The Reason Most Bacon Doesn't Come In A Resealable Package
From deli meats and cheeses to grains and snacks, there are numerous foods that come in handy resealable packages that allow you to zip them shut after you've taken out the portion of food desired. However, it's unlikely that your bacon is packaged in a way that lets you easily reseal it. But why?
One of the reasons is that some brands just expect most households to prepare and eat the entire package upon opening, and believe there isn't a need for resealable packaging.
A viral TikTok post about the topic earlier this year prompted the conversation, garnering plenty of comments about the need for resealable options (especially for single person households), and leading to no shortage of Reddit threads devoted to the topic. A few of the main bacon producers talked to Today about the issue, again reiterating the fact that they've noticed most customers use the whole pack in one setting (especially for more economical 8-ounce packages).
There are other reasons at play for why bacon traditionally comes in a single-use bag, and there are things you can do if you want to preserve any leftovers.
The key to bacon freshness is removing any air from the package
Bacon is best packaged in a way that completely prevents contact with air — so even though it may not always come in a resealable bag, there's a reason why most producers in the United States typically choose to sell bacon on a tray that has been vacuum sealed. After all, vacuum sealing extends the life of the bacon by removing most of the oxygen that's responsible for spoilage. Were it not for vacuum sealing, bacon would turn sour and slimy in far less time.
With the same reasoning, offering a zipper or press closure for bacon would also vacuum seal it after the package is open. It can be done, there just appear to be few companies in the U.S. willing to invest in it other than a few brands have proven that resealable packages are an option. Wright Brand (owned by Tyson Foods) sells its bacon in a resealable bag and Archer Farms has been known to package some of its bacon in resealable packaging, too. Smithfield also appears to now have at least one variety (a thick cut smoked applewood bacon) available in a similar package as well.
How to best store leftover bacon without a resealed container
If your store only sells traditionally packaged bacon without a resealable package, all hope is not lost as there are multiple ways you can still properly store it at home. First, no matter how it's packaged, if you're storing bacon unopened, you can generally keep it in the fridge for a couple of weeks or in the freezer for around eight months.
Once you've opened the package, the appropriate storage time reduces quickly when it comes the refrigerator. You can keep bacon that has been opened in the fridge for up to one week, ensuring that the temperature inside is less than 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If you're storing it in the freezer, it should last for up to four months after the package is opened.
The real question is what to store bacon in when you don't have a resealable package. You can pack it into reusable containers, but since the key is preventing the meat from coming in contact with air as much as possible, it's best to use an option that will completely cover the surface of the bacon. Leaving it in the package it came in and then bagging it is one option. You can also wrap the package with foil. Or, try transferring it to a ziplock bag, pressing the air out of it before refrigerating or freezing. If you choose to freeze it, be sure to allow thawing time in the fridge before cooking the bacon again.