Bacon

The answer

Raw bacon lasts 1 week in the fridge and 1 month in the freezer.

Caution Freezer times are short because bacon’s high fat content turns rancid quickly.

How long it keeps

Fridge (40°F) 1 week safe window
Freezer (0°F) 1 month best quality
Room temp 2 hours max then discard
Discard Discard if held above 40°F for more than 2 hours, or above 90°F for more than 1 hour.

By state & packaging

State Fridge Freezer
Raw, opened or unopened 1 week 1 month
Cooked 4–5 days 1 month

Signs it has gone bad

Sour or rancid smell
Slimy feel
Green, gray, or brown discoloration

FAQ

How long is bacon good after opening the package?

One week in the refrigerator, opened or unopened. Freeze what you won’t use within a week.

Why does bacon only last 1 month in the freezer?

It stays safe longer, but the high fat content turns rancid and the quality drops fast. USDA recommends 1 month for best quality.