An unopened bag of commercial beef jerky won’t go bad if it has been cooked, dried, packaged, and kept in good condition. It will, however, gradually lose freshness in texture and flavor. The window of peak freshness is indicated by the best-by date on the package. After the best-by date, unopened jerky is safe to eat as long as it has been stored properly. But it won’t taste as good as fresh jerky.
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Beef jerky makes a great long-lasting snack. But how long does beef jerky last?Jerky is a great addition to food storage or emergency supplies because it allows you to store meat for extended periods of time without having to refrigerate or freeze it. You might also consume it quickly after purchasing it if you can’t resist. Depending on how it is packaged, whether it is homemade, and when it is opened, beef jerky can last for a very long time in either case. Let’s test those hypotheses to determine how long beef jerky lasts.
How Long Does Beef Jerky Last If It’s Homemade?
If youre making your beef jerky at home, the how long beef jerky lasts depends on how you package it. If you seal it in an airtight container, homemade beef jerky can last up to 1-2 months on the shelf. This means vacuum sealed bags or other means of ensuring that no bacteria can get in. If you just throw it in a container or plastic zipped bag, you can expect it to last up to a week on the shelf or 2-3 weeks in the fridge. Or, you can make your homemade beef jerky last even longer by putting it in the freezer! (Source: Two Chicks Jerky)
How Long Does Beef Jerky Last from the Store?
Our beef jerky at Top Notch keeps fresh for a few years. The sell-by date of our jerky is 1.5 years after it is packaged. It will last several months unopened past its sell-by date. Depending on how you store it, our beef jerky loses some of its freshness once you open it. Let’s check the shelf life of beef jerky once it has been opened:
How Long Does Beef Jerky Last After It’s Been Opened?
It’s best to consume our jerky within three days of opening it without refrigeration. Particularly if the bag is open and it isn’t placed in an airtight container, the exposure to air will cause it to lose tenderness, softness, and chewiness over time. Although beef jerky can be kept for several days, it is best to consume it within three days of opening.
After opening, our jerky will last longer than three days if you refrigerate it. Beef jerky will remain fresh and maintain its texture for longer if it is kept in a cool, dry environment, preventing it from quickly turning tough and stale.
Beef Jerky Lasts a Long Time!
Other beef jerky brands vary in how long their beef jerky lasts, but because jerky is a shelf-stable food it usually can last quite a while! Unopened, beef jerky will last a couple of years, and if you put it in the freezer, add another year! In fact, beef jerky will last indefinitely in the freezer, but it will start to lose its texture and other delicious qualities over time (source: Peoples Choice Beef Jerky)
Order Fresh, Shelf-Stable Top Notch Jerky Online
Beef jerky is the way to go if you want a snack that will last for years on your shelf or in your food storage. Because you’ll keep coming back for more of our tender, fresh, irresistible jerky, even though beef jerky can last up to several years, once you open it, it won’t last long. If you have additional inquiries about our jerky, get in touch with us. It is best the first three days after opening, though in the fridge it can last several weeks – but only if you can let it go that long. Order Top Notch Jerky online right now if you’re ready to give it a try!
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Jerky for Survival Preps: Shelf Life, Storage and Uses.
FAQ
How can you tell if beef jerky has gone bad?
Beef jerky should not be consumed if it displays any of the following signs of spoilage: mold, discoloration, or sliminess. Fresh jerky must be uniform in color and free from any mold or other growths that could be seen. It is best to throw away your jerky and find a replacement if you see these signs on it.
How long can beef jerky last after being opened?
Although beef jerky can be stored for several days, it is best to consume it within three days of opening. After opening, our jerky will last longer than three days if you refrigerate it. Beef jerky will remain fresh and maintain its texture for longer if it is kept in a cool, dry environment, preventing it from quickly turning tough and stale.
How long can beef jerky stay in the fridge?
The best-by date on the package or up to a year can be reached by keeping jerky in your pantry. Once opened, you should keep your jerky in the fridge. Once your jerky is opened, follow these instructions to keep it fresh for up to three days. Your jerky should specify whether it needs to be refrigerated on the bag or box.
Does dehydrated jerky go bad?
Jerky that has been properly dried is non-perishable, which means it will keep for a long time but eventually lose its flavor, texture, color, and aroma. Commercial jerky package labels include a best-by date. This usually occurs one year after the meat was placed in the package.