How long does beef jerky last?
Commercially packaged beef jerky lasts about 1 year unopened; once opened, eat it within a few days or refrigerate it as the label directs.
| Beef Jerky | |
|---|---|
| Unopened | About 1 year |
| Opened | A few days at room temperature or as the label directs; longer in the fridge |
| Ideal storage | Cool and dry; heat and humidity shorten its life. |
Storage tips
- Home-made jerky keeps far less time than commercial jerky with oxygen absorbers.
Signs it has gone bad
- A stale, bitter or rancid taste, usually from nuts and seeds
- Mold, especially on dried fruit and soft bars
- A white or grey film on chocolate is fat or sugar bloom, which is harmless
- A torn wrapper or packaging that lets in moisture or pests
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