How Long Does Raw Steak Last in the Refrigerator?

We did a five-day shelf life test in the refrigerator.

The two test subjects were a:

1. Steak bought from the butcher counter wrapped in plastic and then sealed with butcher paper and a rubber band
2. A Pre® vacuum-sealed steak

Each went into the refrigerator for 5 days. Watch to see what we discovered and why we choose to keep our beef airtight and vacuum-sealed. 

Raw steak lasts anywhere from 2 days to two weeks in your refrigerator. It all depends on its packaging.

From the butcher counter, steaks are wrapped in plastic wrap and butcher paper, and then sealed with a rubber band or tape. Often these steaks have been sitting in the meat case exposed to oxygen throughout the day. 

The presence of oxygen results in a bright red color in beef. The reason why beef at the meat counter is usually bright red instead of a deep red or purple is that it's in constant contact with oxygen. 

Next to your grocery store’s butcher counter is the pre-packaged meat section. Here you’ll find meat that is vacuum-sealed. When a steak is vacuum-sealed, oxygen is removed, which is why it is not bright red but a deep red or purple. The seal keeps oxygen out of the package, which equals a longer shelf life. 

Our beef at Pre® is vacuum-sealed. We chose to vacuum seal our meat to preserve freshness for our consumers. The cardboard backing on our packaging is 100% recyclable and the film we use is free of synthetic chemicals. In addition, we never use nitrate film to enhance meat color or gasses to extend shelf life – vacuum sealing works just fine.

Here are some of our favorite ways to cook steak:

• How to cook steak on the stovetop
• How to cook steak on the grill
• How to cook steak in the oven using the reverse sear method

Where can I buy Pre 100% Grass Fed & Finished Beef?

Check out our store finder to find a store near you, or shop our beef online and on AmazonFresh.