Beef jerky is loved by many for its delicious flavors and high protein content This popular snack can be enjoyed anytime and anywhere thanks to its incredibly long shelf life compared to other meat products, But how long exactly will unopened beef jerky stay fresh and safe to eat?
In this comprehensive guide we’ll provide everything you need to know about beef jerky’s shelf life and how to maximize it for unopened packages you have waiting in the pantry.
An Overview of Beef Jerky’s Shelf Life
The shelf life of beef jerky depends primarily on two factors:
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Whether it is homemade or commercially made – Commercially made jerky lasts much longer thanks to food-safe preservatives.
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How it is stored – Proper storage is key to preserving freshness and shelf life.
On average, commercially made beef jerky can last 1-2 years unopened when stored properly Homemade jerky generally lasts 1-3 months unopened with optimal storage
Once opened, beef jerky lasts about 1-2 weeks at room temperature. Refrigeration can extend shelf life of opened packages to 2-3 weeks.
Freezing can almost indefinitely prolong the shelf life of unopened beef jerky if stored in an airtight container.
Why Beef Jerky Lasts So Long
There are a few reasons why properly made beef jerky boasts such an impressive shelf life:
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Low moisture content – Beef jerky is made by dehydrating sliced meat until only 10-15% moisture remains. This creates an environment unfriendly to bacteria growth.
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Salt content – Most recipes include salt which further prevents spoilage by reducing available moisture.
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Nitrates – Commercial processors often use small amounts of nitrates as preservatives to hinder bacteria.
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Packaging – Vacuum sealing and oxygen absorbers prevent oxidation that causes rancidity.
Thanks to the ultra-low moisture and high salt content, beef jerky is shelf-stable and does not require refrigeration to stay safe, allowing it to keep for months or years.
How to Tell If Beef Jerky Has Gone Bad
Because beef jerky has such a long shelf life, you can’t rely on the sight or smell of mold or spoilage to know if it has gone bad. Here are some signs that indicate your beef jerky is past its prime:
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Hard, brittle texture – If the jerky has gotten extremely hard and brittle, it has probably lost too much moisture and oxidized over time.
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Off flavors – Rancid or bitter flavors can develop as the jerky oxidizes. This is a sure sign it’s no longer good.
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White spots or dusty coating – Development of white spots or a dusty/chalky texture on the surface indicates the jerky has dried out too much.
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Sliminess – Any slimy texture or spots means bacteria has grown, and the jerky should be thrown out.
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Discoloration – Significant darkening or unnatural colors are a red flag for spoiled meat.
If in doubt, remember “when in doubt, throw it out”. It’s better to be safe than sorry with questionable jerky.
Tips for Storing Beef Jerky to Maximize Shelf Life
Proper storage is essential to get the full 1-2 years shelf life out of unopened beef jerky. Here are some tips:
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Buy smaller packs – Large bulk packages will take longer to finish once opened. Opt for smaller bags.
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Keep sealed until use – Don’t open the packaging until you’re ready to start eating it. Reseal tightly after opening.
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Use vacuum sealing – Re-seal opened packages or homemade jerky in a vacuum-sealed bag.
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Use airtight containers – Glass jars or plastic containers with an airtight seal work great for storage.
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Add desiccant packs – These moisture absorbers help maintain optimal moisture levels.
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Store in cool, dark place – Avoid heat, light, and humidity which can accelerate spoilage.
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Freeze for long-term storage – Unopened beef jerky keeps almost indefinitely in the freezer.
Following these tips will ensure you get the maximum freshness and shelf life out of any beef jerky you buy or make!
Shelf Life of Beef Jerky Based on Package Date
You can also gauge the freshness of beef jerky based on the printed expiration or Best By date on the packaging. Here’s how long properly stored beef jerky lasts past its date:
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Unopened, shelf-stable:
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Best By date – 10-12 months past date
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Sell By date – 1-2 years past date
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Opened, shelf-stable:
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Best By date – 2-3 weeks past date
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Sell By date – 1 month past date
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Unopened, refrigerated:
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Best By date – 1-2 months past date
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Sell By date – 3-4 months past date
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Remember these are general guidelines, and you should also check for signs of spoilage before consuming.
