How Long Does Bacon Grease Last Before It Goes Bad?

Anyone that’s cooked bacon before knows that there’s a lot of grease leftover in the pan, and you can store that liquid gold and cook with it later. You can make mashed potatoes, biscuits, mac and cheese, and much more. Unfortunately, this savory delight doesn’t last forever, and after you save it, you should put the date on the lid so you know how long it’s been in storage. The real question is, how long does bacon grease last before it goes bad, and what’s the best way to store it?

How Long Does Bacon Grease Last in the Fridge?

For those of you that grew up with bacon grease sitting in a jar on the counter, the USDA doesn’t recommend you store it this way. In the fridge, bacon grease can last anywhere from three to six months, but after the three-month mark, you should check to make sure it hasn’t gone bad. If you want your grease to last longer, you should filter it so there are no small pieces of meat left in it. Doing so reduces the risk of spoilage. Fortunately, it doesn’t really matter what you store it in. It could be a jar, a plastic container, or any other clean, sealable vessel.

How Long Does Bacon Grease Last in the Freezer?

The great news is you can store your bacon grease in the freezer indefinitely. The hard part is, if you store it all in one container, you’re going to have a hard time getting it out. You’ll have to thaw the whole container overnight, which can lead to spoilage, or scrape what you need from the top, which isn’t easy. Instead, consider freezing your bacon grease in smaller portions like an ice cube tray. This way, you can pop it out and put it in the pan whenever you need it, and the heat will naturally thaw out the grease.

How Can I Tell When My Bacon Grease Has Gone Bad?

We know how long bacon grease lasts before it goes bad, but how can you tell when it’s gone bad? If you keep your bacon grease in the fridge or you continuously thaw and freeze your grease, it’s important to check for spoilage. You can tell if your bacon grease has gone bad by checking the smell or color.

We may refer to bacon grease as liquid gold, but if you notice your stored bacon grease turns from white to yellow, it’s time to throw it away! Also, if it has a sour, fishy, or unpleasant odor, it needs to go in the trash. Not only will it make your food taste bad, but it’ll make your stomach feel a lot worse.

If you’re a bacon lover, you know that not all bacon is the same, and quality meat from an authentic butcher makes all the difference. Vincent’s Meat Market is a butcher shop in NYC that’s been in the business since 1954, so we know a thing or two about quality meat. We can ship fresh slab, or applewood smoked bacon right to your door to meet your carnivore cravings whenever they strike.