Do you have to refrigerate unopened bacon packages?

It depends on the type of bacon.

- Refrigerate unopened packages of fresh bacon: Fresh bacon is sold in the refrigerated section of the grocery store and it should be stored in the refrigerator at all times. It will typically stay fresh for about a week.

- Refrigerate unopened packages of dry-cured bacon: Dry-cured bacon is also sold in the refrigerated section of the grocery store, but it can be stored at room temperature for up to a week. However, it is still best to refrigerate dry-cured bacon to extend its shelf life.

- No need to refrigerate unopened packages of shelf-stable bacon: Shelf-stable bacon is sold in the pantry section of the grocery store. It is cured and packaged in such a way that it does not need to be refrigerated. Shelf-stable bacon will typically stay fresh for several months.