Extending the Shelf Life of Opened Beef Jerky
Once opened, beef jerky is exposed to more oxygen and moisture that reduce its remaining shelf life. Here are some tips for making opened packages last as long as possible:
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Reseal original packaging tightly, or transfer to an airtight container.
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Refrigerate unused portions to slow oxidation.
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Consider freezing half the package for longer storage.
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Make sure to press out excess air when resealing.
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If drying out, add a slice of bread or apple to replenish moisture.
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Watch for any mold growth or off odors, and discard if detected.
With proper storage and handling, you can get 3-4 weeks or more out of opened beef jerky without losing quality or safety.
The Takeaways on Beef Jerky Shelf Life
To summarize key points on the shelf life of beef jerky:
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Unopened commercial jerky lasts 1-2 years at room temperature when stored properly.
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Homemade jerky generally lasts 1-3 months if properly packaged and stored.
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Opened jerky lasts 2-4 weeks on the shelf, 2-3 weeks refrigerated.
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Freezing can significantly prolong shelf life of both opened and unopened jerky.
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Check packages for expiration dates, but also look for signs of spoilage.
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Purchase small portions and keep unopened jerky sealed in a cool, dry place.
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Refrigerate or freeze opened packages, and reseal tightly to maximize freshness.
Following these tips, you can safely enjoy delicious beef jerky for many months, keeping a ready supply on hand for protein-packed snacking anytime!
How is Beef Jerky Made?
So, how is beef jerky made exactly? There’s a lot that goes into bringing premium jerky to life – but we’ll leave you with a clear understanding of the 5 most important steps below. First things first – choosing the best cut for beef jerky.
High-quality, lean cuts of beef are essential because fat can cause the jerky to spoil faster. Typically, cuts like top round, bottom round, and flank steak are preferred due to their lower fat content and fibrous texture.
These cuts not only ensure a longer shelf life but also provide the ideal chewiness associated with jerky. Moreover, using leaner cuts like these ensures you’re making the healthiest jerky possible. You get fewer beef jerky calories and more protein. If you ever wonder – why is jerky so expensive? It’s because you get what you pay for.
The selected beef is then thoroughly inspected to meet stringent quality standards, ensuring that only the best meat proceeds to the next stage of jerky making.
Once the meat has been chosen, its sliced against the grain into thin strips. This technique is crucial as it impacts the texture of the final product; slicing against the grain ensures that the jerky is easier to chew.
The thickness of the slices also plays a role in the dehydration process, with thinner slices drying more quickly and evenly. Uniformity in slice thickness leads to consistent drying and, therefore, a uniformly textured jerky.
The meat is then trimmed of any remaining fat to further enhance preservation and ensure a clean bite. You can learn more about how thick to cut beef jerky in our blog.
Now how is beef jerky made into a delicious, flavor packed snack from raw beef? Marinating. This step infuses the beef with flavors and tenderizes it.
Recipes for marinades can vary greatly, from simple salt and pepper for a traditional beef jerky recipe to complex blends of soy sauce, Worcestershire, vinegar, spices, and even sweeteners like honey or brown sugar.
The meat strips are submerged in the marinade and refrigerated, typically for several hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, and the acidic components of the marinade to begin tenderizing the meat, setting the stage for a rich taste experience.
Now comes the fun part of how beef jerky is made – dehydrating. The marinated beef strips are laid out on racks and placed in a dehydrator or an oven set to a low jerky dehydrator temp.
The goal is to remove moisture slowly without cooking the meat. This low-and-slow approach ensures that the jerky retains its nutritional value while becoming shelf-stable.
Now, you may be wondering – how long do you dehydrate beef jerky? The dehydration process can take several hours, during which the meat loses a significant portion of its weight as water content evaporates.
