Keeping Jack Link’s Beef & Cheese Fresh: Do They Need Refrigeration?

As a longtime fan of Jack Link’s tasty beef sticks and cheese combo packs, I occasionally wondered – can these snacks be stored at room temperature or do they require refrigeration? I wanted to keep a stash in my car, desk drawer at work, and pantry without having to worry about them spoiling

After digging into the shelf life details, here’s what I discovered about proper storage and handling to keep Jack Link’s beef and cheese combinations as fresh as possible Let’s dive in!

An Overview of Jack Link’s Beef & Cheese Products

Jack Link’s makes a number of snack packs with their famous beef sticks and real cheese chunks, such as

• Original Beef & Cheese Combos: Beef sticks with original cheddar cheese

• Jalapeño Beef & Cheese Combos: Beef sticks with jalapeño cheddar cheese

• Teriyaki Beef & Colby Jack Combos: Teriyaki beef sticks with Colby Jack cheese

• Cold Crafted Beef & Cheddar Combos: Soft beef sticks with cheddar cheese

No matter the variety, these protein-packed combos are a tasty convenient snack. But do they require refrigeration or can you stash them anywhere?.

To Fridge or Not To Fridge: Factors to Consider

To determine if Jack Link’s beef and cheese packs need refrigeration, there are a few important factors to consider:

• Ingredients – Do they contain perishable dairy, meat, etc?

• Packaging – Is it formulated to resist heat and light?

• Storage requirements – What does the package indicate?

• Eat-by dates – How long do they remain fresh?

Looking closely at these aspects provides insight into how the snacks should be stored for maximum safety and quality.

Exploring the Ingredients in Jack Link’s Combos

Jack Link’s beef and cheese combo packs contain two main perishable ingredients – beef and cheese.

The beef sticks are made from beef, water, salt, spices, and preservatives. The low moisture content helps inhibit bacterial growth.

The cheese portions contain cultured pasteurized milk, salt, and enzymes. Natural cheese has a shorter shelf life than processed cheese due to live cultures.

While the beef sticks fare better than the cheese at room temperature, both ingredients are best stored chilled.

The Role of Packaging in Shelf Life

The packaging for Jack Link’s beef and cheese combos helps protect the snacks from light, oxygen, and moisture.

The individual packs are made from plastic materials that provide a barrier to external conditions. However, plastics are not fully impenetrable over time.

The multi-pack boxes are cardboard and also help insulate the contents. But the boxes are more affected by heat, humidity, and air exposure.

Proper packaging provides some protection, but not enough to guarantee safety or quality at ambient temperatures long-term. Refrigeration extends the shelf life significantly.

Jack Link’s Recommended Storage Instructions

According to the Jack Link’s website and product packaging, their beef and cheese combo packs should be stored as follows:

• Unopened – Can be stored at room temperature until the best-by date.

• After opening – Refrigerate and consume within 5-7 days.

• During transport – Keep in cooler with ice packs to maintain freshness.

Jack Link’s indicates the snacks can sit at room temp when sealed. But for best taste and food safety, they recommend refrigerating after opening.

Beef & Cheese Combo Maximum Eat-By Period

The expiration or best-by date on the package indicates how long Jack Link’s guarantees the quality and safety of the beef and cheese combos.

When stored properly, the combos typically last:

• Unopened at room temperature: Around 18 months

• Refrigerated after opening: 5-7 days

• Frozen: 6 months in freezer

Consuming the snacks within these timeframes helps prevent spoilage and foodborne illness. The beef sticks may last a bit longer than the cheese.

So, Do They Require Refrigeration?

Based on the ingredients, packaging, storage guidance, and eat-by periods, refrigeration is recommended for the highest safety and quality of Jack Link’s beef and cheese combos.

While the sealed packs may technically be shelf-stable at room temp before opening, refrigeration is best. Here’s a summary:

• Store unopened packs in the pantry up to the eat-by date

• Refrigerate after opening and consume within one week

• For maximum shelf life, keep extras in the freezer

• When transporting, use coolers and ice packs

Following Jack Link’s storage instructions helps ensure you safely enjoy the full flavor and texture of their protein-packed snack packs!

Storing Beef & Cheese Combos for Various Situations

Knowing Jack Link’s beef and cheese combos require refrigeration after opening, here are some storage tips for different situations:

Keeping Them at Home

• Store unopened packs in pantry up to best-by date
• Refrigerate opened packs in a dedicated snack drawer
• Layer individual packs in freezer for longer storage

Packing Them To-Go

• Use a small insulated cooler bag with ice pack
• Limit time out of fridge to less than 2 hours
• Keep in shaded spot, avoid heat sources

Taking Them to Work

• Store in communal fridge or personal mini-fridge
• Monitor coworkers continuously raiding your stash
• Eat within a week of opening; share if needed

Traveling With Them

• Pack in hard-sided cooler with plenty of ice
• Keep cooler in air-conditioned part of vehicle
• Use within 5 days; restock from local grocery store

Tips for Keeping Refrigerated Beef & Cheese Fresh

Once opened, be sure to store Jack Link’s beef and cheese combos properly in the refrigerator to maintain safety and quality:

• Keep refrigerator below 40°F

• Place packs on interior shelf, not door

• Use opened packs within 5-7 days

• Monitor for mold growth, off-odors

• Wash hands before handling

• Keep meat juices contained

• Do not refreeze thawed combos

Following refrigeration guidelines at home and on-the-go will help keep these flavorful snacks tasting great.

Enjoy Jack Link’s Beef & Cheese Combos Safely

Jack Link’s beef and cheese combo packs provide the perfect protein pick-me-up any time of day. Thanks to their delicious flavors and nutrition, they make smart additions to your pantry, desk drawer, car, or wherever you stash snacks.

Just be sure to follow refrigeration guidelines after opening the packs, and don’t leave them sitting out too long at room temperature. With proper storage and handling, you can safely and conveniently enjoy Jack Link’s tasty combos anywhere your travels take you!