Bacon is salt-cured meat and can either be bought as rashers or a joint. It’s used in a variety of meat dishes and is popular at breakfast too.
How to store
How to store fresh bacon
Once a packet is opened, follow the on-pack instructions about how to store it and when to use it up by. All raw meat should be stored at the bottom of the fridge in a clean, sealed container.
Freezing bacon
Bacon can be frozen in a sealed bag or container for 3-6 months.
Storing cooked bacon
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Bacon top tips
How to freeze and defrost
To freeze: Separate a large pack of bacon into slices using greaseproof paper before freezing. Then, you can just defrost what you need at a later date.
To defrost: When you take food or drink out of the freezer, it’s important to defrost it safely. Don’t defrost at room temperature. Ideally, defrost fully in the fridge and use within 24 hours. Or, use a microwave on the defrost setting directly before cooking
Be fabulous with leftovers
Uncooked bacon
Any uncooked leftover bacon that needs using up can be added to soups, stews or bakes.
Cooked bacon
Don’t throw away any leftover cooked bacon from breakfast, chop it up for a crunchy topping to sprinkle on your salads or favourite pasta dish.
Buying tips
Buy the right pack size for your needs. Think about whether you’ll get through the whole pack before the Use By date and how long you have to use the food once the pack has been opened. If you’re not going to eat it all in time, freeze some for later. Also consider buying local and organic to reduce your food footprint (impact on our planet).
Perfect portions
Use our portion calculator for a quick and simple way to check how much of this food to serve at mealtimes.
Valuing your Bacon beyond the price tag
Goodness in food
Your food is more than its shape, colour and price. Your food has an important role to play to help keep you healthy and with enough energy to live your life how you wish to.
- A source of protein which is used to build and repair muscles and bones.
- A source of unhealthy saturated fats so its best to limit how much/how often you eat bacon.
Food story
By the time your food arrives in your home, it’s already been on quite a journey starting with how it is made or grown and how your food reaches the supermarket.
So please help our food to finish its story in the most sustainable way, ensuring the planet’s resources that’s already used are put to good use. Take care of your food when it’s in your home and ensure every edible morsel is eaten - and that your food doesn’t end up in the bin!
Why not try these delicious recipes to use up Bacon
These are flat flaky, palm-shaped little bites that can be made ahead of time and frozen. Even if the pastry is ready-rolled make sure you roll it out a bit thinner.
![Sliced swirls of pastry rolls containing bacon and onion](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_two_column_sm/public/2022-06/iStock-Bacon-And-Onion-Flaky-Pastry-Rolls.jpg.webp?itok=Z5phZ8wh)
This yeast-free bread is easy to make and is a great way to use up either leftover ham or bacon and tomatoes.
![Slices of soda bread filled with bacon](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_two_column_sm/public/2022-08/Bacon-soda-bd-sh492136402.jpg.webp?itok=0iaOBZmE)
A traditional West Country open pie that’s cheap, filling and quick to make. It’s best eaten warm rather than hot, and it’s really good cold so ideal for picnics or lunchboxes.
![a baked filled pie with a crispy golden top layer](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_two_column_sm/public/2022-05/west_country_homity_pie_81408532.jpg.webp?itok=IDwulYvR)