Does Impossible Meat Go Bad? (Shelf Life & Storage)


Does Impossible Meat Go Bad?

Impossible meat is a meatless beef substitute that tastes like real meat – or so the company claims. It is popular among vegans and vegetarians but has also become popular among meat eaters looking for an occasional meatless meal. Since it does not consist of real animal meat, you might think that means it does not go bad.

Impossible meat can go bad. You can keep an unopened package of Impossible meat in the fridge for up to 10 days. Freezing an unopened package of Impossible meat will extend its shelf life by 6 months. Once opened, you should cook the Impossible meat within 3 days. If it develops an abnormal odor, the package should be discarded immediately.

In this article, we will discuss whether Impossible meat goes bad over time, as well as how to properly store Impossible meat. We will also highlight alternatives to Impossible meat. Let’s dig in!

Does Impossible Meat Go Bad Over Time?

Despite what the name may suggest, it is possible for Impossible meat to go bad. To maintain its quality, make sure it is in its original packaging and that the packaging is not damaged when purchased. Ideally, an unopened package of Impossible meat should be kept in the fridge no longer than 10 days. Once opened, the Impossible meat should be cooked within 3 days.

With that being said, just because it is past the “best by” or expiration date on the package, that does not necessarily mean that it has gone bad.

How Can You Tell If Impossible Meat Has Expired?

The best way to tell if your Impossible meat has gone bad is the same way you would tell if anything else has gone bad – by smell.

Keep in mind that plant-based meats always have a funny smell until you get used to them. That is not the smell you need to be concerned with. If your Impossible meat has truly gone bad, the smell will be extremely obvious. For some, it may even trigger a gag reflex. If going by smell, you will know immediately if your Impossible meat has gone bad. If that is the case, do not consume it and dispose of it immediately.

Why Does Impossible Meat Go Bad?

You may be wondering how or why a “meat” made from plants can go bad. You would probably think that Impossible meat is worry-free. That is not the case, however, and this is why:

The main ingredients in Impossible meat are:

  • Water
  • Soy protein concentrate
  • Oils (coconut and sunflower)

The protein and oils can last a very long time before truly expiring. However, once you combine them and add water, the moist environment starts to allow bacteria to reproduce. While the number of bacteria is low even after a day or two, bacteria replicate exponentially and therefore can quickly get out of hand.

How To Properly Store Impossible Meat?

According to the company, the following steps should be taken in order to properly store Impossible meat:

  1. Make sure the packaging is fully intact before you purchase it.
  2. Keep the Impossible meat in the original, secure packaging in the refrigerator until ready to use. (Keep in mind, an unopened package of Impossible meat should only be kept in the refrigerator for up to 10 days)
  3. Once you open the package, the Impossible meat should be cooked within 3 days. (It might be easier to cook the whole package and save any leftovers to avoid it going bad).

You are not only limited to the refrigerator when it comes to storing Impossible meat. If you do not think you can use your Impossible meat before it goes bad, put it in the freezer. Freezing Impossible meat will extend its shelf life by around 6 months. The company still recommends eating the Impossible meat by the “best by” date, but you can still safely eat it long after that date – within reason, of course. That is, as long as you do not dig it out from the back of your freezer years after you put it in there.

Can You Get Sick From Eating Old Impossible Meat?

Ate some bad Impossible meat? It happens to the best of us. Honestly, it is kind of impressive that you were able to get it down in the first place. After eating some bad Impossible meat, you can expect symptoms of mild food poisoning. Those symptoms include:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Upset stomach
  • Nausea

Although you will most likely feel pretty miserable in the moment, it is usually hardly a cause for panic. Your symptoms should resolve on their own within 24 to 48 hours. It typically does not require any specific or immediate medical attention. However, you know your body best. If you are truly worried and want to go get checked out, please do not hesitate to do so.

Is Impossible Meat Healthy?

Impossible meat has some health benefits. It provides a good source of fiber, folate and iron, while containing less saturated fat than real ground beef.

