Beef jerky is the ultimate snack for people on the go. With its high protein content, portability, and delicious flavors, it’s no wonder why beef jerky remains one of the most popular meat snacks globally.
But when you’ve stocked up on jerky, a key question arises – how long can beef jerky last? Understanding beef jerky’s shelf life is crucial to enjoying it at peak freshness
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about maximizing beef jerky’s shelf life, including:
- The factors that determine beef jerky’s shelf life
- Commercial vs. homemade jerky longevity
- Optimal storage methods
- How to identify spoiled jerky
- Tips for extending shelf life
- The risks of eating expired jerky
Arm yourself with the knowledge to keep your jerky fresh and flavorful for as long as possible!
What Determines How Long Beef Jerky Can Last?
Beef jerky can last from a few weeks up to 2 years depending on several key factors
1. Preservatives
Commercial beef jerky contains preservatives like sodium nitrite that inhibit bacterial growth and prolong shelf life. Homemade jerky lacks these preservatives, shortening its lifespan.
2. Moisture Content
Lower moisture jerky lasts longer. Hard, very dry jerky can last up to 2 years, while soft, moist jerky may last only 2-3 months.
3. Fat Content
Lower fat content enhances preservation. Leaner cuts of beef used in jerky production improve longevity.
4. Storage Method
Proper storage via refrigeration, freezing, or vacuum sealing extends shelf life. Improper storage hastens spoilage.
5. Packaging
Intact, airtight commercial packaging protects against moisture, air, and light exposure. Opened or damaged packaging reduces lifespan.
How Long Does Commercial Beef Jerky Last?
In unopened packaging, commercial beef jerky lasts:
- 1-2 years at room temperature
- Up to 2 years refrigerated
- 2+ years frozen
Once opened, commercial beef jerky stored properly will last:
- 1-2 months in pantry
- 6-8 months in the fridge
- 1+ years in the freezer
For peak freshness and taste, it’s best to enjoy commercial beef jerky within 6 months of purchase.
What’s the Shelf Life of Homemade Beef Jerky?
Due to lack of preservatives, homemade beef jerky has a shorter shelf life:
- 1-2 weeks stored at room temperature in a ziplock bag
- 1-2 months stored in an airtight container in the fridge
- 3-4 months stored in the freezer
For maximum homemade jerky shelf life, vacuum seal and freeze it.
How to Store Beef Jerky for Maximum Freshness
Proper storage is key to prolonging beef jerky’s shelf life. Recommended storage methods include:
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Vacuum sealing – Removes oxygen, inhibits bacterial growth. Can extend shelf life up to 2 years.
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Freezing – Inhibits spoilage and bacterial growth. Frozen jerky can last 1+ years.
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Refrigeration – Slows bacteria growth. Fridge storage can extend life up to 1 year.
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Pantry storage – For short term storage of 1-2 months. Keep jerky in an airtight container.
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Avoid moisture – Drying agents and undamaged packaging prevent moisture exposure.
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Avoid sunlight – Sunlight accelerates spoilage. Store jerky in a cool, dark place.
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Use best-by dates – For maximum freshness, consume jerky by printed best-by/expiry dates.
How To Tell If Beef Jerky Has Gone Bad
Signs that beef jerky has spoiled include:
- Mold growth
- Off odors or rancid taste
- Unnatural sticky or slimy texture
- Discoloration (darkening, graying)
- Hardening or toughening
Don’t rely on appearance, smell, or taste alone. When in doubt, remember – if jerky looks or smells funky, toss it out!
Health Risks of Eating Expired Beef Jerky
Eating spoiled beef jerky poses health risks including:
- Foodborne illness – Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria
- Food poisoning – Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Botulism – Rare but life-threatening
- Increased infection risk – From harmful bacteria
To avoid illness, inspect beef jerky carefully and discard any expired, questionable jerky.
