How long does it take for turkey bacon to go bad?

Did you buy some turkey bacon for the first time and are not sure how long it will stay good in the fridge?

Don’t worry, because we have all of your questions answered here.

In this TheGrillingDad.com article you’ll learn:

• How long turkey can last in the fridge
• The best way to store turkey bacon
• And much more!

How Long is Turkey Bacon Good in the Fridge?

If you bought a package of turkey bacon with your weekly groceries, you may be wondering just how long it will stay good in the fridge. This is especially true if you don’t have much experience with turkey bacon.

A package of turkey bacon that has never been opened should be used within a week of being purchased for safety reasons. However, some people say that it can even last up to 14 days past its expiration date when stored in your fridge.

Additionally, if you have opened your turkey bacon, you should try to use it within 3-5 days since harmful bacteria can begin to grow once it has been exposed to the air. If you have leftover cooked turkey, you can keep it for about 3-5 days in the fridge as well.

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Difference Between Turkey Bacon and Real Bacon

Most people know that “real” bacon is made from the belly of the pig and has a distinct smoky flavor. When you purchase it prepackaged at the grocery store, it can have a variety of flavors that make it that much better.

Bacon, by definition, is a product, usually pork, that has been smoked and cured to give it a salty and smoky flavor that is unique. Many people enjoy having bacon as a side to their breakfast or any other time of the day.

Other meats have been used to mimic the same flavor as regular bacon to make it a bit healthier. Turkey bacon is one of the most common substitutes for bacon since it is a leaner meat.

Is Turkey Bacon Good for You?

Many people choose to use turkey bacon as a healthy alternative to regular bacon since turkey is a leaner meat. But, is turkey bacon considered good for you?

It is important to keep in mind that while turkey is a heart-healthier choice than pork bacon, it has still been processed in the same manner. This means that during the curing process, quite a bit of sodium and other additives are added to it to create an authentic smoky flavor.

Turkey bacon, like pork bacon, should only be consumed occasionally and not as an everyday staple of your diet. However, it is a much healthier option than pork bacon since it comes from a leaner cut of meat.

How Long Can Turkey Bacon Last in the Fridge?

Most people are familiar with the “sell by” dates that are printed on the package of many food items you purchase in the grocery store. These dates are often intended as a reminder for the store that the product may need to be rotated out after a certain time.

Because of this, your turkey bacon can last in the fridge for up to 14 days past the “sell by” date that is printed on the package. However, it is recommended that you cook it much sooner than that just to be sure.

If the package is unopened, it is typically good for about a week in the fridge and should be cooked by then. You should keep this in mind as you are preparing your meals to ensure that it does not sit for too long in the fridge.

Once you open the package of turkey bacon, you should cook the entire package and store the unused portion in an airtight container. This is because once turkey bacon, or any other food product, has been exposed to the air, harmful bacteria can begin to grow.

Keep in mind that the cooked bacon should also be consumed within 3-5 days after it has been stored in the fridge. This is because it loses its freshness after it has been cooked and stored in the cold air for a few days.

How Long Can You Store Turkey Bacon in the Freezer?

If you purchased turkey bacon, but are not quite ready to use it yet, you can pop it in the freezer to extend the shelf life. This can buy you quite a bit of time before you have to take it out and cook it.

Turkey bacon can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months before it begins to lose its authentic flavor. This is why it is recommended that you thaw it in the fridge and cook it as soon as possible within that time frame.

If you cooked an entire package of turkey bacon but didn’t use it all, you may want to freeze it until you are ready to use it again. Cooked turkey should only be kept in the freezer for about 2 months since it can lose its flavoring after that time.

The bottom line is that freezing your turkey bacon is a great way to store it if you are not planning to use it within the week. Just keep in mind that you need to remove it and cook it within 3 months if you wish to enjoy the same smoky flavors.

Best Methods for Cooking Turkey Bacon

Like pork bacon, there are many ways that you can cook bacon and still maintain the delicious smoky flavoring. While some people prefer the traditional method of pan frying it in a skillet, others have searched for other ways to add some variety.

In a Skillet

Cooking turkey bacon in a skillet on the stove is one of the most common methods that is used in many households. This method allows you to have more control over the temperature which in turn gives you the chance to cook it to your preferences.

Deep Fryer

Another method that has been used by many to cook turkey bacon is to use the deep fryer as an alternative. Keep in mind that since the deep fryer requires you to use quite a bit of cooking oil, it creates a product that is not as healthy as you may think.

Air Fryer

Finally, since the rise of air fryers, many people have attempted to use them for cooking their favorite recipes and foods, such as bacon. Turkey bacon can be cooked in the air fryer and is a much healthier alternative to frying it either in a pan on the stove or especially in the deep fryer.

Although some people question whether or not you can grill turkey bacon, the answer is a resounding no. This is because the grilling method tends to dry turkey bacon out faster and can result in a hard, flavorless product.

Storing Turkey Bacon in the Fridge

If you cooked your entire package of turkey bacon but didn’t finish it, don’t worry because you can store it in the fridge or freezer to use at a later time. This is, of course, if you have stored it properly to keep harmful bacteria from entering it.

Like all meat products, turkey bacon should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours to be considered safe. Once you have cooked it, you should store it as soon as it has cooled off.

The best way to store leftover turkey bacon is to wrap it in plastic wrap and then place it in an airtight container. This method will keep it fresh and safe for 3-5 days before you should consider tossing it out.

While storing it in an airtight container without wrapping it is perfectly fine, wrapping it in plastic can help to maintain the moisture. This means that when you decide to reheat it, it will not dry out as easily.

As an alternative, if you are not planning to use your leftover turkey bacon within a week, you may want to consider placing it in the freezer. Using the same method of wrapping it in plastic and placing it in an airtight container, you can store your turkey bacon for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Whether you store your leftover turkey bacon in the fridge or the freezer, you should label the container. This will help to remind you of when it is time to toss it so you are not exposed to the meat that has gone bad.

How Can You Tell If Turkey Bacon Has Gone Bad?

If you have had turkey bacon stored in your refrigerator for quite some time, you may be wondering if it has gone bad. There are several ways that you can tell whether or not it is any good.

Here are some tips to determine whether your turkey bacon has gone bad:

• Take a look-if your turkey bacon has gone bad, it will have a brown or gray tinge, or may even be growing mold on it. Good turkey bacon is typically pink with some white streaks throughout.
• Touch it-turkey that is good has a slightly spongy texture that is cold but not slimy or sticky. If your turkey bacon feels slimy or sticky, chances are it has gone bad.
• Take a whiff-this is the best way to determine whether or not your turkey bacon is any good. If it has gone bad, it will have an unpleasant smell that is a sure sign that the turkey bacon is no longer fit for consumption.

Final Thoughts on Turkey Bacon in the Fridge

The bottom line is that turkey bacon should last up to a week in your fridge before it is no longer viable. This means that if you purchase turkey bacon, you should either cook it right away or store it in the freezer until you are ready to use it.

Learn More About Grilling

If you want to learn more about grilling, check out these other helpful resources!

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