Don’t ignore the package itself. If the vacuum seal is broken or puffed up like a balloon, that’s a bad sign. That puffiness is gas from bacteria growing and feasting in there, which is the opposite of what you want in your breakfast. If you see any liquid that’s cloudy or yellow tinged, that’s not “bacon juice”—that’s bacterial broth. Run.
And yes, check the date. But remember, the “use by” date is just a suggestion. If your fridge runs a bit warm or the package was left out for an hour after grocery shopping, that date becomes a lie. Your nose and fingers are the real judges here.
The Cooked Bacon Dilemma
What about leftover cooked bacon? You know, the stuff you saved from breakfast and tossed in a Ziploc bag? Cooked bacon will get a bit chewy and lose its crunch, but it shouldn’t smell sour or look moldy. If it develops a white, fuzzy, or greenish fur, please do not brush it off and call it “extra flavor.” That’s mold, and it’s time to say goodbye.
Cooked bacon that feels sticky or slimy is also a no-go. If you’re ever in doubt, just remember: the best way to waste bacon is to eat bad bacon and then spend the next day regretting every life choice you made. Your trash can is a better place for it than your colon.
How To Tell If Bacon Is Bad (3 Easy Ways) - The Three Snackateers
