In the freezer
12 months
Yes — freezes well
Quality holds for about 12 months at 0°F / -18°C. Frozen food stays safe indefinitely; only quality declines.
Quick answer
Yes: bacon grease keeps 12 months in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C), compared with 6 months in the fridge.
How to freeze bacon grease
- Most condiments keep well in the fridge and do not need freezing.
- If freezing, use ice-cube trays or small containers and label them.
- Thaw in the fridge and stir well; emulsions may separate.
How to thaw bacon grease
In the fridge
Move it to the fridge the night before; this keeps texture best.
At room temperature
Only for shelf-stable items; perishable food should not thaw on the counter.
From frozen
Many foods can go straight into soups, sauces, smoothies or the oven.
Yes — freezes wellQuality holds for about 12 months at 0°F / -18°C. Frozen food stays safe indefinitely; only quality declines.
Freezer vs fridge vs counter
Bacon grease Per USDA FoodKeeper
On the counterCounter
Not recommended
keep it cold
In the fridgeFridge
6 months
at or below 40°F (4°C)
In the freezerFreezer
12 months
at 0°F; quality, not safety
More about bacon grease
FAQ
How long can you freeze bacon grease?
About 12 months for best quality at 0°F (-18°C). Kept frozen, it stays safe longer, but texture and flavour fade.
How do you thaw frozen bacon grease?
Move it to the fridge the night before; this keeps texture best.
Can you refreeze bacon grease?
Only if it was thawed in the fridge and has not been left out. Quality drops each time.
Does freezing kill bacteria in bacon grease?
No. Freezing pauses bacteria; they become active again as the food thaws. Cook or reheat to a safe temperature.
Numbers on this page come from USDA FoodKeeper and FSIS guidance. Last verified November 2026. How we verify our data · Report a wrong number