Packed with protein, beef jerky is the perfect snack to help with those mid-afternoon hunger pangs. But how long does beef jerky last after opening? Find out how long it stays fresh, and when it may be time to throw it away.
Beef jerky can be a great way to satisfy a snack urge. It’s also a great option to pack on camping trips, flights, or on road trips as it’s easy to grab and go and it usually features a good amount of protein.
Of course, it’s also a top food of choice to stockpile for doomsday bunker enthusiasts. I mean, if you’re into that.
But what if you open a bag and can’t finish it all? How long does it stay good to eat? And does it ever actually go bad? Here are some answers to help you enjoy and properly store your beef jerky.
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How long is beef jerky good once it’s opened?
If you’re like most people, you’re probably getting your jerky from your local grocery store or market.
Commercial beef jerky includes preservatives that help extend its shelf life. But once you open your package of beef jerky, that shelf life begins to decrease fairly quickly.
Though the back of a beef jerky package usually advises that you eat it within 3 days of opening, this is mainly if it’s left out and not resealed.
Typically, store-bought beef jerky will stay good for about 1-2 weeks after the pouch is opened, if resealed and stored in a dark pantry or similar space.
If you keep the jerky in the refrigerator after opening, it can last for up to a month, especially if it comes in a resealable pouch. However, you may notice some flavor drop off. And the texture may become unpleasantly tough at that point (well, tougher than fresh beef jerky!)
How long is beef jerky good for if unopened?
Unopened beef jerky has a pretty long shelf life. It’s generally good for about a year after the best-by date.
Though how you’d be able to keep it around for that long without diving into its meaty goodness is beyond me.
That “best by” isn’t really an expiration date. Rather, it represents how long the jerky will stay at optimal freshness, instead of when it might actually go bad, for example. So, it’s more of a guideline than a hard and fast date.
The unopened jerky will probably be good for a bit longer, but don’t go too far past the date. And if the jerky looks like it’s gone bad, definitely throw it out.
How long does homemade beef jerky last?
If you have the skills to make your own beef jerky at home, I want to be your friend. Because I can never get enough beef jerky. And since homemade jerky stays fresh for a less amount of time than store-bought jerky, I can help make sure none of it goes to waste!
How much less time, you ask? Well, if you store it in a vacuum-sealed package in a cool, dark place like a pantry or in the fridge, typically homemade beef jerky only lasts 1-2 months. This is because it will likely lack the preservatives found in the commercially made brands.
If you don’t have a vacuum sealer and store it simply in some tupperware or other type of container that’s more susceptible to moisture and air, it should keep for up to a couple of weeks.
Does beef jerky go bad?
You might ask yourself, “Does beef jerky expire?” Or does it just lose its flavor and texture after a while?
Yes, here’s how to tell if jerky has gone bad. The main ways are by its odor and by what it looks like. For example, if the beef jerky smells rancid or rotten, that’s a sign that it has spoiled.
Also, if it looks like there are signs of mold growing on it or some other film, or if it simply feels much harder than fresh jerky does, those are all signs of spoilage. So it’s a good idea to discard it.
In any of these cases, you should throw the expired beef jerky away.
Can you freeze beef jerky?
Yes, you can freeze beef jerky. This is a great way to extend the shelf life if you don’t think you will eat it for a while. For best results, freeze it in its original packaging or another sealed container. A freezer bag will also work. All of them will help keep moisture and air out and keep the jerky edible longer. This also helps prevent freezer burn.
How to store beef jerky
Here are some tips on how to store your beef jerky so it stays fresh as long as possible.
Keep it in a cool dry place
A pantry or other similar area that’s not exposed to direct sunlight and stays at normal room temperature or below is a good place to store your beef jerky. The dark, dry environment helps prevent bacterial growth from forming on the jerky, which could lead it to spoiling sooner.
Keep it resealed in its own packaging or in an airtight container
Once you open your jerky, don’t forget to reseal it in its original pouch if possible. Exposure to air can lead the beef jerky to dry out more quickly and become hard and brittle. Another benefit of the original packaging is the oxygen absorber that usually is included. This helps keep unwanted air and moisture at bay.
If you don’t have the original packaging anymore or got rid of it, you can seal the jerky in a ziploc bag instead.
Refrigerate your beef jerky
Storing your beef jerky in the fridge after opening can keep it fresh for a bit longer than simply keeping it in the pantry. Typically, this adds a couple of weeks to its shelf life, keeping for up to a month in the fridge without affecting its flavor or texture too much.
What if I eat bad or spoiled jerky?
You went through all the steps to store your jerky properly, but some of it still spoiled and you’ve accidentally eaten it. What now?
It’s possible you may get food poisoning. Symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and in some cases fever. If symptoms worsen or persist, call your doctor.
The best way to prevent this is by smelling the beef jerky first to see if it seems rancid or rotten. If it does, discard it and the rest of the jerky packet.
More food storage answers
Find out how to store more of your favorite foods so they last longer. Tap the links below.
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