How long does deli meat last in the fridge?
Short answer: Opened or deli-sliced lunch meat keeps 3–5 days in the fridge; an unopened package keeps 2 weeks. Both keep 1–2 months in the freezer.
Deli meat: fridge and freezer times
| Food | Fridge (40°F / 4°C) | Freezer (0°F / −18°C) |
|---|---|---|
| Opened package or deli sliced | 3–5 days | 1–2 months |
| Unopened package | 2 weeks | 1–2 months |
The fridge times are for safety: once they pass, throw it out. The freezer times are for best quality. Food kept frozen at 0°F stays safe indefinitely but slowly loses flavor and texture.
How to use it before it goes bad
- Keep the fridge at 40°F (4°C) or colder. The times above assume it. A cheap fridge thermometer tells you for sure.
- Freeze on day one, not on the last day. If you won't eat it within the fridge time, freeze it as soon as you get home.
- Write the date on it. It's easy to lose count of how long something has been open.
- Put it where you'll see it. Food at the back of the fridge is the food that gets forgotten.
Common questions
How long does deli meat last in the fridge?
Opened or deli-sliced lunch meat keeps 3–5 days in the fridge; an unopened package keeps 2 weeks. Both keep 1–2 months in the freezer.
How long does deli meat last in the freezer?
Frozen at 0°F (−18°C), deli meat stays safe indefinitely. For best quality, use it within: opened package or deli sliced: 1–2 months; unopened package: 1–2 months.
Can deli meat sit out at room temperature?
Perishable food shouldn't sit out for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour if it's above 90°F (32°C). After that, throw it out.
How long other foods last
Source: FoodSafety.gov, Cold Food Storage Chart. This page is general information, not medical advice. When in doubt, throw it out.