How long does bratwurst last?
Bratwurst keeps for 2 to 3 days in the fridge, up to 2 to 3 months in the freezer. USDA lists 2 kinds of bratwurst; the first is shown here and all are in the table below.
fresh
No guideline
2 to 3 days
from purchase
2 to 3 months
best quality within
All kinds of bratwurst, side by side
| Kind | Pantry | Fridge | After opening | Freezer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| fresh | no guideline | 2 to 3 days | no guideline | 2 to 3 months |
| smoked and processed | no guideline | 5 to 7 days | no guideline | 2 to 3 months |
No guideline: USDA gives no time for that place, usually because the food is not stored that way.
How to tell bratwurst has gone bad
General signs for meat: fresh, the group USDA lists bratwurst under.
- Sticky, tacky or slimy film on the surface
- Sour or ammonia-like smell instead of a mild, fresh one
- Grey-green colour throughout, not just where air touched it
- Torn or leaking packaging that let air or juices escape
- Texture that stays dented when pressed instead of springing back
More on meat: fresh. The times above are quality guidelines, not safety limits; food that shows these signs goes out regardless of the date.
Storage habits that make the difference
Keep raw meat in the coldest part of the fridge, ideally on a tray to catch drips, and use within a few days of purchase. Freeze anything you will not use in time, wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the fridge, not on the counter, and never refreeze raw meat that has fully thawed.
More in meat: fresh
Source: USDA FSIS FoodKeeper dataset (public domain). Times assume a fridge at 40 F (4 C) and a freezer at 0 F (-18 C). How we decode the data.