Kirkland bacon bits from Costco are a popular pantry staple for many households. But with any pre-cooked food product, it’s important to pay attention to expiration dates and how to store them properly to maximize freshness and shelf life. Here’s a detailed look at how long Kirkland bacon bits last, how to tell if they’ve gone bad, and the best storage methods to extend their shelf life.
Shelf Life of Unopened Kirkland Bacon Bits
Unopened packages of Kirkland bacon bits have a printed “best by” date stamped on the back of the package. This date tells you how long the bacon bits are expected to retain optimum quality and flavor when stored properly. The printed date is typically 2 years from the packaging date. So if you purchase a package of Kirkland bacon bits with a best by date of January 2025, that means the bacon bits won’t expire until January of 2025 as long as they remain sealed in the original packaging.
It’s important to note that the best by date is not an expiration date. Bacon bits can still be safe to consume and retain good flavor quality after the printed date, provided they have been stored properly. The best by date is simply the last date where the manufacturer will guarantee the best flavor, texture, and quality.
How to Store Unopened Kirkland Bacon Bits
To get the full 2 years of shelf life from Kirkland bacon bits, proper storage is a must. Here are some tips for storing unopened packages:
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources
- Avoid storage in humid environments which can cause moisture buildup
- Refrigeration can extend shelf life but is not required for unopened packages
- Keep packages sealed until ready to use
- Write the date of purchase on packages for reference
With proper storage, the bacon bits should retain excellent quality right up until the printed best by date, giving you a full 2 years to use them.
How to Tell if Unopened Bacon Bits are Bad
Although not a precise test, your senses are typically the best tool for assessing whether bacon bits have gone bad while still sealed in their original package. Signs that bacon bits have spoiled or degraded in quality include:
- Unpleasant and “off” smell when you open the package
- Change in color from reddish-brown to gray, green, or black
- Shriveled or hard texture instead of crispy and crumbly
- Rancid, bitter, or unpleasant taste
If the bacon bits exhibit any signs of spoilage upon opening, it’s best to discard them even if the best by date has not passed.
Shelf Life of Opened Kirkland Bacon Bits
Once opened, the shelf life of Kirkland bacon bits is significantly reduced due to exposure to air, light, and bacteria. An opened package will usually stay fresh for the following time periods:
- Refrigerator – 3 to 4 weeks
- Freezer – 6 to 8 months
For maximum freshness, make sure to re-seal the package tightly after each use and minimize openings to avoid introducing moisture.
Refrigerator Storage
To extend the shelf life of opened bacon bits, refrigeration is a must. Properly stored in the fridge, they should retain good quality for 3-4 weeks past the opening date. Make sure to store in an airtight container or resealed plastic bag. Loosely closed or open containers will cause them to stale faster. Glass or plastic containers are ideal as metal can impart a metallic taste over time.
Freezer Storage
For even longer lasting storage, you can freeze bacon bits in airtight containers or bags. Frozen properly, they will keep for 6-8 months before quality starts to diminish. Allow bacon bits to cool completely before freezing, then press out excess air from storage bags. Make sure to label bags with the date of freezing so you know when to use by. Always defrost in the refrigerator, not at room temperature.
How To Tell When Opened Bacon Bits Are Bad
To determine if opened bacon bits have gone bad, check them carefully for the following signs of spoilage:
- Mold growth – discard immediately if mold is visible
- Noticeable change in color or texture – should be reddish-brown and crispy
- Strong sour or unpleasant odor
- Tastes rancid or bitter
Bacon bits that exhibit any of those characteristics should be discarded. Don’t taste bacon bits if extensive mold is present, as ingesting could cause health issues.
Extending Shelf Life of Opened Bacon Bits
To maximize the shelf life after opening, follow these guidelines:
- Transfer to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag
- Press out any excess air before sealing to reduce oxidation
- Make sure containers are completely dry before sealing
- Refrigerate after opening, do not store at room temperature
- Freeze for long term storage if you won’t use within 3-4 weeks
- Minimize repeatedly opening to reduce air exposure
Bacon bits can also be stored in the freezer in recipes like casseroles or soups for extended shelf life. Just make sure to thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
Can Expired Kirkland Bacon Bits Make You Sick?
