Beef jerky is a delicious snack that many adore. But have you ever pondered over its shelf life? How long does beef jerky last? Dive deep with us to unveil the mysteries of this age-old snack. Let’s get started!
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What is Beef Jerky?
Beef jerky is a beloved snack across North America. Its popularity isn’t just limited to adventurers like campers, hikers, and trekkers, but anyone who desires a tasty protein source that’s ready-to-eat. The significant selling point for beef jerky? Its impressive shelf life.
The Historical Background of Beef Jerky
Beef jerky, contrary to popular belief, isn’t a modern invention. While many associate its creation with the Inca tribes who preserved buffalo meat by drying, jerky’s roots go deep into human history. Learn more about making jerky at home in our detailed guide on dehydrating jerky at home.
Health Benefits and Concerns of Beef Jerky
While beef jerky is a compact source of protein and essential vitamins like B12, minerals including iron, zinc, and selenium, it’s not entirely free from concerns. A majority of commercially available beef jerky variants contain high levels of salt, MSG, and artificial preservatives. Not to mention, they are often rich in sugar. While these attributes provide a quick energy source for trekkers, frequent consumption might not be the healthiest choice.
Types of Beef Jerky
There’s a myriad of flavors and variations when it comes to beef jerky. The preparation method, marinade ingredients, and even the meat type can offer a whole new taste and texture experience.
- Classic Original: Marinated in soy sauce, sugar, garlic, onion powder, and other spices.
- Spicy: Enhanced with extra spices like chili or pepper flakes.
- Teriyaki: Swaps soy sauce for a tangy teriyaki flavor.
- Meat Variations: Apart from beef, there’s venison, buffalo, turkey, wild boar, tuna, and even alligator jerky. The world of jerky offers over 100 different types to satisfy every palate.
How Long Does Beef Jerky Last?
One burning question everyone has is, “How long does beef jerky last?” Store-bought beef jerky boasts a shelf life of up to 2 years when vacuum-sealed and stored in a dark place. Even when combined with other ingredients in recipes, it retains its longevity. But why? Here’s the science behind it:
| Type of Beef Jerky | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Commercially Packaged (Unopened) | 1-2 years |
| Commercially Packaged (Opened) | 1-2 weeks |
| Homemade (Unrefrigerated) | 1-2 weeks |
| Homemade (Refrigerated) | 1-2 months |
| Homemade (Frozen) | Up to 6 months |
| Beef Jerky Sticks (Unopened) | 1-2 years |
| Beef Jerky Sticks (Opened) | 1-2 weeks |
| Dehydrated Beef Jerky (Unopened) | Up to 1 year |
| Dehydrated Beef Jerky (Opened) | 1-2 weeks |
| Vacuum Sealed and Stored with Oxygen Absorbers | Up to 2 years |
| (Note: These are estimated times. Always check the expiry date and condition of the product before consuming.) |
- Low Fat Content: Fat goes rancid quickly. Jerky’s low-fat content contributes to its longer shelf life.
- Dryness: Moist environments breed bacteria. Dried meat offers little to no moisture, making it a hostile environment for bacterial growth.
- Salt and Seasonings: Both act as preservatives, further extending the lifespan.
While beef jerky can last a long time, it’s crucial to inspect it before consumption. Check for discoloration, a leathery texture, or any off smells.
In ideal conditions, beef jerky can last even longer than 2 years. When stored in the freezer, beef jerky can last almost indefinitely. Pack the vacuum-sealed, wrapped jerky into a freezer bag, making sure the bag is airtight, and place the bag in the freezer.
This is particularly helpful if you are buying beef jerky in advance and want to store it safely. If you live in a very hot climate and are worried about your jerky going bad, you can store it in the fridge or freezer.
As long as you keep your jerky in a dark cool place, away from sunlight and air, you won’t have to worry about it going bad soon.
Tips to Extend Beef Jerky’s Lifespan
In optimal conditions, beef jerky can outlive its standard shelf life. When stored in a freezer, it can last almost indefinitely. Whether you’re storing a bulk purchase or reside in a tropical climate, consider refrigeration or freezing to ensure its longevity.
Storing Homemade Beef Jerky
Homemade beef jerky is a treat, but it doesn’t have the long shelf life of its commercial counterpart due to the absence of nitrates and high salt content. When appropriately stored, it can last 1-2 months in the fridge, a week in the pantry, and up to a year in the freezer. Proper storage means airtight conditions, ideally vacuum-sealed, away from sunlight and moisture. Dive deeper into the jerky-making process with our guide on dehydrating jerky at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below you’ll find answers to questions we get asked the most about beef jerky.
01. How Can I Tell if Beef Jerky Has Gone Bad?
When beef jerky goes bad, it will look different and change color. The texture will also seem drier and will give off a weird smell.
02. Is Beef Jerky Bad for Me?
While jerky is safe to eat occasionally, or when you are on a trip outdoors. However, since it contains so much salt and so many preservatives, it isn’t safe to eat frequently.
03. Can Beef Jerky be Stored in the Fridge?
Beef jerky can go bad after it is left in the fridge for 2-3 years.
04. How Long Can I Store Beef Jerky in the Refrigerator?
While you don’t have to store jerky in the fridge, you can store it in the fridge for 2 years.
05. What Will Happen If I Eat Old Beef Jerky?
Eating old or expired jerky will give you an upset stomach, nausea, and even food poisoning.
06. Can I Get Food Poisoning from Beef Jerky?
Yes, eating beef jerky that has gone bad can cause severe food poisoning.
07. Why is Beef Jerky So Pricey?
The lean cuts of meat used to make jerky are pretty expensive. Also, the process of drying the meat and preserving it takes a lot of time and energy, which makes it more expensive.
08. What Will Happen If I Don’t Refrigerate Beef Jerky?
Store-bought beef jerky doesn’t have to be refrigerated. However, homemade jerky will go bad faster if it isn’t refrigerated.
Concluding Thoughts
Packing some beef jerky when going on a trip is a pretty commonplace occurrence. This useful and yummy snack is a lifesaver, especially as it is hard to take protein sources on longer trips, as they tend to go bad often. If you ever wondered: how long does beef jerky last? Now you know the answer. So next time you find an old bit of jerky stashed away in the pantry, you can figure out whether it is safe to eat, or needs to be tossed out.
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