The exact timing depends on the thickness of the slices and the desired level of dryness. Master jerky makers know that the process cannot be rushed – patience is key to achieving the perfect texture thats neither too brittle nor too moist.
For more insights on the process behind smoked jerky vs dehydrated jerky, explore our blog. Let’s move on to the final step in how beef jerky is made, though: packaging.
Once dehydration is complete, the jerky is cooled to room temperature to prevent condensation during packaging, which could reintroduce moisture and lead to spoilage. Packaging is typically done in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags to prevent oxidation and maintain freshness.
The packaging is also where branding comes into play. Labels with nutritional information, flavor profiles, and branding help distinguish the product in a competitive market.
Why Beef Jerky is Still One of the Most Popular Snacks in the World
There you have it – how beef jerky is made! But what makes this simple little snack so special? Why is it still one of the most popular choices for on-the-go or even at-home enjoyment? There are 3 reasons: health, flavor, and cost.
How Long Does Beef Jerky Last? Does Beef Jerky Go Bad? | JERKY UNIVERSE
FAQ
Can unopened beef jerky go bad?
The longest lifespan of beef jerky is for an unopened package. Most unopened beef jerky will last for at least one year if you store your jerky in the fridge or at room temperature. However, if you store unopened beef jerky in the freezer, it could last for up to two years.Jan 12, 2023
Can you eat 10 year old beef jerky?
Typically, unopened beef jerky can last up to one year if stored correctly. However, once opened, you should eat it within a week to help prevent spoilage.Apr 10, 2023
How can you tell if jerky has gone bad?
- Foul Odor: If the beef jerky emits an unpleasant or rancid smell, it’s an indication that it has gone bad. …
- Unusual Texture: Spoiled beef jerky may become excessively dry, brittle, or develop a slimy texture. …
- Mold Growth: If you see mold or discoloration on beef jerky, don’t eat it.
Is beef jerky good for long-term storage?
A properly vacuum-sealed bag of homemade beef jerky can last up to 6 months in the pantry and up to a year in the refrigerator!Feb 21, 2024
Does beef jerky expire?
In some cases, spoiled beef jerky can have a slight odor to it. If you purchased the beef jerky online or in-store, always check the expiration date on the package. The expiration date is normally located on the bottom seal of the bag. But remember, just because the beef jerky is past the best-by date doesn’t mean it’s unsafe to eat.
Does beef jerky need to be refrigerated?
If you’re looking for a tasty, protein-rich snack, beef jerky is the answer. One piece of beef jerky packs about 10 grams of protein. And, because beef jerky doesn’t need to be refrigerated, it makes the perfect snack for when you’re on the go. However, just because beef jerky doesn’t need to be refrigerated doesn’t mean it lasts forever.
Can you freeze beef jerky?
A: Yes, freezing beef jerky can extend its shelf life by up to 6 months. However, freezing may alter the texture slightly. Q: How do I know if my beef jerky is still good to eat? A: Inspect the jerky for any signs of spoilage, such as mold, rancidity, slime, or discoloration. If there are no visible signs of spoilage, it is likely safe to consume.
How long does homemade jerky last?
Store-bought varieties are designed to last beyond a year unopened at room temperature, thanks to preservatives and vacuum sealing. Homemade jerky, meanwhile, might not fare as well but can still last several months if vacuum sealed properly.
Can you eat unopened beef jerky?
As long as it has been stored properly, unopened jerky is safe to consume after the best-by date. But it won’t taste as good as fresh jerky. As a general rule of thumb, commercial beef jerky is best enjoyed within 1 year. Does beef jerky spoil? Beef jerky does not spoil (become unfit to eat) like eggs, milk, cheese, and bread.
How long does Jack Link beef jerky last?
By creating an almost airless environment, you significantly slow down the degradation process. A properly vacuum-sealed bag of homemade beef jerky can last up to 6 months in the pantry and up to a year in the refrigerator! How long does Jack Link’s beef jerky last?