Eating spoiled bacon bits that have been allowed to expire can potentially cause illness, especially for those with compromised immune systems. Spoiled bacon bits may contain harmful bacteria like salmonella, listeria, or E. coli. Typical symptoms of foodborne illness include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Fever
- Headache
In most healthy adults, these symptoms will subside on their own within 48 hours. But infants, small children, seniors, and those with chronic illnesses are at higher risk for complications. Seek medical treatment if symptoms last more than 2-3 days or are accompanied by high fever over 101°F.
Can You Freeze Unopened Kirkland Bacon Bits?
Freezing unopened packages of Kirkland bacon bits is not recommended by the manufacturer. The freezing and thawing process can degrade texture and flavor. For best quality, store an unopened package at normal refrigerator temperatures up to the printed best by date. If you won’t use within that timeframe, consider giving away unopened packages to friends or family to use up.
Bacon Bits Recipe and Substitution Ideas
To help use up bacon bits promptly before they expire, here are some recipe ideas:
- Soups – Sprinkle on loaded potato, broccoli cheese, clam chowder, etc.
- Salads – Toss with spinach, wedge, chef, Cobb salads
- Pizza – Sprinkle on pizza slices for added flavor
- Baked potatoes – Top baked russet or sweet potatoes
- Green beans – Mix in with hot or cold green bean dishes
- Deviled eggs – Garnish stuffed egg halves
- Casseroles – Fold into tuna noodle, chicken & rice, tater tot casseroles
- Appetizers – Top bruschetta, nachos, stuffed mushrooms
You can also substitute real crumbled bacon in any recipe. Just account for slightly less saltiness and smokiness. Each tablespoon of bacon bits contains about 1 gram fat and 40 calories vs 2.5 grams fat and 30 calories for real cooked bacon.
Storing Bacon Bits for Food Prep
When using bacon bits for food prep in restaurants or commercial kitchens, follow these guidelines:
- Store unopened bacon bits in cool, dry storage area away from heat and sunlight
- Transfer opened bits to dated food storage container, keep refrigerated
- Discard if mold appears or after exceeding refrigerated shelf life
- Never store at room temperature more than 2 hours after opening
- Always use clean utensils when taking portions to avoid contaminating remaining product
- Educate all kitchen staff on properly labeling, dating, and rotating stock
Implementing first in, first out rotation and labeling systems helps ensure opened bacon bits get used up within the allowable shelf life. Discard immediately if any odd odors, textures, or appearance develops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can rancid bacon bits make dogs sick?
Yes, spoiled bacon bits can potentially cause illness in dogs just as they can in humans. Signs of sickness from rancid bacon bits in dogs may include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or lethargy. Don’t feed dogs any bacon bits past their expiration date or that smell unpleasant. Seek veterinary care if symptoms persist more than 24 hours.
Do bacon bits need to be refrigerated after opening?
Refrigeration is highly recommended after opening bacon bits to maximize freshness. Allowing opened bacon bits to sit at room temperature for longer than 2 hours can significantly shorten their usable shelf life. Keep them sealed in the fridge to retain quality for up to 4 weeks after opening.
Can old bacon bits cause food poisoning?
Yes, consuming bacon bits that have spoiled or are past their expiration can potentially lead to foodborne illness. Harmful bacteria and toxins can grow over time in expired bacon bits. Properly stored, unopened bacon bits are generally safe up to 2 years past the packaging date. But once opened, they should not be consumed past 1 month.
Do the oils in bacon bits go bad?
Like other fats, the oils in bacon bits can oxidize and become rancid over time, especially if not stored properly. If the oils have gone rancid, bacon bits will have an unpleasant smell and bitter taste. They should be discarded at the first signs of odor or taste changes to avoid foodborne illness risks.
Can I use bacon bits after freezing them?
Yes, bacon bits can be safely used after freezing, provided they were initially frozen within the recommended storage times. Allow frozen bacon bits to thaw overnight in the fridge before using. They may lose some crispness after freezing but will retain their flavor for use in recipes. Use within 1 week for best quality.
Conclusion
When stored properly in a cool, dry place, unopened packages of Kirkland bacon bits typically stay fresh for up to 2 years past the printed best by date. Once opened, they should be refrigerated and used within 3-4 weeks. For even longer shelf life, open packages can be frozen for 6-8 months. Remember to track dates closely and check for any changes in appearance, smell, or texture over time. With optimal storage conditions, Kirkland’s pre-cooked bacon bits can remain a tasty and convenient kitchen staple for extended periods.