Jerky (homemade) keeps about 1–2 months in the fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below, counting from the day you bought it.
| Situation | Keeps for |
|---|---|
| Unopened · pantry | 1–2 months |
| Unopened · fridge | 1–2 months |
About 1–2 months at 40°F (4°C) or below, according to USDA FoodKeeper v128. That window runs from the day you bought it — FoodKeeper publishes no separate after-opening figure for this one.
Jerky (homemade) is shelf-stable at room temperature: cool, dry pantry, or refrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below to keep it longer. Refrigerating it mainly preserves quality rather than safety.
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. Never taste something to test it — when in doubt, throw it out.