Once opened, Bacon (fully cooked) keeps about 5–14 days in the fridge. Unopened, it keeps about 6 months.
5–14 days opened in the fridge, against 6 months sealed in the pantry. Green is what this situation leaves you; husk is what it spends.
| Situation | Keeps for |
|---|---|
| Unopened · pantry | 6 months |
| Opened · fridge | 5–14 days |
Air and warmth are what shorten an opened item's life — the right container buys back the days the packaging gives up once the seal's broken.
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About 5–14 days refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below, according to USDA FoodKeeper v128. Refrigerate it once it's open.
Yes — keep Bacon (fully cooked) at 40°F (4°C) or below once it's open. Cool, dry pantry unopened; refrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below after opening.
Look for: A slimy or sticky film on the surface; Grey, green, or brown patches; A sour or ammonia-like smell; A swollen or leaking package. Those are the general signs for meat — USDA FoodKeeper v128 publishes no spoilage note for Bacon (fully cooked) specifically. Never taste something to test it — when in doubt, throw it out.