How Long Does Beef Jerky Last After Opening?

Beef jerky is one of my favorite snacks. It’s tasty, portable, and packed with protein – perfect for grabbing a quick bite on the go. But I don’t always finish the whole bag in one sitting. So a question I get asked a lot is: how long does beef jerky last after opening?

As a beef jerky enthusiast, I was determined to find out. I did some research and discovered that the shelf life of opened beef jerky depends on a few key factors.

How Is Beef Jerky Made?

To understand why properly storing opened jerky is important, it helps to first look at how beef jerky is made

The basic process is:

• Selecting lean cuts of beef like flank steak or bottom round
• Slicing the meat into thin strips
• Marinating the strips in a flavorful liquid mixture
• Drying or dehydrating the meat until most of the moisture is removed

Removing moisture is the key to preserving the meat. It makes the jerky inhospitable to bacteria growth. But once opened, jerky can be exposed to moisture, oxygen, and other contamination – so proper storage becomes critical.

How To Store Opened Beef Jerky

Once you break the seal on a jerky package, you’ve introduced oxygen which can accelerate spoilage. That’s why your first step should be to seal up the leftovers in an airtight container or bag. Then you have two main storage options:

Room Temperature Storage

If stored at room temperature (around 70°F), opened jerky will last about 2-3 weeks before quality starts to decline. Keeping it cool and dry is important. Make sure to seal it in an airtight container.

Refrigerated Storage

For maximum shelf life, refrigerate opened jerky. It will keep for 2-3 months in the fridge. The cold environment slows bacteria growth. Again, use an airtight container and keep jerky as dry as possible.

So fridge storage allows jerky to stay fresh for much longer. But what if you don’t plan on eating it within 3 months?

Freezing Beef Jerky

Freezing is great for long term storage. Properly frozen jerky can last for over a year while still tasting great.

To freeze jerky:

• Seal it in freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.
• Freeze at 0°F or below. Consistent freezing temp is more important than how fast you freeze it.
• Once frozen, jerky can be stored for 1-2 years.

Thawing jerky will affect texture slightly but won’t make it unsafe to eat. Just leave it sealed and let it thaw slowly in the fridge.

Signs Beef Jerky Has Gone Bad

With proper storage, jerky can last for weeks or months past its best by date. But there are signs to watch for that indicate it’s time to toss it:

• Mold growth – fuzz or dark spots means toss it
• Shriveled texture – extreme dryness could mean bacteria growth
• Off smell – spoiled jerky gives off a sour or bitter odor
• Discoloration – unnatural colors like green, yellow, grey
• Soft texture – hardened jerky turning soft or mushy

Trust your senses. If jerky smells, looks or feels off, don’t take chances. Play it safe and throw it out.

Tips For Making Jerky Last

Here are a few tips to help homemade or store-bought jerky stay fresh longer after opening:

• Use an airtight container or resealable bag
• Squeeze out excess air
• Store in the fridge or freezer
• Keep jerky dry – wipe off any liquid or oils
• Avoid temperature fluctuations
• Check for signs of spoilage

Enjoy Jerky Safely

Part of what I love about jerky is that it’s a handy, non-perishable protein source. But like any food, it has a limited shelf life once opened. Storing it properly gives you more time to enjoy the flavor.

So go ahead – stock up on jerky and satisfy those salty-savory cravings. Just be sure to seal it promptly, keep it refrigerated or frozen, and check for any “off” signs before eating. Follow these simple rules and you can keep snacking on jerky for weeks or months after opening.