How long does jerky last?
Jerky keeps for 2 to 3 months in the fridge once opened, for 12 months in the pantry. USDA lists 2 kinds of jerky; the first is shown here and all are in the table below.
commercially dried
12 months
from the package date
2 to 3 months
after opening
No guideline
All kinds of jerky, side by side
| Kind | Pantry | Fridge | After opening | Freezer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| commercially dried | 12 months | no guideline | 2 to 3 months | no guideline |
| homemade | 1 to 2 months | 1 to 2 months | no guideline | no guideline |
No guideline: USDA gives no time for that place, usually because the food is not stored that way.
How to tell jerky has gone bad
General signs for meat: shelf stable foods, the group USDA lists jerky under.
- Bulging, dented or rusted cans, especially along the seam
- Jerky that has gone soft, sticky or visibly mouldy
- Hissing or spurting liquid when a can is opened
- Off, sour or rancid smell on opening
- Unusual colour change compared to a fresh package
More on meat: shelf stable foods. 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
Store unopened cans and sealed jerky in a cool, dry cupboard away from direct sunlight. Once opened, refrigerate canned meat in a covered container and use within a few days. Reseal jerky tightly or keep it in an airtight bag or container after opening to preserve texture.
More in meat: shelf stable foods
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.