These times assume your refrigerator stays at 40°F or below, the USDA's limit for safe cold storage. Above that, bacteria multiply quickly, so a fridge thermometer is worth having if yours doesn't show its temperature.
How long deli meat and similar foods last
| Food | Fridge | Freezer | Pantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch meat sliced at the deli | 3–5 days from purchase | 1–2 months | — |
| Pre-packaged lunch meat | 2 weeks from purchase3–5 days after opening | 1–2 months | — |
| Pre-packaged deli turkey | 2 weeks from purchase3–5 days after opening | 1–2 months | — |
| Pre-packaged deli ham | 2 weeks from purchase3–5 days after opening | 1–2 months | — |
| Pre-packaged salami | 2 weeks from purchase3–5 days after opening | 1–2 months | — |
| Hot dogs | 2 weeks from purchase1 week after opening | 1–2 months | — |
"From purchase" times count from the day you buy it. Times for cooked food count from when it was cooked.
How long does deli meat last in the freezer?
Deli meat keeps 1 to 2 months in the freezer at 0°F. Food kept frozen at 0°F stays safe indefinitely, so that time is about quality: after it, texture and flavor start to suffer. Wrap it airtight, or vacuum seal it, to prevent freezer burn, and thaw in the refrigerator.
How to store deli meat
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking or buying (1 hour if it's above 90°F).
- Keep the fridge at 40°F or below and the freezer at 0°F.
- Store leftovers in shallow, airtight containers so they cool quickly and don't pick up odors.
Check your fridge is at 40°F
Pecula Refrigerator Thermometer (2-Pack)
Dial thermometers for the fridge and freezer, marked with safe zones. Over 32,000 Amazon ratings.
Shallow, airtight leftover storage
Pyrex Simply Store Glass Containers (12-Pack)
Glass containers from 1 to 4 cups with lids that are freezer, microwave, and dishwasher safe.
Longer freezer quality
Nesco Deluxe VS-12 Vacuum Sealer
Removes air and double-seals bags to prevent freezer burn, with dry and moist food settings.
How long can deli meat sit out?
No more than 2 hours at room temperature, or 1 hour when it's above 90°F. After that, throw it out.
Can you tell if deli meat has gone bad?
Not reliably. The bacteria that cause food poisoning generally don't change how food looks, smells, or tastes, according to the USDA. Go by how long it's been in the fridge, not the sniff test, and when in doubt, throw it out.
Frequently asked questions
How long does deli meat last in the fridge?
3 to 5 days when it’s sliced at the deli counter, according to USDA FoodKeeper data. Keep your refrigerator at 40°F or below.
Can you freeze deli meat?
Yes. Deli meat keeps 1 to 2 months in the freezer at 0°F for best quality. Frozen food stays safe indefinitely, but quality drops over time.
How long can deli meat sit out?
No more than 2 hours at room temperature, or 1 hour when it's above 90°F. After that, throw it out.
How long other foods last
- Ham: 3 to 4 days in the fridge
- Bacon: 1 week in the fridge
- Turkey: 3 to 4 days in the fridge
- Chicken Salad: 3 to 4 days in the fridge
See the full food storage chart for more than 600 foods. Shopping for a new fridge? Our guide to the best refrigerators and the refrigerator size chart can help, and how long refrigerators last covers when to replace an old one.
Sources
Storage times are from the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service's FoodKeeper data, version 128. Food safety rules are from FSIS guidance.
- USDA FSIS, FoodKeeper data (version 128) www.foodsafety.gov/keep-food-safe/foodkeeper-app
- USDA FSIS, Leftovers and Food Safety www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/leftovers-and-food-safety
- USDA FSIS, Refrigeration and Food Safety www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/refrigeration