Tips for Extending Beef Jerky’s Shelf Life
Even more important than knowing how long beef jerky lasts is knowing how to make it last! Tips to extend jerky’s shelf life include:
- Use lean cuts of beef with lower fat content
- Dry jerky thoroughly – the lower the moisture, the longer it lasts
- Store jerky properly, as detailed above
- Keep jerky packaging intact and undamaged
- Freeze for long-term storage
- Consume within 1 week of opening for best quality
With proper handling and storage, you can enjoy beef jerky for months (or even years) without compromise!
The Takeaway – Enjoy Jerky Safely and Maximize Shelf Life
Understanding all the factors that determine beef jerky’s shelf life allows you to optimize storage and get the most out of every bag of jerky. Follow these best practices:
- Store unopened jerky at room temp up to 1-2 years
- Refrigerate opened jerky, using within 1-2 months
- Freeze for long-term storage of 1+ years
- Use vacuum sealed bags or airtight containers
- Inspect jerky carefully before eating
- Discard expired or questionable jerky
Employing these jerky storage tips, you can relish tasty beef jerky on hikes, road trips, and snacks for months on end!
Health Benefits of Jerky
Beef jerky is an excellent source of protein, vital for muscle repair and growth, making it a favorite among athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Jerky is also low in carbohydrates, fitting well into low-carb and ketogenic diets.
Beyond the beef jerky macros, it provides essential minerals like iron and zinc, which are important for immune function and metabolism. So, is beef jerky good for weight loss? It certainly can be!
The diversity of flavors available in beef jerky also contributes to its enduring popularity. From traditional flavors like hickory-smoked and teriyaki to innovative combinations like chili lime and whiskey BBQ, theres a jerky to satisfy every palate.
The versatility of marinades and seasonings allows for endless creativity, and many brands now offer gourmet options, exotic meats, and even vegetarian alternatives.
Beef jerky’s long shelf life means less waste, and its portability provides a convenient source of nutrition without the need for refrigeration.
Per serving, jerky can be more economical than other high-protein snacks, especially when considering its satiety factor, which can lead to reduced overall food intake.
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.
Jerky for Survival Preps: Shelf Life, Storage and Uses.
FAQ
Does beef jerky go bad?
Can I eat 2 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 long will dehydrated beef jerky last?
Generally, commercial beef jerky is best enjoyed within one year. However, to enjoy the jerky’s premium flavor and textures, we recommend consuming it within six months of purchase. Homemade beef jerky, on the other hand, should last one to two months if you store it in an airtight container after making it.Aug 8, 2021
How do you store beef jerky for long term storage?
It is important to keep beef jerky in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. When storing beef jerky for short-term use, it is best to keep it in an airtight container or resealable bag. For long-term storage, vacuum-sealing and freezing are ideal options.Feb 9, 2023
How long does homemade jerky last?
Homemade jerky, due to its lack of preservatives, should ideally be consumed within two weeks of opening and can last one to two months when properly stored in the fridge. Always remember that homemade jerky should be made with proper food handling techniques to prevent contamination.
How long does beef jerk last?
If you are on in a bind, it can keep your store-bought jerky fresh for about 2 weeks at room temperature or 3 weeks in the refrigerator. The best method for storing beef jerk is to keep it in a vacuum sealed bag. This method of storage keeps the moisture in your jerky while preventing the air from spoiling it.
Does beef jerky have a shelf life?
Beef jerky owes its remarkable shelf life to a combination of dehydration and curing techniques. Dehydration significantly reduces the moisture content of the meat, creating an environment that inhibits microbial growth. The curing process, which involves adding salt and spices, further draws out moisture and prevents bacteria from thriving.
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?
Does beef jerky spoil over time?
Despite its long shelf life, beef jerky can still spoil over time. If you notice any of the following signs, discard the jerky immediately: Mold or Slimy Texture: Visible mold or a slimy texture indicates bacterial growth. Rancid Smell: A strong, unpleasant odor is a clear sign of spoilage.
Can You refrigerate beef jerky?
If you plan to store beef jerky for an extended period, consider freezing it. Properly stored in airtight bags, beef jerky can last six to twelve months in the freezer. Just ensure you thaw it in the fridge to maintain its quality. To Refrigerate or Not? The question often arises: Is it necessary to refrigerate beef jerky?