Does Beef Jerky Need to Be Refrigerated?

Meat sticks must be stored properly to ensure they stay tasty each time you take a bite. But do meat sticks need to be refrigerated? It truly depends on the type of meat stick you purchase. Let's dive in.

Key Takeaways

• Meat sticks are shelf-stable. However, they should be refrigerated after opening for the best results.

• If the meat sticks are sealed, you should consume them by the best-by date printed on the package.

• If the meat sticks are opened, you should consume them within 3 days.

How Shelf-Stable Are Meat Sticks?

Some unopened store-bought meat sticks are vacuum-sealed, while others are sealed in a modified atmosphere package (MAP). 

MAP is when the air in the package is replaced with a specific mixture of gases tailored to the packaged food product to help extend its shelf life. 

With both options, unopened meat sticks can be kept in your pantry for 6 months to a year or until the best-by date on the package. That's what makes meat snacks perfect for traveling or even storing in your desk at work.

Once opened, you should keep your meat sticks in the fridge. Taking these measures once opened will ensure your sticks maintain their quality for up to 3 days. If your meat sticks require refrigeration, they should say so on the bag or box.

Do Meat Sticks Really Go Bad?

They definitely can. You might notice a bit of an off smell, or the sticks might feel slimy or sticky. If you even suspect your meat sticks are bad, don’t eat them.

Lorissa's meat sticks have the best-by date printed on the packaging, which is the date we know the unopened sticks will still maintain the same quality as the day they were packaged. 

We cannot guarantee the optimal quality of any of our products after the best-by date (or more than three days after the package is opened). Simply put, we don’t recommend consuming any product after the date listed on the package.

How to Store Meat Sticks for the Best Flavor & Quality

The best way to keep your meat sticks tasting great is to store them properly. There are a few different ways you can do this, including storing your meat sticks in the fridge or the pantry in their sealed bag. 

If you’re purchasing Lorissa's Kitchen's selection of meat snacks, you should keep the product in its original packaging for the best results.

In the Fridge

The best way to keep opened, store-bought meat sticks fresh is to keep them cold. Make sure you keep the sticks in their original packaging in the fridge, which should stay fresh and flavorful for up to three days.

We don’t recommend putting meat sticks in the freezer. Freezing meat sticks can lead to a change in texture and compromise taste. We want you to have the best experience with our meat snacks, so be sure to follow the label on the package.

Have other questions about Lorissa’s Kitchen meat snacks? Read our FAQs.

Try Lorissa’s Kitchen’s Selection of Meat Sticks

Lorissa's meat sticks are certified free from the top 9 allergens: peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, milk, sesame, eggs, fish, shellfish, and soy. Did we also mention they're certified gluten-free by MenuTrinfo and Non-GMO Project verified?

Shop all of Lorissa's Kitchen's tasty meat sticks to enjoy a shelf-stable snack made from real ingredients that you can feel good about.