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Key Takeaways
Store bacon in a drawer or the bottom shelf of the refrigerator.
Keep bacon tightly sealed to limit oxygen exposure and slow spoilage.
Freeze unused bacon for longer storage—up to 6 months.
Avoid storing bacon near ready-to-eat foods to prevent cross-contamination.
Discard bacon if it smells rancid or shows gray-green discoloration.
The Best Way To Store Bacon
According to Brad Davis, Associate Director of Bacon Research and Development at Wright Brand, the bottom shelf or a drawer in your refrigerator is the best spot to store bacon. These areas stay consistently cool and help avoid cross-contamination with cooked or ready-to-eat foods.
If you’re concerned about leakage, place the package on a small tray or inside a sealed container.
Best Practices for Storing Extra Bacon
Most store-bought bacon comes in a vacuum-sealed resealable bag, which is ideal for keeping it fresh in the fridge. If your package isn’t resealable, transfer unused bacon to a sturdy zip-top plastic bag.
Once opened, cook and consume bacon within five days. If you won’t use it in time, freezing is a great option.
How To Freeze Bacon for Longer Storage
To freeze bacon properly:
Wrap the bacon tightly or double wrap it using plastic wrap and then foil or a freezer bag.
This reduces oxygen exposure, which causes fat oxidation and a rancid flavor.
When frozen correctly, bacon stays fresh for up to six months.
How To Tell If Bacon Has Gone Bad
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