Meat Sticks in Beef Jerky and Dried Meats

How long do meat sticks last in the pantry?

Meat sticks will last up to one year if they're kept unopened and in a cool, dark, and dry pantry. Unopened meat sticks are shelf stable and don't require any refrigeration, which makes them a convenient snack to have on hand. They also travel well in lunchboxes or backpacks.

Do I need to refrigerate meat sticks once they've been opened?

Yes, opened meat sticks should be refrigerated and eaten within three days. Otherwise, the exposure to oxygen can cause the meat sticks to grow bacteria or mold that makes them unsafe to eat.

What's the difference between meat sticks and jerky?

Jerky is a whole muscle that is dehydrated after having the fat removed, while meat sticks are a mixture of meat and spices that are smoked inside a casing. Meat sticks can be made from many different proteins, like beef or turkey, and they are available in different flavors.