How Long Does Bacon (Opened) Last in the Fridge?
Written by Jordan Morley · Storage times from the USDA FoodKeeper database · Last updated 28 October 2026
Bacon is cured with salt and nitrite, which holds back many spoilage bacteria, so a sealed pack keeps for about a week in the fridge and the same week applies once it is opened.
Storage tips for bacon (opened)
- Fridge at 0–5°C. A fridge thermometer is the cheapest food-safety upgrade — many home fridges run warmer than their dial suggests.
You can also check the calorie content of bacon (opened) alongside its safety information. Want to know exactly what's in your food? Our ingredient checker covers E-numbers, allergens and vegan status.
Why this time limit?
Bacon is cured with salt and nitrite, which holds back many spoilage bacteria, so a sealed pack keeps for about a week in the fridge and the same week applies once it is opened. It is still raw meat, though: it must be cooked through, and the fat can turn rancid in the freezer, which is why its freezer life is only about a month. Once you have cooked bacon at home it becomes a cooked leftover with the shorter 3–4 day window; commercially pre-cooked bacon has its own guidance, linked below.
Bacon: raw vs. cooked
| Form | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Raw bacon (sealed or opened) | 1 week | 1 month |
| Bacon you have cooked at home | Up to 2 days | 2–3 months |
| Pre-cooked (commercial) bacon | 5–14 days | — |
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Store it properly
Fridge thermometer
These storage times assume 0–5°C — check what your fridge actually runs at.
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More storage essentials
Vacuum food sealer
Removes the air that speeds spoilage — extends shelf life by days.
Check Price →Airtight glass containers
Fridge, freezer and microwave safe — one less transfer step.
Check Price →Bacon (Opened) next to similar foods
| Food | Fridge time |
|---|---|
| Bacon (Opened) | 1 week |
| Cooked Ham | 1 week |
| Cooked Ham, Half (Bone-in) | 1 week |
| Cooked Kielbasa Sausage Links | 1 week |
| Country Ham | 1 week |
Of the 71 meat foods with a fridge time in this guide, bacon (Opened) keeps for longer than 57, the same time as 4 and less time than 9.
Bacon (Opened): the other answers on this site
| Question | Short answer (links to the full page) |
|---|---|
| In pregnancy (Bacon) | Safe if fully cooked |
| In the freezer (Bacon) | Yes — freezes well (best quality for 1 month) |
| Reheating (Bacon) | Yes — once only |
| Left out overnight (Bacon) | No — throw it away (limit about 2 h) |
| Past the date on the label (Bacon) | No — use-by means use by |
Common questions
How long does bacon (opened) last in the fridge?
1 week in a fridge running at 0–5°C (USDA FoodKeeper guidance). After that, quality and safety both start to slip, and because the bacteria that cause food poisoning are invisible, ‘it seems fine’ is not a reliable test. When in doubt, throw it out.
How can I tell if bacon (opened) has gone off?
A sour smell, a slimy or sticky surface or grey-green discolouration are all reasons to bin it. Do not rely on this alone: the time guideline matters even when everything looks fine.
Can I freeze bacon (opened) to keep it longer?
Yes. For best quality, freeze it for around 1 month; it stays safe beyond that because freezing halts bacterial growth, and only texture and flavour decline.
Does my fridge temperature really matter?
Yes. These times assume a fridge at 0–5°C, which is what the Food Standards Agency says to set it to. Bacteria grow faster in a warmer fridge, and many fridges run warmer than their dial suggests, so a cheap fridge thermometer is worth having.
Related answers
Primary source: USDA FoodKeeper.
General information only, not medical advice: see the medical disclaimer. Feeling unwell after eating something? Contact NHS 111 or your GP.