we have some knowledge of jerky.
Shop our artisan beef jerky today!
A food fanatic and lover of all things beef. Sara has an unhealthy obsession with all things beautiful, so you can usually find her playing with her dog Pearl, checking out new wine bars, or experimenting with makeup.
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FAQ
How long does it take for beef jerky to go bad?
Shelf Life: Opened vs. Unopened Manufacturer Sealed BagVacuum Sealed at HomeOpened and stored in the refrigerator1-2 years3-6 months1-2 weeksUnopened Beef JerkyShelf Life of Beef JerkyUnopened Manufacturer Sealed Bag
What does bad beef jerky smell like?
You’ll be able to tell if the jerky has gone bad by the distinct smell of rotting meat, which is a good sign that you shouldn’t eat it. Although they are less obvious than the sniff test, there are visual cues that can indicate whether jerky has gone bad as well.
How can you tell if dried beef is bad?
The smell is a telltale sign that beef jerky has turned rancid. It will often have a spoiled, off smell. Avoid eating and throw away any beef jerky that has mold or other signs of rancidity.
Does dried jerky go bad?
Jerky rarely goes bad, especially when properly dehydrated, packaged, and stored, but it can. Since beef jerky is made from dehydrated meat, it does not go bad like perishable goods. But it is not impervious to bacteria and other problems you want to avoid.