Once opened, Jerky (commercially dried) keeps about 2–3 months in the fridge. Unopened, it keeps about 12 months.
2–3 months opened in the fridge, against 12 months sealed in the pantry. Green is what this situation leaves you; husk is what it spends.
| Situation | Keeps for |
|---|---|
| Unopened · pantry | 12 months |
| Opened · fridge | 2–3 months |
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 2–3 months refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below, according to USDA FoodKeeper v128. Refrigerate it once it's open.
Yes — keep Jerky (commercially dried) 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 Jerky (commercially dried) specifically. Never taste something to test it — when in doubt, throw it out.