Got some beef jerky from Bucee's at the counter and planning to bring some with me when I travel to New York next week.

Should I keep them in the fridge or leave it out until then?

Getting conflicting recommendations when googling.

It's the jerky you get by the pound at the deli counter, not the jerky that's pre-packaged.

I don't usually refrigerate, but it's like crack to me so it doesn't usually make it a week.

I wouldn't have a problem eating it after a week assuming it's a low moisture jerky and not one of the moist versions.

Jawn Dough said:

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It's the jerky you get by the pound at the deli counter, not the jerky that's pre-packaged.

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That makes more sense. I'd probably refrigerate just to be on the safe side, but, as others have commented, that's probably overkill and not really necessary. But since there's literally no downside to refrigerating and an albeit minuscule-yet awful-downside to not-a food borne illness, I'd err on the side of caution.

Think if I were going to refrigerate, I'd vac seal it if you have the means. Seems like every time I refrigerate unsealed, it pulls moisture in.

I keep jerky out for weeks at a time on the counter.

i assume at places like praseks where they have 50 different variants out on the counter every day, they just leave it out there/throw it in bins. but i have been curious about that.

jagsdad said:

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Think if I were going to refrigerate, I'd vac seal it if you have the means. Seems like every time I refrigerate unsealed, it pulls moisture in.

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Well, I'm gonna vacuum seal the jerky and leave them out. I'm afraid if I leave them in the fridge, the jerky will toughen.

If it's in a sealed package, I leave it out (in the cupboard/pantry.)

Once it's opened, it goes in the fridge. But that's really just because my cat will try to eat it if I don't.

I ate some fuzzy white Bucee's jerky once as a midnight snack. Since then I refrigerate after opening.

Pretty sure that counter beef jerky is refrigerated.