Properly storing beef jerky: How to keep your jerky fresh longer

Beef Jerky is a delicious and protein-rich snack that you can enjoy anywhere and anytime. Compared to other treats, dried meat has the advantage of being long-lasting. With proper storage, the pleasant texture and delicious taste remain for a long time. However, if you store your jerky incorrectly, the quality may deteriorate and it may spoil faster.

We will tell you how to store beef jerky so that it stays fresh for especially long.

What happens if I don't store beef jerky properly?

As soon as you open a new pack of beef jerky, air inevitably enters inside. Over time, this not only dries it out and causes it to lose its pleasant texture, but it can also lose flavor. An already opened package should be consumed within a week at the latest, but preferably within two or three days.

Even unopened jerky can eventually go bad if stored incorrectly. Although it is a product that is very long-lasting compared to many other foods, you should store it properly. Only then can you be sure that the quality is preserved over a long period.

The shelf life of beef jerky is primarily shortened by contact with moisture and oxygen. Dried meat lasts especially long because it is dehydrated during production, meaning its moisture is removed. By coming into contact with water again, beef can spoil faster, similar to fresh meat. Furthermore, purchased jerky is generally significantly longer-lasting than homemade jerky because it is vacuum-packed. As a result, it is often good for up to a year and can still be safe to eat even after the expiration date. Homemade beef jerky, on the other hand, has a shelf life of at most two months and should therefore be eaten quickly.

Proper storage of beef jerky: What you should consider when storing

To extend the shelf life of beef jerky, you should protect it as much as possible from environmental influences such as air, water, sunlight, and temperature fluctuations.

Avoid air

As already mentioned, oxygen causes the quality of dried meat to decline over time. To extend shelf life, you should only open purchased beef jerky when you want to enjoy it immediately. After opening, consume it as quickly as possible or pack it airtight. The same applies to homemade jerky.

Avoid moisture

The drier you store your jerky, the longer it stays fresh. Moisture increases the risk that the meat will be attacked by bacteria and eventually spoil. In a preferably dry place, your snack stays fresh and tasty for a long time.

Avoid direct sunlight

Although sunlight contributes to a dry environment, you should protect your dried meat from direct sunlight. Too much light can also cause it to spoil faster. A dark pantry or cupboard is therefore especially suitable for storing beef jerky.

Maintain a consistent temperature

Beef jerky feels most comfortable when stored at a as constant temperature as possible. You should avoid temperature fluctuations and extreme temperatures. If possible, choose a place with a cool temperature – both too high and too low temperatures can damage the beef in the long run.

Do not freeze your jerky

Many foods can be frozen and thawed later without significantly affecting quality. However, beef jerky is not one of these products. Both texture and flavor as well as nutritional values can suffer from freezing.

Choose high-quality beef jerky

The better the quality, the higher the likelihood that your jerky will stay fresh and tasty for a long time. Therefore, only choose high-quality beef jerky from manufacturers you trust. Although chemicals can possibly extend the shelf life of dried meat, you should avoid products with artificial preservatives and instead rely on good raw materials and proper storage.

Frequently asked questions: Proper storage of beef jerky

How long does purchased beef jerky last?

Airtight packaged beef jerky has the advantage that it is very long-lasting compared to many other foods. Usually, you can enjoy it for up to a year. However, it is usually not spoiled long after the expiration date.

Should I store beef jerky in the refrigerator?

You do not need to store unopened beef jerky in the refrigerator. A dark, airtight, and cool place such as a pantry or cupboard is optimal for storage. Even after opening, it does not necessarily have to go into the refrigerator, although the cool temperatures certainly do not harm the meat.

How should I store an opened pack of beef jerky?

You should also store an opened pack of beef jerky as dark, airtight, and cool as possible. Instead of leaving the dried meat in the open package, you should close it well and possibly put it in a sealed container. Even better is to enjoy it as quickly as possible.                                    

What should I do if my beef jerky becomes too hard?

If the texture of your beef jerky has become too hard, there are several ways to soften your beef jerky again. Check out our blog article: How to soften beef jerky.