How long does Bacon last?
How long does Bacon last? fridge 1 week (opened), freezer 1 month. Plus spoilage signs, sources, and an unopened-vs-opened note.
Quick answer
Sealed / unopened: 2 weeks (unopened)
Signs Bacon has gone bad
- Sticky or slimy texture.
- Sour or rotten smell, gray-green color.
- Mold on the surface.
Discard immediately if
- Any slimy or sticky feel
- Any off smell at all (cooked food should smell neutral or like its seasoning)
- Mold of any color
Why guidance varies
Whole cuts keep longer than ground meat because ground meat has more surface area exposed to bacteria; cut type, fat content, and packaging method (vacuum vs. butcher paper) shift duration significantly.
Get a heads-up before it expires. Search the full database instead.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Bacon last?
In the fridge: 1 week (opened). In the freezer: 1 month. Sealed / unopened: 2 weeks (unopened). Wrap tightly after opening. Cooked bacon keeps 4–5 days in the fridge.
How can you tell if Bacon has gone bad?
Signs that Bacon has gone bad: Sticky or slimy texture; Sour or rotten smell, gray-green color; Mold on the surface.
What does the date label on Bacon mean?
Bacon usually carries a "Use By" date. The last date the manufacturer recommends for peak quality — for most foods this is still quality-based, not a safety cutoff (infant formula is the one exception). See our date-labels guide for the full breakdown.
Sources for this answer
- A USDA FSIS — Refrigeration and Food Safety — Storage windows and refrigeration guidance for this category.
- A USDA FoodKeeper — Date-label interpretation and food-safety baseline.