How to Store Jack Link’s Beef Jerky

It can be hard to resist ripping open your bag of Jack Link’s jerky and downing it all in one sitting. But if you want to savor the flavor for a few days, you’ll need to know how to store beef jerky for the best results. Luckily, we have all the facts about storing your beef jerky right here in this handy guide.

Key Takeaways

• Unopened jerky can last for up to a year when stored in a cool, dry place. Always check the best by date on the package.
• If opened, refrigerate or use your jerky within three days.
• While freezing beef jerky may impact the texture and flavor, freezing unopened bags of jerky may help keep your jerky fresh.

How Moisture Affects Jerky

First, let’s talk about how jerky is made. Meat is cut into strips or cuts, depending on the jerky type. Those meat pieces are marinated and then dehydrated to remove moisture, which keeps the jerky from spoiling.

If removing moisture keeps jerky from spoiling, what does adding moisture back in do? When paired with oxygen, moisture can cause the jerky to mold and go bad faster. This is why beef jerky is placed into vacuum-sealed bags before it hits your grocery store shelves. 

Moisture is also the reason why learning how to store beef jerky is super important to ensure it tastes great for longer.

How Long Does Store Bought Jerky Last?

Unopened, your favorite pouch of jerky can last up to a year. Yet, we would never recommend eating jerky past its best by date, which may differ depending on the brand and type of jerky you buy. Eating your jerky by this date results in the best flavor so be sure to check the label.

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.

What Should I Store Beef Jerky In?

Let’s say you couldn’t resist the perfectly seasoned meat peeking out from the bag. You opened it, but you need it to last a while — maybe even longer than a few days. Luckily, since it’s a way of preserving meat, jerky is designed to last longer than most foods! 

The thing to remember is that moisture and oxygen are the enemies of longevity. Here are some ways you can store jerky:

• Vacuum-sealed bags, to keep oxygen from spoiling the meat. Once that’s done, throw it in the freezer to last even longer. It should thaw out in a few days. While we normally don’t recommend freezing, we think it’s better than having to toss bad meat!
• Mason jars or other airtight containers, ideally with an oxygen absorber. Glass jars are more airtight than plastic containers, but the plastic ones can do in a pinch.
• Plastic bags with paper towels. These are NOT our first suggestion, as they’re not airtight. They will work if you have nothing else, but they won’t last nearly as long.

By far, the best option to store beef jerky is to use vacuum-sealed bags stored in the freezer. Or, of course, just eating it straightaway!

To Refrigerate or To Freeze? That Is the Question

Not storing your jerky properly can result in a variety of issues. It’s super important to store your beef jerky properly to keep bacteria away and your jerky safe.

Refrigerating and keeping foods at an ideal temperature stops the growth of bacteria in its tracks, keeping your food fresher for longer. The same goes for beef jerky. Once opened, you should refrigerate your jerky and eat it within three days.

Should You Freeze Your Beef Jerky?

Should you ever freeze your beef jerky? Here at Jack Link’s, we recommend avoiding freezing your jerky as it typically doesn’t provide the best snacking experience. Freezing can often result in a change in texture and taste.

If you want to freeze your jerky, place your unopened bag right into your freezer. This is the best method. After all, placing your jerky into another container to freeze could expose it to bacteria, moisture, or other contamination found in that container.

If you’ve already opened your bag of jerky and want to freeze it, you can reseal the zipper jerky bag and wrap it in aluminum foil for added protection. Be sure to squeeze the bag to remove as much air as possible. 

Then, place the bag into your freezer. If you wish to use an airtight container, wash it really well first before placing your jerky inside. When you’re ready to snack, remove the bag or container from your freezer and let it thaw in the fridge.

The Science of the Jack Link’s Bag

So how does Jack Link’s store our jerky? We always want you to have the best experience when enjoying our beef jerky. That’s why we use a special science called gas flushing to prevent moisture from entering our bags.

What is Gas Flushing?

While it sounds incredibly science-y, gas flushing is quite simple. During this process,  gasses are injected into the jerky bag and removed, over and over again. This process removes excess oxygen from the jerky bag, preventing excess moisture and bacteria.

We also use jerky bags that feature special layers used to keep oxygen out. And to take things up a notch, we also include an oxygen absorber in each of our jerky packages. The oxygen absorber, a little packet of iron powder, absorbs any oxygen that enters the bag to preserve the freshness of your jerky.

When you open your bag, this small white package will be clearly labeled “Do Not Eat,” so please heed that warning.

Jack Link’s Jerky to Try

You’ve researched. You’ve planned. You’ve high-fived the universe. The only thing left to do is to start trying all the jerky your ravenous hunger could desire. 

A classic option: our Original Beef Jerky (also available as 1lb Jerky Pounders for those days you can’t get enough!). It’s seasoned with black pepper, garlic, onion, and more for a savory bite. We also have Original Zero Sugar Beef Jerky for anyone watching their sugar intake. And we use the same spice blend for our Original Turkey Jerky, too.

Let’s say you want something different. More complex. More…adventurous. That’s why we made DUOS, which take two great flavors and combine their powers into a delicious blast of flavor. We paired Mango and Jalapeño Jerky, Buffalo and Ranch Chicken Bites, and more!

When In Doubt, Check the Label

Not sure how to store your favorite brand of beef jerky? Be sure to check the label. Food products are required by law to have storage instructions listed right on the packaging. These instructions are most commonly found on the front of the product label, but they can also be found on the back.

Grab Some Jack Link’s Beef Jerky Today

Storing your beef jerky the right way will make sure it’s kept as fresh as possible for as long as possible for the best taste. Of course, choosing high-quality beef jerky from the get-go will help too. Jack Link’s offers a wide variety of tasty jerky to choose from. Shop the meats to learn more!