Beef jerky is a family favourite food, and there has been a lot of debate around how long it actually lasts. The shelf life of beef jerky heavily depends on a number of elements, including whether the packet has been opened, how it is stored, and the packaging that a company has placed it in, meaning that the length of time it’s okay to consume will vary.
In this article, we’re going to dive a little deeper into this to give you more insights on what to look for, and how to know if beef jerky is okay to eat. So, if you want to know the answer to how long does beef jerky last, keep reading.
Best Before Dates
In order to allow our customers to enjoy their jerky at the very best, all of our products come with a best before date. It’s important to understand the distinction between best before and use by to fully understand why this matters. Best before refers to the quality and freshness of our products, and this is the date that we recommend eating the jerky to ensure the best eating experience. Use by on the other hand refers to food safety, and products with a use by label should not be consumed afterwards.
Unopened vs Opened Packets
It’s true to say that unopened jerky generally lasts longer as long as it is stored correctly. If it is kept cool and dry, then your jerky can last quite a long time. However, once you have opened the pack, the air and moisture are going to get to it. This is going to impact the test and the longevity of the jerky. So, once you have opened the pack, make sure that you are resealing it well, and consuming within a reasonable amount of time.
Storage Tips
Reseal
As we mentioned above, once you have opened the pack you need to ensure that you are resealing the packet well. You can also use an airtight container to achieve the same effect, but you must make sure that it is sealed properly to keep your jerky as fresh as possible.
Where To Store
When it comes to storing, you should store it in a cool, dry space. Keep it away from direct sunlight as this will impact the quality of the jerky, and ensure that it is kept out of the open air.
Signs Jerky May Be Off
If you’re looking at your jerky and wondering how you can tell if it’s no longer okay to eat, there are a few key indicators that this may be the case. These include:
- Visible mould – get rid of it asap
- Slimy or sticky texture
- Flavour that seems wrong when you eat it
- Damaged packaging
- Unusual smell
A good rule of thumb to go by is this: if in doubt, throw it out. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Buying In Bulk
If you’re someone who eats beef jerky regularly, or if you are a whole family that eats jerky regularly, buying in bulk might be the best option for you. We offer 250g family packs and 1kg bulk packs to those who are interested in bulk buying and saving themselves some money in the process.
Keep in mind when buying in bulk that all Nive Beef products should be stored correctly, and dates should be consulted before the consumption of any products.
So, all in all then, the key takeaways should be this. When stored correctly, beef jerky can last quite a while. Ensure that you are always checking the best before dates to get the best possible jerky experience, and try to choose the right size pack for you so that you’re not ending up throwing jerky away. At Nive Beef, we are committed to providing the best for all of our customers, so get online and shop Nive Beef jerky today.
FAQs:
Does beef jerky need to be refrigerated?
If it’s unopened, it does not need to be refrigerated. If it is opened, you should be sealing it correctly and either consuming within the next few days, or keeping it in the fridge for around a week.
Can you eat beef jerky after the best-before date?
While you can eat beef jerky after the best before date as this is based on freshness and quality, it’s recommended to keep to the best before date for the best experience.
How long does beef jerky last once opened?
If sealed correctly, 3-5 days outside of the fridge, a week or just over in the fridge.
What is the best way to store beef jerky?
Unopened jerky should be stored in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness.
Is bulk beef jerky worth buying?
If you are someone who eats a lot of jerky and you store it correctly – it can save you a pretty penny to bulk buy.
