**Strained bacon grease keeps for months in the fridge; meat drippings containing juices or meat bits should be used within 3–4 days.** Keep the fridge at **40°F (4°C) or below**.

- **Clean, strained bacon fat:** A practical target is **3 months**, stored in a clean, tightly covered jar. Published culinary guidance gives **3–6 months refrigerated**. [Bacon-fat storage guidance](https://www.marthastewart.com/how-to-store-bacon-grease-7563375)
- **Roast drippings, or grease containing meat bits or a watery/jelly layer:** Treat these as cooked leftovers: **3–4 days refrigerated**, or freeze promptly. This applies USDA’s guidance for cooked meat, gravy and broth to mixed drippings. [USDA storage guidance](https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/steps-keep-food-safe)

For your weekend jar, use the months-long window if you strained out the bacon bits and saved essentially just fat. If you poured everything into the jar, use the shorter window or freeze it in small portions.

For future batches, strain the warm fat into a clean, dry, heat-safe container, refrigerate promptly, date it, and use a clean spoon. Discard anything moldy or smelling rancid; **normal smell does not establish safety**. Perishable drippings should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking. [FDA food-storage advice](https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/are-you-storing-food-safely)