You opened a package of bacon four days ago, cooked some for breakfast, and left the rest in the fridge loosely wrapped. Now it is Monday. You have raw strips left and a container of cooked bacon from the weekend. Are both still good?
Does bacon go bad?
The short answer: Yes, bacon goes bad, and the timeline is shorter than most people assume. Raw bacon lasts 1 week in the refrigerator after opening per the USDA. Cooked bacon lasts 4 to 5 days refrigerated. Unopened raw bacon lasts up to 2 weeks in the fridge. Turkey bacon follows the same 1-week window after opening. All types freeze well and last 1 to 4 months frozen depending on the form.
For more on storing perishable foods, see the Food Storage Guide.
Key Takeaways
Raw bacon, unopened: up to 2 weeks refrigerated or until use-by date
Raw bacon, opened: 1 week refrigerated (USDA)
Cooked bacon: 4 to 5 days refrigerated in an airtight container
Turkey bacon, opened: 1 week refrigerated (USDA); some sources say 3 to 5 days for best quality
Freezer: raw bacon up to 4 months; cooked bacon up to 3 months
Spoilage signs: sour or rancid smell, slimy texture, gray or green discoloration
How Long Does Bacon Last?
The USDA FSIS publishes specific guidance on bacon and food safety. For raw bacon, the refrigerator window is clear: unopened packages last up to 2 weeks, and opened packages should be used within 1 week. This applies to both regular pork bacon and turkey bacon. The USDA does not distinguish between the two for the 1-week opened window, though turkey bacon is leaner and some producers recommend using it within 3 to 5 days of opening for best quality.
Cooked bacon lasts longer than most people expect: 4 to 5 days refrigerated in an airtight container per USDA guidance and multiple producer sources. The cooking process kills off the bacteria present in raw bacon, and the salt and fat content slow re-colonization in the fridge. Many people assume cooked bacon needs to be eaten immediately, which is not true. Properly stored cooked bacon is a practical meal prep item.
Type
Refrigerator (Unopened)
Refrigerator (After Opening)
Freezer
Raw pork bacon (sealed package)
Up to 2 weeks
1 week (USDA)
Up to 4 months
Raw turkey bacon (sealed package)
Up to 2 weeks
1 week (USDA); 3 to 5 days for best quality
Up to 4 months
Cooked bacon (pork or turkey)
N/A
4 to 5 days
Up to 3 months
Shelf-stable precooked bacon (vacuum-sealed)
Until use-by date, stored at or below 85°F
2 weeks after opening
Up to 6 months
How to Tell If Bacon Has Gone Bad
Signs of Spoilage
Sour or rancid smell: Fresh raw bacon has a mild, cured, slightly smoky smell. A sour, sharp, or distinctly rancid odor means the fat has oxidized or bacteria have taken hold. Do not cook it and hope the smell cooks off. Discard it.
Slimy or tacky texture: Uncooked bacon should feel slightly moist when you pick it up but should not leave a slimy film. Sliminess is caused by Lactobacillus bacteria colonizing the surface and secreting a
