Editor of Boyd Hampers, Norah Clark has over ten years of experience in the hospitality industry as a pastry chef, sous chef, and barista. She was previously a chef at the Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons, Savoy Hotel, and Plaza Hotel.
You can identify bad turkey bacon by looking for a color shift. Fresh turkey bacon has a pale pink hue; if it begins to turn brown or gray, it’s probably going bad.
Occasionally, you might even notice blue or green hues, which are a definite sign that the turkey bacon has mold and needs to be thrown out right away. You ought to be aware of the turkey bacon’s texture and scent in addition to its color.
If you enjoy turkey bacon, you are aware of its potential for deliciousness. But like any food, it can go bad. If you want to stay healthy, you need to know how to tell if your turkey bacon has gone bad.
This post will discuss some indicators that your turkey bacon may have gone bad and what to do if you think it has.
Turkey bacon is a popular alternative to traditional pork bacon, offering a lower fat content and a similar taste and texture. However, like any other perishable food, turkey bacon has a limited shelf life and needs to be stored properly to ensure its quality and safety.
This guide will answer the question “how long does turkey bacon last?” and provide comprehensive information on storing both raw and cooked turkey bacon to maximize its freshness and prevent spoilage
How Long Does Raw Turkey Bacon Last?
The shelf life of raw turkey bacon depends on whether it is unopened or opened:
- Unopened: An unopened package of turkey bacon can safely be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or seven days past the expiration date, whichever comes first.
- Opened: Once the package is opened, the turkey bacon should be tightly wrapped and stored in the refrigerator for a maximum of one week.
It’s important to note that these are general guidelines and the actual shelf life of your turkey bacon may vary depending on factors such as the storage temperature and the initial quality of the product.
Storing Uncooked Turkey Bacon
Here are some tips for storing uncooked turkey bacon:
- Refrigerate: Always store raw turkey bacon in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
- Tightly Wrap: Wrap the turkey bacon tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other flavors in the refrigerator.
- Separate from Other Foods: Keep raw turkey bacon away from other food items to prevent cross-contamination.
- Follow Handling Guidelines: Wash your hands and any surfaces that come into contact with raw turkey bacon thoroughly with soap and hot water.
Safe Handling Tips for Raw Bacon
To ensure the safe handling of raw turkey bacon, follow these guidelines:
- Do not leave raw bacon out at room temperature for more than one hour.
- Cook turkey bacon thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Do not refreeze raw turkey bacon that has been thawed.
How to Know When Turkey Bacon Has Gone Bad?
Here are some signs that indicate your turkey bacon has gone bad:
- Discoloration: The turkey bacon has turned gray or brown.
- Sour Smell: The turkey bacon has a sour or unpleasant odor.
- Slimy Texture: The turkey bacon has a slimy or sticky texture.
If you notice any of these signs, discard the turkey bacon immediately.
Cooked Turkey Bacon Shelf Life
Cooked turkey bacon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months.
Making Cooked Bacon Last Longer
Here are some tips for making cooked turkey bacon last longer:
- Drain Grease: Drain the grease from the cooked turkey bacon on a paper towel to prevent it from becoming soggy.
- Wrap Tightly: Wrap the cooked turkey bacon tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
- Store in Individual Portions: Store the cooked turkey bacon in individual portions to make it easier to reheat as needed.
- Freeze Properly: If freezing cooked turkey bacon, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Safe Handling Tips for Cooked Turkey Bacon
Here are some safe handling tips for cooked turkey bacon:
- Refrigerate within two hours of cooking.
- Do not leave cooked turkey bacon at room temperature for more than two hours.
- Thaw frozen cooked turkey bacon in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat cooked turkey bacon thoroughly before eating.
Refrigerate or Freeze?
Freezing cooked turkey bacon is a great way to extend its shelf life. However, it’s important to note that freezing may affect the texture of the bacon, making it slightly tougher.
More Bacon Handling and Storage Tips
Here are some additional tips for handling and storing bacon:
- Buy high-quality bacon: Choose bacon from a reputable source and check the expiration date before purchasing.
- Store bacon in its original packaging: If possible, store bacon in its original packaging to maintain freshness.
- Use a bacon keeper: A bacon keeper is a container specifically designed to store bacon and help it stay fresh longer.
