How to Store Beef Jerky to Keep it Fresh

There’s no doubt about it, beef jerky is a classic, delicious snack. It’s convenient and simple, yet also rugged and robust. Since it takes time to chew, it can even make you slow down and truly appreciate the flavor.

Jerky is a traditional food that can be enjoyed in a variety of circumstances. You can bring it along with you on hunting and fishing trips or just take it to work to enjoy during breaks.

But while beef jerky is known for being portable and having a long shelf life, the reality is it doesn’t stay fresh forever. Despite what some people might say, jerky can expire eventually.

How Long Does Beef Jerky Typically Last?

Let’s say you just purchased a bag of beef jerky. You haven’t opened it yet and you’re keeping it in a cupboard at room temperature. There should be an expiration date right on the bag, but generally, an unopened bag will last for a year after it was packaged.

However, if you open the package, that changes things drastically. Since the bag is no longer airtight, the meat is exposed to the oxygen and can go bad in as little as three days.

How to Store Beef Jerky to Keep it Fresh

Yes, a bag of beef jerky can expire, and there are warning signs to help you identify it. But with that in mind, there are steps you can take to keep it fresh for as long as possible. Here are some simple beef jerky storage tips to keep in mind.

If the Bag of Jerky Has Been Opened

Once the seal of the bag is broken, the jerky is exposed to air, and the countdown begins. If you don’t plan to eat the jerky within a few days, there’s a chance the jerky will go bad.

To keep the jerky as fresh as possible, make sure you squeeze all of the air out of the bag before resealing it. While you can keep jerky in a cupboard, a refrigerator could be a more ideal alternative.

If the Bag of Jerky Is Unopened

Say you got a large number of jerky bags as a gift during the holidays. Or maybe you just like to stockpile jerky for whatever reason. You’re probably not going to go through all of them right away (though, no judgment if that’s your plan).

Fortunately, jerky is a great product for long-term storage, so you don’t have to worry about chowing down a month’s supply right away. You’ll want to check the expiration dates on the bags, but generally, an unopened bag of beef jerky can last about a year.

So, simply store it in a cool, dry place until you feel like eating it! Bonus Tip: It’s best to keep it in a darker place away from the sun so the moisture doesn’t create condensation inside the bag and facilitate bacterial growth.

What To Store Beef Jerky In

Sometimes you open a bag of jerky and eat it all in a matter of minutes. But every now and then you rip open a bag, have a few bites, and decide that’s all you need.

If you find yourself in the second scenario, there’s no need to toss the rest and waste it when you can save it for later. Here are a few ideas for places you can store your leftover beef jerky.

Keep it in the Wild River Packaging

Wild River does best in it’s original packaging. Our packaging is resealable for just that reason! Wild River’s jerky is great sealed for up to 3 days once opened.

Vacuum Seal Bags

Hunters often have vacuum sealers at home to help store meat for later use. The vacuum sealing process keeps moisture locked into the meat while keeping it safe from the air.

If you don’t have a sealer already, they can be purchased at reasonably affordable prices (sometimes less than $100) and are a great way to prolong the freshness of your jerky.

Mason Jars

People have been using jars to preserve food for generations. While many people initially think of tomatoes, jam and pickles when they think of canning, mason jars are also great for storing plenty of other goods.

Mason jars are a great way to keep jerky safe. The process keeps the jerky in an airtight container and can prolong the shelf life after the meat has been removed from its original packaging.

Airtight Ziplock Bags

Don’t feel like putting that much effort into it? Or maybe you don’t have mason jars or a vacuum sealer available. Ziplock bags are a quick and easy way to retain the flavor in your jerky!

Toss the jerky into the ziplock bag, squeeze all of the air out of it, then zip it up and put it in the cabinet, fridge or freezer depending on how long you want to keep it before finishing.

Need a Fresh Bag of Traditional Jerky? We’ve Got You Covered

Wild River is classic jerky made right in the USA with 100% ground beef. It has 15 grams of protein per serving and is slow-smoked to ensure a rich, robust flavor. It’s hardy and takes time to chew, which means you can slow down and savor it in a world that can move too fast. Get yourself a package today!