Jerky has been a trusted way to keep meat portable and shelf-stable for centuries, long before fridges existed. Modern production makes it even more reliable: our NAKOTNE jerky and meat sticks are made in Latvia from premium meat, produced to the IFS food-safety standard, and sealed in 8×35 g packs. That sealing is doing real work, so a few simple habits are all you need to enjoy every pack at its best.
Sealed packs: what the packaging does for you
An unopened pack of jerky is a properly sealed food product. The meat is dried to reduce moisture and packed to keep air and humidity out, which is exactly what helps it stay stable at room temperature. You do not need to refrigerate a sealed pack, and you should not need to do anything special beyond keeping it somewhere sensible until you are ready to open it.
Because the pack is sealed, it travels well and copes with everyday knocks in a bag or cupboard. Treat it like any quality dried food: keep it intact, keep it clean, and open it when you want it.
How to store beef jerky and meat sticks
The golden rule is simple: cool, dry and out of direct sunlight. A kitchen cupboard, pantry shelf or drawer is ideal. Heat and humidity are the two things that shorten the life of any dried snack, so avoid:
- Windowsills or anywhere in direct sun
- Next to the hob, oven or a radiator
- Damp spots such as under the sink
- A hot car glovebox for days on end
You do not need to freeze or refrigerate sealed jerky, and refrigeration can even introduce condensation once a pack is opened. A stable, room-temperature spot is best.
How long does jerky last? Best-before dates explained
Every pack carries a best-before date printed on the packaging. A best-before date is about quality rather than safety: it tells you the period during which the jerky is at its best in terms of flavour and texture, provided it has been stored correctly and the pack is unopened. Always check the date on your specific pack and store it as described above so it lives up to it.
How to store jerky after opening
Opening the pack lets air and moisture back in, so the clock speeds up a little. For the best experience:
- Reseal it tightly. Press out excess air and use the resealable closure if the pack has one, or transfer the jerky to a clean airtight container or zip-seal bag.
- Keep it cool and dry, just as you would a sealed pack.
- Enjoy it within a few days of opening for the best flavour and texture. Our 8×35 g packs are handy here, since each portion is easy to finish in one go.
If a piece feels a touch firmer after a day or two open, that is normal drying, not a fault.
Can jerky go bad? Signs to watch for
Properly stored, sealed jerky stays good for a long time, but use common sense with any food. Do not eat a pack, and throw it away, if you notice:
- A damaged, punctured or already-open pack that should have been sealed
- Any visible mould or unusual discolouration
- A sour, rancid or otherwise off smell
- A slimy, sticky or unusually moist surface
- An off or unpleasant taste, even if everything else looks fine
When in doubt, leave it out. A fresh pack is never worth risking.
Jerky on the move: gym, hiking and travel
This is where jerky really shines. A sealed pack needs no cool bag and no fuss, which makes it a genuinely convenient, protein-rich snack for busy days.
- Gym bag: toss a sealed pack in and forget about it. Just avoid leaving opened jerky loose at the bottom of a warm, damp bag for days.
- Hiking and the outdoors: lightweight, compact and satisfying. Keep packs out of prolonged direct sun on hot days and pack out any wrappers.
- Travel and long journeys: sealed packs are easy to carry. Once opened on the road, reseal well and finish within a couple of days.
Want to see the full range for your next adventure? Browse our jerky and meat sticks and pick a few flavours to keep on hand.
A quick word on nutrition
Jerky is a protein-rich snack made from real meat, and it fits neatly into an active lifestyle. That said, it is a snack, best enjoyed as part of a varied, balanced diet, and not a meal replacement. Exact protein, fat, salt and sugar values differ from product to product, so always check the nutrition table, full ingredients and allergen information on each product page before you buy. You will find all of that detail listed clearly for every item.
Store it cool and dry, keep the pack sealed until you are ready, reseal after opening and trust the best-before date, and your jerky will be ready whenever you are. If you have a question we have not covered here, our FAQ page has more answers, or take a look at our full NAKOTNE beef jerky selection.
FAQ: beef jerky shelf life and storage
How long does unopened beef jerky last?
Sealed NAKOTNE beef jerky and pork jerky keep for up to 36 months from the production date, stored at room temperature. Our meat sticks (beef, pork and chicken) have a 12-month shelf life. The number that counts is the best-before date printed on your pack — always go by that.
How long does beef jerky last after opening?
Eat it within a few days for the best flavour and texture. Opening lets air and moisture back in, so reseal the pack tightly between snacks. Each 35 g portion in our 8×35 g packs is sized to be finished in one sitting, which avoids the problem altogether.
Does beef jerky need to be refrigerated?
No. Sealed jerky is shelf-stable at room temperature — a kitchen cupboard or pantry is all it needs. After opening, a tightly resealed pack in a cool, dry spot is fine for a few days; refrigeration is not required and can introduce condensation.
Can beef jerky go bad? What are the signs?
Yes — like any food, especially if the pack is damaged or stored somewhere warm and damp. Throw it away if you see mould or unusual discolouration, a sour or rancid smell, a slimy or unusually moist surface, a punctured pack, or an off taste. When in doubt, leave it out.
What is the best way to store jerky after opening?
Press out excess air and reseal the pack tightly, or transfer the jerky to a clean airtight container or zip-seal bag. Keep it cool, dry and out of direct sunlight — just like a sealed pack — and eat it within a few days.
Can you freeze beef jerky?
You can, but there is no need. A sealed pack already keeps for up to 36 months (jerky) or 12 months (meat sticks) at room temperature, so freezing adds little — and condensation on thawing can affect the texture. A cool, dry cupboard is the better home for it.