Can beef jerky expire even if it's known for its long shelf life?

Yes, it can. Despite being a shelf-stable, nutrient-dense, and delicious snack, beef jerky can still go bad if not stored properly. Moisture, air exposure, and time can all trigger the degradation process, even in high-quality jerky.

Unopened beef jerky lasts longer, especially when kept in a vacuum-sealed bag or an airtight container, but it still has a best-by date you shouldn't ignore. Homemade jerky, which lacks commercial preservatives and proper packaging, tends to spoil faster than store-bought jerky.

This article breaks down how long beef jerky lasts, what affects its shelf life, and how to store it to stay fresh for as long as possible.

Yes—beef jerky can expire even with a long shelf life. The drying process and salt help preserve the meat, but that doesn’t make it immune to spoilage. Over time, exposure to air, moisture, or high temperatures can cause the jerky to lose its texture and flavor and start the degradation process. Even unopened beef jerky in its original packaging can go bad if it isn’t stored properly. Homemade beef jerky, which often lacks the vacuum sealing and natural preservatives found in commercial beef jerky, typically spoils faster.

Understanding how long beef jerky lasts depends on how it’s packaged and where it’s stored. Vacuum-sealed bags and airtight containers help beef jerky last longer by limiting air exposure. Still, no jerky lasts forever—especially if stored in a plastic bag or left near direct sunlight for long periods.

Beef jerky lasts longer when it’s vacuum sealed and kept in an airtight container that limits exposure to air and moisture. However, even unopened jerky stored in a plastic bag can spoil faster if it’s left in a hot or bright environment. Exposure to direct sunlight, high humidity, or fluctuating room temperature speeds up the degradation process and can lead to mold growth or texture changes.

Homemade beef jerky and real beef jerky without natural preservatives typically have a shorter shelf life than commercial jerky. Store-bought jerky often includes added salt, vinegar, or curing agents that help keep the meat shelf-stable for several months. Still, proper storage is essential to make sure beef jerky stays fresh and safe to eat.

Commercial beef jerky relies on salt, vinegar, and other natural preservatives to slow the growth of bacteria and extend the product’s shelf life. These ingredients reduce moisture content and create a less favorable environment for spoilage, helping store-bought jerky stay shelf-stable for several months. Some high-quality jerky also uses vacuum sealing to keep out as much air as possible and protect flavor and texture during longer storage.

However, once the original packaging is opened or the jerky is exposed to air, its protection drops significantly. Even unopened beef jerky can degrade over time if the packaging is compromised or not stored in a cool, dry place. To keep the jerky fresh and safe, proper storage after opening is just as important as the preservatives used.

Even though beef jerky is a shelf-stable snack, it doesn’t stay fresh forever. Recognizing the signs of spoilage is key to avoiding a bad experience.

It’s important to check for signs that your beef jerky has gone bad before eating it. Watch for the following red flags:

• A sour, rancid, or off smell that wasn’t present when the package was first opened.

• Slimy, sticky, or overly soft texture instead of the usual dry and chewy feel.

• Visible mold, dark spots, or fuzzy growths on the surface of the jerky.

• Unusual discoloration that doesn't match the normal drying patterns.

• A strange or bitter taste, especially if combined with any of the signs above.

When it comes to food safety, common sense goes a long way. If your beef jerky has passed the best by date and shows signs like an off smell, discoloration, or sticky texture, it’s best not to eat it. Even unopened jerky stored in a plastic bag and exposed to direct sunlight or bright light can degrade faster due to heat and moisture.

Beef jerky can last a long time, but only if stored correctly. If you're unsure about its freshness, it's safer to throw it out than to risk consuming spoiled meat.

Eating expired beef jerky isn’t always dangerous, but it can be risky. Not all spoilage is visible, and some types of mold or bacteria that grow on spoiled jerky may lead to foodborne illness.

Eating improperly stored jerky may increase the risk of foodborne illness, especially if signs of spoilage are present. Be aware of these possible effects:

• Experiencing digestive discomfort, such as nausea or stomach cramps, after consuming spoiled jerky

• Being exposed to harmful bacteria that may lead to foodborne illness

• Facing a higher risk of spoilage with homemade beef jerky that lacks preservatives or proper packaging

• Consuming jerky contaminated by mold or moisture, which may make it unsafe to eat

• Requiring extra caution if you have a weakened immune system or food sensitivities when eating older or poorly stored jerky

Knowing when to throw out beef jerky helps protect you from eating spoiled food. If you notice any of the signs below, it’s best not to take the risk:

• The jerky feels slimy, sticky, or unusually soft instead of dry and firm.

• It has a sour, rancid, or off smell that wasn’t there before.

• You spot any mold, discoloration, or dark spots that weren’t part of the original drying process.

• It’s past the expiration date and wasn’t stored in a vacuum-sealed bag or an airtight container.

• The flavor tastes off or different from what fresh jerky should taste like.

Beef jerky lasts longer when stored the right way. Keeping it away from heat, light, and air is key to preserving its flavor and texture.

To help beef jerky last longer and stay safe to eat, proper storage is key. Follow these tips to maintain freshness, flavor, and texture:

• Keep beef jerky in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cupboard, away from heat and direct sunlight.

• Use vacuum sealing or airtight containers to keep out as much air and moisture as possible.

• Avoid storing jerky in loosely sealed plastic bags, especially if you plan to keep it for long periods.

• For opened packages, transfer the jerky to an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag right after use.

• Label the storage date so you can track how long the jerky has been stored.

For longer storage, especially with homemade jerky, use the refrigerator or freezer. Cold temperatures help beef jerky stay fresh and reduce the risk of mold. Always use vacuum-sealed bags or airtight containers when refrigerating or freezing jerky.

Adding food-grade desiccants to the package can absorb extra moisture. This simple step can help fresh jerky or an unopened beef jerky bag last even longer. Proper storage methods can make a big difference in how long beef jerky lasts.

Beef jerky's long shelf life makes it a convenient, nutrient-dense snack, but it can still expire if exposed to air, moisture, or poor storage. Unopened beef jerky and vacuum-sealed bags last longer, especially when stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.

Homemade beef jerky spoils faster than commercial jerky because it usually lacks preservatives and specialized packaging. That’s why it’s important to check for signs of spoilage—like mold, off smells, or unusual texture—before you eat.

When in doubt, it’s safer to toss it. Proper storage helps preserve the flavor, texture, and safety of this high-protein snack so you can enjoy it longer.