Beyond Meat is a popular plant-based meat alternative that is designed to look, cook, and taste like real meat. It is made from pea protein, canola oil, and other plant-based ingredients and provides a similar nutritional profile to animal-based meat.
One of the appeals of Beyond Meat is its convenience – it comes pre-formed into patties, sausages, grounds etc. that make it easy to cook. Many people like to stock up on Beyond Meat by purchasing multiple packages at once and freezing what they don’t immediately use. This helps save money and trips to the store.
But how long does Beyond Meat actually last in the freezer before it is no longer good to eat? Here is a comprehensive look at how long Beyond Meat lasts in the freezer and how to best store it for maximum freshness.
How long does unopened Beyond Meat last in the freezer?
Unopened packages of Beyond Meat products have significantly longer shelf lives compared to opened packages. Here is how long unopened Beyond Meat lasts in the freezer:
| Beyond Meat Product | Freezer Storage Time |
| Beyond Burger Patties | 9-10 months |
| Beyond Breakfast Sausage Links | 9-10 months |
| Beyond Beef Grounds | 9-10 months |
| Beyond Chicken Tenders | 18 months |
| Beyond Sausage Bratwurst | 9-10 months |
As you can see, unopened packages of various Beyond Meat items typically last between 9-18 months in the freezer. The packages are well-sealed which prevents freezer burn. Of course, the sooner you can use the products after purchasing, the better the texture and flavor will be.
How to store unopened Beyond Meat in the freezer
To get the full freezer shelf life out of your Beyond Meat products, follow these tips for storage:
– Place packages in the coldest part of your freezer, which is at the back where temperature is most stable. The continuous cold helps preserve freshness.
– Avoid storing Beyond Meat on freezer door shelves which get exposed to air every time the door opens. Fluctuating temperatures shorten shelf life.
– Keep Beyond Meat in its original packaging until you are ready to use it. Do not re-wrap in foil or plastic wrap. Opening the packages exposes the product to more air.
– Check your freezer temperature. It should be 0°F or below. Higher temps may decrease Beyond Meat’s freezer life.
– Avoid freezer burn by making sure no part of the package is sticking out or exposed. Freezer burn can impart an unpleasant taste and dry texture.
– Stack packages tightly together in the freezer to prevent cold air circulation around them. Air flow causes freezer burn.
Following these simple tips will help your unopened Beyond Meat products last as long as possible in the freezer.
How long does opened Beyond Meat last in the freezer?
Once you open a package of Beyond Meat, you expose the product to air and introduce new bacteria. This shortens the shelf life compared to unopened packages. Here is how long opened Beyond Meat lasts in the freezer:
| Beyond Meat Product | Freezer Storage Time |
| Beyond Burger Patties | 3-4 months |
| Beyond Breakfast Sausage Links | 1-2 months |
| Beyond Beef Grounds | 3-4 months |
| Beyond Chicken Tenders | 6 months |
| Beyond Sausage Bratwurst | 1-2 months |
As you can see, once opened the freezer life decreases by about half or more across Beyond Meat products. Properly re-wrapping and sealing the products protects them from freezer burn and preserves freshness longer.
How to store opened Beyond Meat in the freezer
To maximize freezer life of opened Beyond Meat packages:
– Re-wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil, squeezing out as much air as possible. This prevents ice crystals forming.
– Place re-wrapped meat in a freezer bag or airtight container. This gives additional protection.
– Label package with date opened and date to discard 3-6 months from opening. Tracking helps avoid food waste.
– Use opened Beyond Meat sooner rather than later for best flavor, texture, and color. Freeze remaining portions immediately.
– Do not refreeze Beyond Meat if any moisture or ice crystals have formed on the thawed meat. Refreezing causes significant quality loss.
– Consume reheated frozen Beyond Meat within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture. The meat dries out upon reheating.
With proper storage methods, you can enjoy opened Beyond Meat for up to 6 months in the freezer. Be sure to handle it carefully to retain quality.
How to thaw Beyond Meat
Thawing your frozen Beyond Meat properly ensures it maintains its flavor and texture. Here are some recommended thawing methods:
– Fridge thawing: Place frozen Beyond Meat in fridge in morning to thaw slowly over 8-24 hrs. Keeps bacteria growth minimal.
– Cold water thawing: Seal Beyond Meat in airtight bag and submerge in cold tap water. Change water every 30 mins. Takes approx 1-2 hours.
– Microwave thawing: Microwave frozen Beyond Meat on 50% power in 1 minute increments, flipping periodically. Takes 5-7 minutes.
– Cooking without thawing: Can bake, sauté, or grill frozen Beyond Meat straight from freezer. Just increase cooking time.
– Do not thaw at room temperature or in hot water, as this increases risk of bacterial growth leading to food poisoning.
With the proper method, thawing Beyond Meat is easy and safe. For best results, avoid refreezing previously frozen and thawed Beyond Meat. Cook within 3-4 days.
How to tell if frozen Beyond Meat is still good
It can be tricky determining if frozen Beyond Meat is still safe and tasty to eat, especially if it has been in the freezer for several months. Here are some signs to look for:
– Check for ice crystals, freezer burn, or dried out meat which indicates quality loss.