However, Impossible meat also has less protein, zinc, and vitamin B12. Additionally, it contains much more salt than real meat. So, even though Impossible meat is a healthy alternative to real beef, its high amount of sodium when consumed in large quantities can lead to various health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. That is why it is important to consume Impossible meat in moderation only.

Alternatives To Impossible Meat

Impossible meat is a meatless beef alternative that tastes a lot like the real thing. Although nothing can replace the unique, yet real taste of Impossible meat, there are some alternatives you can try instead that may provide a similar flavor profile. Those alternatives include:

Beyond Meat Beyond Beef

Beyond Burger from Beyond Meat, Plant-Based Meat, Frozen, 40 - 4oz. Patties per Box (Total 10 lbs.) This 100% plant-based protein is gluten-free, kosher, soy-free and non-GMO. It is extremely versatile and can be used in many different recipes such as tacos, pasta sauce, chili, meatballs, and burgers. The taste and texture is so similar to real beef that you will question how you are eating plants.

MorningStar Farms Meatless Chicken Patties

MorningStar Farms Meatless Chicken Patties, Plant Based Protein Vegan Meat, Frozen Meal, Original, 10oz Bag (4 Patties) A vegan burger even meat-lovers will love? That’s right! This juicy, chicken like burger tastes and feels so much like real chicken, your non-vegan friends will not even know the difference. These are sure to be a hit at any summer BBQ.

Gardein Ultimate Plant-Based Chick’n Tenders

Gardein Ultimate Plant-Based Chick'n Tenders, Vegan, Frozen, 15 Oz Dig into these plant-based chick’n tenders that are coated in an irresistible crispy, crunchy breading. They are designed to look like, taste like, and bake up just like real chicken tenders. Dip them in your favorite dipping sauce for a flavorful experience you will have to taste to believe.

Raised & Rooted Alt-Protein Frozen Nuggets

These nuggets are made with a blend of pea protein, bamboo fiber, egg whites and golden flaxseed for a meaty texture. They are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, exactly what you would expect from a good chicken nugget. Simply heat them in the microwave or pop them in the oven and serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a quick, delicious meal.

Field Roast Vegan Apple And Maple Breakfast Sausage

Field Roast Vegetarian Apple Maple Breakfast Sausage, Frozen, 9.3 Oz Add a hint of sweet and savory, plant-based indulgence to your breakfast with these apple and maple breakfast sausages. They would be a perfect accompaniment to pancakes, waffles, scrambled eggs, or even chopped up in breakfast burritos or quiches. No matter how you enjoy them, these fully cooked vegan sausages bring a satisfying taste and texture to your plate. Simply brown them in a pan and they will be ready to eat in just a few minutes.

Related Questions

Can Impossible Meat Be Eaten Raw?

Although it is not real meat, Impossible meat should not be eaten raw. Raw Impossible meat will not taste good, it will not digest easily and there is a chance of it having bacteria or something that can make you sick. You most likely would not risk eating raw animal meat, so you should be just as safe with Impossible meat.

Does Impossible Meat Have Nuts?

Impossible meat doesn’t contain peanuts but it contains coconut oil. Per Impossible Meat’s website, the FDA classifies coconuts as tree nuts. In terms of other allergens, Impossible Meat does not contain any dairy, eggs, fish, peanuts, or shellfish.

Where Can I Buy Impossible Meat?

Impossible meat is quickly growing in popularity and can be found almost anywhere. You can find Impossible Meat in stores like Target, Walmart, Whole Foods, and Publix. You can even find Impossible meat at certain fast food restaurants like Burger King. Starbucks also offers an impossible breakfast sandwich, which makes the perfect accompaniment to your morning coffee. Impossible Meat is definitely not impossible to find, that is for sure!

Related Guides

Cara Giannetto

I am Cara, a journalist who strives to live a healthy lifestyle. My goal is to help others live a healthy lifestyle, as well, by providing you with the information you need to achieve your goals.

Recent Posts