Does Beef Jerky Need to Be Refrigerated? Make it Last!

There’s nothing like tearing open a fresh bag of beef jerky. It’s invigorating. The classic, mouthwatering smell of smoky meat makes you stop and appreciate the moment while forgetting about everything else.

People don’t just stuff beef jerky down their gullets hastily and move on; they experience it. It’s often one part of the bigger picture. Maybe it’s a snack you’ve brought with you to every fishing trip you’ve taken on Lake Mille Lacs, Minnesota.

Perhaps the first time you had jerky was on a hiking trip on Empire Bluff Trail in Michigan. The trip was spectacular, and you’ve made it an annual tradition to go back and hike, making sure to bring along a few bags of beef jerky each time.

Sentimental? Yes, and for good reason. Jerky has been around for a long time, and it’s because it makes a positive imprint on people the moment they try it. It’s a reminder of consistency and tradition in a world that moves far too quickly.

Unfortunately, those moments don’t last forever and neither does food. While beef jerky has a fairly long shelf life and is meant to be eaten slowly and savored, there is still a limited amount of time you can enjoy each mouthwatering morsel before it loses its charm.

Is Beef Jerky Shelf Stable?

Jerky is a dried food and is considered a shelf-stable food item. If commercially packaged beef jerky is left unopened, it can last on a shelf for up to 12 months! If you’ve made your own beef jerky at home, the shelf life is much shorter; about one to two months.

That being said, all foods will eventually spoil if preservation methods are not taken. This includes dried foods that can be kept at room temperature, like beef jerky.

How to Store Beef Jerky After Opening

Once you tear open a bag of beef jerky, the meat is exposed to the elements and will go bad. You don’t want your jerky getting moldy and putting you or your family at risk of getting food poisoning.

To store jerky after opening the package, the key is to keep it from exposure to sunlight and air. The less it comes into contact with the elements, the less likely it is to build up moisture and become a host for bacteria.

Recommended Methods for Storing Beef Jerky

If you got a few bags of beef jerky and you don’t feel like opening them right away, then all you need to do is put them in a cabinet. Check the expiration date on your specific bags, but as a general rule of thumb, you can expect jerky to be good for about 12 months.

If you’ve opened a bag of Wild River beef jerky or made your own at home, the storage strategy changes. We recommend making sure all the air is out of the bag, resealing it and storing in the fridge for 3 days.

When to Refrigerate Beef Jerky After Opening

If you open a bag of beef jerky and don’t plan on finishing it the same day, it’s probably best to put it in the refrigerator. You’ll still want to eat it within three days to ensure quality, but refrigeration will help the flavor stay stronger within that time frame.

It’s important to note that mold can tolerate salt and still grow on food in the refrigerator. Mold can be dangerous to consume, so if some time goes by and you notice it on any food, it’s best to throw it in the trash.

Can I Freeze My Jerky?

If you have opened a bag of commercial beef jerky or you have a large batch of homemade beef jerky that you want to last a really long time, your best bet is to freeze it. The moment you put jerky in the freezer at a temperature of zero degrees Fahrenheit, it becomes safe indefinitely while frozen. While freezing will inactivate microorganisms while they are frozen, as soon as the product is thawed they will start to grow again.

However, even though freezing keeps beef jerky secure from bacteria and fungus, it doesn’t mean the flavor will stay ideal permanently. Over time, frozen jerky can get duller in taste and potentially experience freezer burn like other meats. It will also effect the texture, which is why we recommend eating our jerky within 3 days of opening.

Ultimately, the ideal approach is to leave a bag of jerky unopened until you’re ready to eat it, then finish it within a day or two. When it’s time to get more, we’re here for you.

Get a Fresh Bag of Wild River Beef Jerky

When you want high-quality traditional beef jerky, Wild River is up to the task. Buy a bag today and always feel free to send us a message if you have any questions or comments.