Beef jerky is a popular snack that has been around for centuries. This flavorful, portable protein snack is made by taking lean cuts of meat, slicing them into strips, then dehydrating them until the moisture content is very low. But with some beef jerky products, you’ll notice they require refrigeration after opening while others don’t. So why doesn’t beef jerky need to be refrigerated?
How Beef Jerky Is Made
The key to understanding why beef jerky doesn’t need refrigeration lies in how it’s processed. Here are the basic steps:
- Meat is trimmed of fat and sliced into thin strips
- The strips are marinated in a salty, flavorful liquid mixture
- The meat strips are then racked and placed in a dehydrator or oven at low heat (150-170°F)
- The low heat slowly dehydrates the meat over 2-8 hours, reducing moisture content to around 10-15%
This dehydration process preserves the meat by making it impossible for bacteria to grow. Without sufficient moisture, bacteria simply can’t thrive.
The Role of Fat and Oxygen
In addition to moisture content, two other factors impact whether beef jerky requires refrigeration – fat content and exposure to oxygen.
The dehydration process reduces fat in beef jerky. But small amounts will still be present, and fat can cause rancidity when exposed to oxygen. Refrigeration helps delay this oxidation process.
Packaging also plays a key role. Vacuum sealing and nitrogen flushing remove oxygen from commercial beef jerky packages increasing shelf stability. But once opened, the oxygen exposure leads some products to require refrigeration.
Shelf Life vs. Food Safety
Preserving shelf life and preventing foodborne illness are two separate issues for beef jerky.
Properly dried jerky with low moisture is safe at room temperature because pathogenic bacteria cannot grow. Refrigeration extends the shelf life, keeping the jerky fresher for longer.
But food safety relies on proper handling and storage as well. Meat must be kept cold prior to dehydrating, and heating it to above 145°F during processing kills any bacteria present.
As long as these steps are followed, dehydrated meat maintains food safety without refrigeration due to the lack of moisture and oxygen.
Homemade vs Commercial Jerky
Homemade and commercial jerky have a few key differences that impact refrigeration needs:
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Moisture content – Commercial processing ensures very low and consistent moisture levels for shelf stability. Home recipes can vary.
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Packaging – Commercial jerky uses superior oxygen-free packaging. Homemade jerky is more exposed to oxygen after opening.
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Preservatives – Some commercial products contain citric acid and other preservatives prohibited in homemade versions. These preserve freshness.
For these reasons, homemade jerky generally has a shorter shelf life and requires refrigeration after opening. Commercial products with extra moisture may also require fridge storage once exposed to air.
Signs Jerky Has Gone Bad
Refrigeration extends the shelf life of jerky, but how can you tell if it has gone bad? Signs include:
- Mold growth
- Slime formation
- Rancid or bitter odor
- Discoloration
- Spongy texture
Jerky showing these signs of spoilage should be discarded. For food safety, follow any refrigeration guidelines on commercial packages. And homemade jerky should be stored in the refrigerator and monitored closely after opening.
Storing Beef Jerky Properly
To maximize freshness and shelf life of beef jerky, follow these storage tips:
- Store in airtight packaging or resealable bags
- Keep away from moisture and humidity
- Maintain cool, dry storage around 55-70°F
- Keep away from light to prevent fading
- Freeze for long-term storage of 6 months or longer
With proper sanitation, processing, and storage, beef jerky can safely be kept at room temperature due to its very low moisture content. Refrigeration extends quality and freshness rather than being critical for food safety. So next time you grab a bag of jerky, know that you can enjoy it straight from the pantry with confidence!
Does Beef Jerky Really Go Bad?
It definitely can. You might notice a bit of an off smell or the jerky may be darker in color. If you even suspect your jerky is bad, don’t eat it and reach out to customer service.
LK’s jerky and sticks have the best-by date printed on the packaging, which is the date we know the product will still maintain the same quality as the day it was packaged. We cannot guarantee the optimal quality of any of our products after the “best by” date (or more than three days after the package is opened). Simply put, we don’t recommend consuming any product after the date listed on the package.
How Shelf-Stable Is Beef Jerky?
Jerky can be kept in your pantry for up to a year or until the best-by date on the package. Once opened, you should keep your jerky in the fridge. Taking these measures once opened will ensure your jerky maintains its quality for up to 3 days. If your jerky requires refrigeration, it should say so on the bag or box.
Easy No Dehydrator Jerky
FAQ
Do you really need to refrigerate beef jerky?
One of the main perks of beef jerky is that it doesn’t require refrigeration but still tastes great and makes an excellent nutrient-dense snack you can have …Mar 30, 2023
Why is beef jerky safe to eat even though it is kept at room temperature?
These additives help keep jerky fresh by preventing the growth of harmful bacteria, mold, and yeast—organisms responsible for food spoilage. As a result, jerky can remain shelf-stable for extended periods without the need for cooling. One of the most important preservatives in jerky is sodium nitrite.
How does beef jerky not spoil?
Beef jerky lasts longer than other snacks because it is dried, removing moisture and stopping bacteria from growing. However, it’s important to note that while beef jerky has an extended shelf life, it is not entirely immune to spoilage.Aug 8, 2023
How long does beef jerky last at room temperature?
After opening your bag of jerky, you should eat it within two to three days if stored at room temperature. For example, if stored in your pantry or your work bag. Of course, if you wish to enjoy your jerky a bit longer, you can refrigerate it.
Does jerky need to be refrigerated?
Unopened jerky requires no refrigeration, lasts a long time, and boasts nutritional density. Once a package has been opened, make sure to check for any statements that indicate “refrigerate after opening.” If you see this statement, and the package has been left without refrigeration for more than three days, we recommend throwing it out.
Does beef jerky go bad if refrigerated?
Every food will go bad eventually, no matter if it is refrigerated or frozen. And beef jerky isn’t an exception; it’ll just take a long time. And although that time can be prolonged by refrigerating it, your beef jerky will go bad even in the fridge.
How long does beef jerky last in the fridge?
This is a tricky question because how long your beef jerky will last in the fridge depends on countless things. You can expect it to last at least two weeks, though, and with most jerky, a month shouldn’t be a problem as well.
How to preserve beef jerky?
To preserve beef jerky, you need to dehydrate it for a period of 10 to 15 hours. You can tell that it’s ready when you can break it with your hand. If it bends in your hands, it means it’s not ready yet.
Can you freeze jerky?
Yes, you can freeze jerky. If you’ve opened a large packet of jerky, you might not be sure if you’ll get a chance to eat it (yes, that can happen). While refrigeration will extend the shelf life, it won’t last forever. Freezing jerky can keep it good for 7 to 12 months, so you can snack on jerky year round.
What temperature should beef jerky be stored?
Ideal temperature conditions for beef jerky storage are between 40°F and 75°F. Sustained time above or below these temperatures can have negative effects on the texture and freshness of the jerky. The ideal storage location, when it comes to temperature, is a pantry or kitchen drawer.