The Only Way You Should Store Deli Meat, According to Applegate

When my son was in school, we always had deli meat in the fridge. I packed him a sandwich for school lunch almost every morning. However, I use deli meat much less frequently nowadays. I toss it in the refrigerator drawer and pull it out when I have a hankering for a sandwich. Sometimes, the deli meat looks past its prime.

I was curious about how to store deli meat to help it last as long as possible. So, I consulted Colin Babin, brand manager for Applegate, a natural and organic deli meat company.

“We recommend keeping your lunch meat in the refrigerator at a temperature between 35°F and 38°F—never above 40°F—to help preserve quality and flavor,” says Babin. “If your fridge doesn’t have a built-in thermometer, a small fridge thermometer can be an inexpensive way to ensure your food stays safely chilled.”

How To Keep Deli Meat As Fresh As Possible

If your deli meat comes in a resealable package, you can keep it stored there as long as you know you’re going to eat it within a short time. “If the package ever becomes damaged, the seal isn’t closing properly, or you’d like an extra layer of protection, transfer the meat into an airtight container,” Babin suggests. “This helps prevent exposure to air, which can dry out the meat and impact taste.”

The Best Place To Store Deli Meat in the Refrigerator

You likely have a deli or meat drawer in your fridge. This spot is usually a little colder than the rest of the refrigerator and is designed to keep meats and cheeses fresher longer. That’s a great place to store your deli meat.

“We also recommend storing it toward the lower shelves of your fridge, where the temperature tends to be more consistent and coldest,” Babin says. “This helps keep your deli meat fresh for as long as possible while maintaining its delicious taste.”

It’s important to keep deli meat isolated from certain items in your fridge, says Babin. “The safest place for deli meat is away from any raw meat to avoid the risk of cross-contamination.”

How Long Does Deli Meat Last 

Unopened deli meat, sealed in the original package, can last for up to two weeks in the refrigerator or two months in the freezer, according to the USDA’s Food Marketing Institute. Once the package is opened, the deli meat is only good for three to five days. 

If your deli meat smells sour or just doesn’t smell right, then definitely don’t eat it.

“Other signs that it’s no longer good include a slimy or milky film on the surface or any visible discoloration such as greying or spots of mold,” Babin says. “If anything about it seems off, it’s always better to be safe and throw it away.”

If you don’t think you’ll eat all the deli meat in time, consider popping it in the freezer.

“The best method is to freeze it unopened in the original packaging,” says Babin. “When it’s time to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator to maintain both safety and quality.”