– Confirm Beyond Meat was stored continuously at 0°F. Higher temps cause faster deterioration.
– Look for unusual discoloration or graying which can mean oxidation and rancidity.
– Note any off-smells when raw which suggest spoilage. Do not consume Beyond Meat with unpleasant odors.
– Check that fat is white and not yellow, which can indicate rancidification.
– Ensure raw Beyond Meat is not slimy or sticky, which are markers of bacterial growth.
– Cook a small sample and taste before using to check for desirable flavors and aroma.
– If in doubt, remember the old adage “When in doubt, throw it out” to avoid potential foodborne illness.
Using your senses and watching for visual cues will help you determine if your frozen Beyond Meat is still fresh and safe to eat. Rely on your judgment before consuming.
Does Beyond Meat expire?
Yes, Beyond Meat does eventually expire and has the following printed expiration dates:
| Beyond Meat Product | Refrigerated Expiration | Frozen Expiration |
| Beyond Burger Patties | 10 days | 18-20 months |
| Beyond Breakfast Sausage Links | 7 days | 9-12 months |
| Beyond Beef Grounds | 10 days | 18-20 months |
| Beyond Chicken Tenders | 10 days | 24 months |
| Beyond Sausage Bratwurst | 10 days | 9-12 months |
The printed expiration dates are when you can expect peak freshness and flavor. The refrigerated dates are for factory-sealed products while the frozen dates are for frozen, unopened products.
Of course, Beyond Meat may still be safe to consume for a short period past the printed date, provided it has been handled and stored properly. But quality slowly declines over time so it is best to stick to the recommendations.
Check for signs of spoilage and if any mold, off-smells, or sliminess develop, that means the Beyond Meat has expired and should be discarded. Pay close attention to expiration dates for best results.
How to store Beyond Meat to make it last
Proper storage is key to maximizing the shelf life of fresh and frozen Beyond Meat products. Follow these storage guidelines:
– Store unopened Beyond Meat in the back of the fridge furthest from the door until ready to freeze or cook. Avoid the door shelves.
– Place Beyond Meat packages on a plate or bowl to catch any leaks and prevent cross-contamination.
– Do not overcrowd the fridge. Cool air needs to circulate freely.
– Check fridge temp is between 34-40°F. If warmer, life is shortened.
– Freeze Beyond Meat within 3-5 days of purchasing for maximum freshness.
– When freezing, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil, excluding as much air as possible.
– Put frozen Beyond Meat items in freezer bags or airtight containers for added protection.
– Avoid storing Beyond Meat at 0°F or below. The harsh cold damages texture over months.
– Eat refrigerated Beyond Meat within 5-7 days of opening the package for peak flavor and juiciness.
Following proper cold storage guidelines for both fresh and frozen Beyond Meat ensures you get the full shelf life before expiration.
Can you refreeze Beyond Meat after thawing?
Previously frozen Beyond Meat that has been correctly thawed can be safely refrozen without much loss of quality under certain conditions:
– If thawed in fridge and kept chilled, Beyond Meat can be refrozen within 3-5 days.
– If thawed in cold water or microwave, consuming within 24 hours is best. Refreezing is riskier.
– When refreezing, use airtight freezer packaging and press out all air.
– Only refreeze once for best flavor, texture, and juiciness. Multiple thaws degrade quality.
– Do not refreeze if Beyond Meat has become slimy or slippery during thawing. Discard.
– Refrigerate thawed and cooked Beyond Meat. Do not refreeze or food poisoning can result.
Refreezing is safest when thawed in the fridge and if done for short periods. For best results, try to thaw only what you will consume to avoid refreezing. Use refrozen Beyond Meat soon.
Does cooking Beyond Meat affect its freezer life?
Cooking Beyond Meat before freezing can extend its shelf life compared to freezing it raw, due to these effects:
– The high heat of cooking kills harmful surface bacteria that can cause spoilage.
– Cooking denatures proteins, preventing them from breaking down as fast during frozen storage.
– Sauces, spices, and marinades create a protective coating when frozen.
– Meat leftovers freeze better than raw patties as air pockets are minimized.
– Freezing divides cooked Beyond Meat into ready-to-eat portions needing only reheating later.
However, cooking can accelerate quality loss if not done properly:
– Overcooking dries out the meat, worsening freezer burn.
– Sauces separate upon freezing, changing texture.
– Batters and breading may detach after thawing.
So cooking properly before freezing Beyond Meat can extend freezer life by weeks or months compared to raw. But improper cooking can speed up degradation versus raw. It depends on technique.
Conclusion
With proper storage methods, Beyond Meat can last for up to 10 months in an unopened state in your freezer, retaining its flavor, texture, and nutrition. Once opened, its freezer life decreases to 1-6 months depending on the product variety.
Check packaging for printed expiration dates and consume Beyond Meat before these dates for the highest quality experience. Look for signs of freezer burn, oxidation, and bacterial growth like unpleasant odors, slime, or stickiness to determine if opened frozen Beyond Meat is still fresh and safe to eat.
Follow best practices like proper temperatures, airtight packaging, minimizing exposure to air, avoiding refreezing, and cooking properly before freezing. This ensures you get the most life out of your Beyond Meat so you can enjoy its convenience, versatility and shelf-life.
