How Long Food Lasts

Meat / Shelf Stable Foods

How long does jerky last?

Quick answer

Jerky (commercially dried) keeps 2-3 months in the fridge.

  • Commercially dried 2-3 months in the fridge
  • Homemade 1-2 months in the fridge
  • Commercially dried, opened 2-3 months in the fridge
Form

Fridge

2-3months

Freezer

Do not freeze

-

Pantry

12months

Mine has been in the fridge for

How long does jerky last in the fridge?

  • Commercially dried2-3 months
  • Commercially dried, opened2-3 monthsAfter opening
  • Homemade1-2 monthsFrom purchase

Your fridge should be set between 0 and 5°C.

Refrigerators should be set to maintain a temperature of 40 °F or below.

How long does jerky last in the freezer?

  • General guidance1-2 months

Freezer times are for quality; frozen food stays safe.

Your freezer should be around -18°C

A freezer acts as a pause button - food in a freezer won’t go bad and most bacteria cannot grow in it.

Food stored constantly at 0 °F will always be safe. Only the quality suffers with lengthy freezer storage.

Can you freeze jerky?

  • Commercially driedNo
  • Commercially dried, openedNo
  • General guidanceYes

How to defrost jerky safely

  1. In the fridge
  2. In cold water, cook it straight after defrosting
  3. In the microwave, cook it straight after defrosting
  4. Cook it from frozen

You should defrost your food in the fridge so that it doesn’t get too warm

It’s also important to use food within 24 hours after it’s been fully defrosted

There are three safe ways to thaw food: in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave.

Check the water frequently to be sure it stays cold. Change the water every 30 minutes. After thawing, cook immediately.

It is safe to cook foods from the frozen state. The cooking will take approximately 50% longer than the recommended time for fully thawed or fresh meat and poultry.

Can jerky be kept out of the fridge?

  • Commercially dried12 months
  • Homemade1-2 months

All forms at a glance

FormFridgeFreezerPantry
Commercially dried2-3 months-12 months
Commercially dried, opened2-3 months--
Homemade1-2 months-1-2 months
General guidance-1-2 months-

What the official sources say

“Jerky, Commercially Vacuum Packaged 1 year in pantry; Refrigerate 2 to 3 months Do not freeze”

“Sausage, dry smoked (e.g. Pepperoni, jerky, dry Salami) 2-3 weeks 1-2 months”

“hard sausage – pepperoni, jerky sticks 2 to 3 weeks 1 to 2 months”

Frequently asked questions

How long does jerky last in the fridge?

Commercially dried: 2-3 months; Commercially dried, opened: 2-3 months; Homemade: 1-2 months.

How long does jerky last in the freezer?

General guidance: 1-2 months. Freezer times are for quality; frozen food stays safe.

Good to know

Other figures given by the sources for close variants:

  • Jerky, Commercially Vacuum Packaged Fridge 2-3 months Pantry 1 year

Related foods

Sources

We always show the most cautious time among official sources. Last checked: 1 October 2026.