How Long Does Jerky Last? A Guide to Keeping Jerky’s Quality

Beef jerky is known for its ability to last. That’s why it’s often the snack of choice for backpackers, hikers and other travelers. Yet, just like any other food item, jerky doesn’t last forever.

How long does jerky last? It depends on factors such as the brand and how you store it. Here in this guide, we’ll dive into some tips on how to make jerky last longer and how to know when your jerky is past its prime.

How Long Does Jack Link’s Beef Jerky Last?

We’ll preface this by saying we never recommend eating beef jerky that’s past its best by date. Until then, our beef jerky will still be the same as it was the day it was packaged, so long as the bag is kept unopened. Typically, this means 12 months from the time the jerky was packaged.

If your package of Jack Link’s jerky is opened, it can remain ready to eat for up to three days without refrigeration. So, be sure to enjoy every last tasty bite within that time frame.

How to Tell If Your Beef Jerky Has Gone Bad

There are a few ways you can determine if your jerky has gone bad. The first test and the one we like the most is to simply open the bag and smell it. Meat that is past its prime will come with an unmistakable smell. You should be able to instantly tell the difference between spoiled and not spoiled jerky.

As with any meat products, jerky can go bad if not properly stored or not consumed soon enough after opening. In some cases, when jerky is exposed to oxygen for too long it can result in mold, which can be a visible sign of poor storage.

In some cases, jerky that has gone bad may not show any of these signs. That’s why it’s super important to abide by the best by dates on the package.

How to Maintain Jerky Quality: Storage Methods

After you buy your jerky, there are a few things you can do to make it last if you’re not planning on eating it all within the next three days. Let’s dive into some basic storage methods.

Leave It Unopened

You can store bags of jerky unopened in your pantry for typically up to 12 months. Jerky bags are designed to keep jerky fresh for longer periods of time. These bags are vacuum-sealed to keep air and moisture out.

Refrigerate It

If you open your jerky, make sure to eat it or place it in the refrigerator within three days. We recommend keeping your jerky in the same resealable bag it came in. If you no longer have the bag or it won’t seal, store your jerky in an airtight container for the best results.

Can You Freeze Beef Jerky?

While it’s possible to freeze beef jerky in a vacuum-sealed bag, we don’t recommend it. Once you thaw your jerky, while it’s still perfectly fine to eat, the texture and taste may have changed. It may no longer taste like the jerky you know and love. So, for the best snacking experience, we recommend that you don’t freeze your jerky.

If you do freeze your jerky, just be sure to place it into the fridge to thaw out before you enjoy it. This allows your jerky to thaw slowly and prevents the growth of bacteria.

Have more questions about beef jerky? We’ve got you covered over in our FAQs.

Jerky Quality Begins With Quality Ingredients

For the tastiest jerky, you should choose a brand that prioritizes quality ingredients. And that’s exactly what we do here at Jack Link’s. Our beef jerky is made with 100% premium beef as well as a signature blend of herbs and spices. In other words, it’s delicious. Shop our products today to snag some jerky for yourself.