How long does beef jerky last?

FoodKeeper gives beef jerky 12 months unopened, as a guide to quality. Once opened, that's 2 to 3 months in the refrigerator.

How to store it

Commercial jerky keeps on the shelf until opened. USDA says commercially produced jerky is safe at room temperature. Keep any oxygen packet in the bag, but don't eat it.

Keep it cool and dry. USDA says temperatures below 85°F are best, and to avoid anywhere above or beside the stove, under the sink, or in a damp garage or basement. Reseal opened packs, or decant them into something airtight.

What to look for

Check for a broken seal, mold, or a sour smell. Packs that have puffed up shouldn't be eaten.

USDA says spoiled food develops an off odor, flavor or texture, and that if it has, you shouldn't eat it.

Worth knowing

Home-dried jerky has a much shorter life: USDA gives 1 to 2 months. The times on this page are for commercially packaged jerky.

Similar foods

From preppantry.app. Checked 2 November 2026. Independent tool, not official advice.

How it works

FoodKeeper is USDA's food storage database. Its figures are guides to quality for food stored at cool room temperature, not safety cut-offs, and we show them as USDA gives them. FoodKeeper counts this from the date of purchase. Opened times start when you open the pack.

Where FoodKeeper gives no figure, we say so instead of guessing. The date printed on a package is the manufacturer's, and it's about quality except on infant formula.

Common questions

How long does beef jerky last unopened?

12 months, according to USDA FoodKeeper, as a guide to best quality. FoodKeeper counts this from the date of purchase.

How long does beef jerky keep once opened?

FoodKeeper gives no figure for an opened pack in the pantry. 2 to 3 months in the refrigerator.

Does beef jerky go bad after the date on the package?

USDA says dates are about quality, except on infant formula. A product should still be safe if handled properly until spoilage shows, so check for an off smell, taste or texture.

What should I look for before using beef jerky?