- Avoid storing bacon in the door of the refrigerator: The temperature in the door of the refrigerator fluctuates more than other areas, which can shorten the shelf life of bacon.
By following these tips for storing raw, cooked, and frozen turkey bacon, you can ensure that it stays fresh and safe to eat. Remember to always check the expiration date and handle the bacon properly to prevent spoilage and foodborne illness.
How To Tell If Turkey Bacon Is Bad
It’s crucial to verify the expiration date on turkey bacon before buying. It is advisable not to purchase anything if the expiration date has passed or is soon approaching.
After you buy the turkey bacon, look for any damage or punctures on the packaging. It is safe to presume that the turkey bacon is fresh if the package is undamaged and still within its expiration date.
If you have cooked turkey bacon, you should check for any signs of spoilage before consuming it.
The smell of spoiled turkey bacon is sour, and it might feel slimy. It’s best to throw away turkey bacon if it has any discoloration or an odd smell.
It’s crucial to store any leftover turkey bacon carefully to keep it from going bad.
Use it within three to four days after storing it in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
Before eating any frozen turkey bacon, make sure it hasn’t freezer burned.
When turkey bacon is exposed to air in the freezer, it can get freezer burn, which dehydrates and discolors it.
Turkey bacon is edible but won’t taste good if it shows any symptoms of freezer burn, such as a white or grayish color.
You can make sure that your turkey bacon is safe to eat and prevent any potential foodborne illnesses by adhering to these guidelines.
When Does Turkey Bacon Begin To Spoil?
Once opened, raw turkey bacon usually keeps for 7 to 14 days in the refrigerator.
However, this can change based on things like the packaging, storage conditions, and the sell-by date. So, check the expiration date and use-by date.
Your turkey bacon may have gone bad if it has started to turn brown or grey in color.
Any discoloration, like blue or green spots, is a dead giveaway that the bacon has gone bad and needs to be thrown out right away.
It is obvious that your turkey bacon has gone bad if it smells bad.
When judging whether or not your bacon is still edible, you should rely on your sense of smell since a rancid or sour smell is frequently connected to spoiling.
Your turkey bacon has obviously gone bad if it feels slimy or sticky to the touch. This frequently happens as a result of moisture accumulation, which can encourage the growth of bacteria and other dangerous microbes.
It is noteworthy that lactic acid bacteria, which are not harmful to humans, are frequently found in raw meat. But if these germs are given the chance to grow, they may eventually cause food poisoning and spoiling.
Turkey bacon should be refrigerated in its original packaging or covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil when not in use. For extended storage times, vacuum-sealed or zip-lock bags are additional options.
When thawing your turkey bacon, place it in a bowl of cold water or the refrigerator. Thawing at room temperature should be avoided as this can promote the growth of dangerous bacteria.
To guarantee that your turkey bacon is safe to eat, it’s critical to follow the right handling and cooking techniques. Bacon should always be cooked until it is soft and pliable, and you should always wash your hands and any surfaces that come into contact with raw meat.
Ultimately, it is best to err on the side of caution and throw away your turkey bacon right away if you think it may have gone bad.
Best Way To Cook Turkey Bacon
How long does turkey bacon last in the fridge?
Typically, turkey bacon will stay good in the refrigerator at least until the sell-by date, or another week or so past that date if you don’t open it. Once the package is open, you should keep it in the fridge and use the remaining bacon (or throw it away) within the next three or four days.
How long does smoked turkey bacon last?
Smoked turkey bacon will last 1 week in the fridge and up to 2 months in the freezer. Raw turkey bacon will is good for up to 2 days in the fridge and 2 months in the freezer. After this, turkey bacon can go bad. Most turkey bacon is smoked and doesn’t require additional cooking for food safety.
How long does turkey bacon take to cook?
Try to buy turkey bacon no more than 7 days before you plan to eat it. After you’ve opened the package, the meat will be exposed to the air. That means it will spoil faster than it would have if you’d kept it in the wrapper. Once opened, you should cook the turkey bacon within 3 to 4 days.
Can you eat turkey bacon if it has not been opened?
If the package is sealed shut (never opened) and the date hasn’t passed, the turkey bacon should be perfectly fine as long as it was kept cold. Once you open your turkey bacon, however, you can’t just go by the date on the package. Once air gets into the package there’s always a chance for bacteria to develop.