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How Long Does Beef Jerky Last?

Jerky - Does beef jerky go bad? Unopened beef jerky can last for 1-2 years in the pantry, even beyond a date stamped on the package if properly sealed. The shelf life of beef jerky depends on the best before date and how the jerky is stored.

Jerky is dried, removing most of the moisture where bacteria likes to grow. Jerky is also usually salted in this drying process, which adds another layer of preservation. Beef jerky and turkey jerky are both popular with survivalists because of its high protein and longevity qualities.

Does beef jerky go bad? Eventually, yes - but when properly stored jerky lasts a pretty long time.

So, just how long does beef jerky last past its best by date?

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Beef Jerky Expiration Date

(Unopened)	Pantry
Beef jerky lasts for	1-2 Years
Turkey jerky lasts for	1-2 Years
Homemade jerky lasts for	2-3 Months

But remember, beef jerky, like a lot of other meats, usually has a best before date and not a use by date or an expiration date. Because of this distinction, you may safely use jerky after the best before date has lapsed.

How to tell if Beef Jerky is bad, rotten or spoiled?

Practicing proper hygiene and food safety techniques will help prevent foodborne illness.

It is the color and texture of the jerky that will change, it will become darker and harder. The smell will also be slightly different. Once these changes happen, the taste is also off and not recommended. The leaner the meat, the longer it will keep because it is the fat that starts to break down and go rancid first.

There are, of course, certain health risks associated with spoiled foods so always remember to practice food safety and enjoy your foods before their shelf life has expired!

How to store Beef Jerky to extend its shelf life?

The best way to store beef jerky is in its original commercially vacuum sealed packaging in a cool dark place like the pantry, away from the stove or other appliances and sunlight. For even longer storage you can freeze your beef, turkey or pork jerky until ready to use.

Some benefits of proper food storage include eating healthier, cutting food costs and helping the environment by avoiding waste.

How long is Beef Jerky good for when prepared in a dish?

how long does beef jerky last That depends. How long do eggs last? In general, foods will only last as long as the quickest expiring ingredient in the dish.

What are our shelf life resources?

In determining how long Beef Jerky lasts, our content incorporates research from multiple resources, including the United States Department of Agriculture and the United States Food & Drug Administration. In addition, we scoured the web for informative articles and reports related to food safety, food storage and the shelf life of Beef Jerky.

*An important note about expiration dates...

Although the Beef Jerky shelf life information on Eat By Date is generally reliable, please remember that individual cases will vary and that our advice should only be taken as an opinion and not a replacement for your health care professional. Please eat responsibly!