How Long Does Sliced Deli Ham Last? The Complete Guide

Deli ham is a refrigerator staple for many. Its thin slices are perfect for sandwiches, wraps pizza toppings and more. But with its shorter shelf life, you may wonder just how long that opened pack of sliced deli ham will last before it goes bad.

Understanding the storage times for deli meats like ham can help reduce food waste and keep your fridge items fresher for longer. Follow this complete guide to learn all about how to store deli ham and how long it lasts both sealed and opened.

An Overview of Deli Ham

Deli ham refers to sliced, ready-to-eat ham sold at supermarket deli counters or pre-packaged in plastic containers. It comes in a variety of types like Black Forest ham, honey ham, smoked ham, and turkey ham.

Compared to a whole cured ham, deli ham has a much shorter shelf life due to being sliced and exposed to air. But with proper refrigeration, an unopened pack can last 1-2 weeks past its printed sell-by date. Once opened, deli ham lasts just 3-5 days.

How is Deli Ham Preserved?

Deli ham lasts longer than fresh pork due to the curing and processing methods used in its production:

Curing – Most deli ham is cured with salts, nitrites, and spices to extend its shelf life. This adds flavor while inhibiting bacterial growth.
Cooking – Ham is then smoked or cooked to a safe internal temperature to destroy harmful pathogens.
Packaging – Sliced deli ham is sealed in vacuum packs or gas-flushed packaging to protect it from oxygen.
Preservatives – Many deli hams contain preservatives like sodium nitrite and sodium erythorbate to further prevent spoilage,
Refrigeration – Proper chilled storage maintains safety and freshness.

How to Store Deli Ham

To get the longest safe shelf life from deli ham, follow these storage tips:

Refrigerate sealed deli ham packs promptly after purchasing.
Keep the temperature at 40°F or below. Use a refrigerator thermometer to monitor.
Place deli ham packs on refrigeration shelves rather than the door to maintain optimal coldness.
After opening, rewrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in airtight containers. Limit air exposure.
Use opened deli ham within 3-5 days. Discard any remaining slices after this time.
When reheating for sandwiches, heat to 165°F until steaming hot.
Do not freeze deli ham once opened. Freezing can compromise texture.

Shelf Life of Sealed Pre-Packaged Deli Ham

Sealed, pre-packaged deli ham has a longer shelf life than freshly sliced ham. Here is how long unopened vacuum-sealed deli ham lasts refrigerated:

Unexpired, unopened – Consume by the manufacturer’s sell-by or use-by date.
After sell-by date – An additional 1-2 weeks past the date if continuously refrigerated.
3 months beyond any date – The absolute longest recommended for unopened, refrigerated deli ham.

Some signs that sealed deli ham could be spoiled before its date include mold, an off-odor, or discoloration when opening. If you see these, it’s best to discard the ham.

Shelf Life of Opened Deli Ham

Once exposed to air, bacteria starts growing rapidly in deli ham. Follow these guidelines for refrigerator times of opened packages:

Store opened deli ham tightly wrapped in the fridge.
Use within 3-5 days of opening for best quality.
Discard any remaining ham after 5 days.
Do not refreeze deli ham after opening.

The sell-by date is no longer valid once the vacuum seal is broken. Only rely on the 3-5 day timeline for consuming opened deli ham.

Identifying Bad Deli Ham

Your eyes, nose, and common sense are the best tools for determining if deli ham has spoiled. Look for these signs that indicate it’s time to toss out your deli ham:

Unpleasant odors – Smells sour or off.
Slime formation – Appears wet or slimy.
Color changes – Unnatural or grayish discoloration.
Mold growth – Fuzzy spots appear.
Dry, tacky texture – No longer smooth or flexible.

When in doubt, remember the old adage – “When in doubt, throw it out!” Don’t risk getting sick from contaminated deli meats.

Storing Deli Ham for the Long Run

Want your deli ham to last even longer? Consider these preservation tips:

Purchase smaller packages so less goes to waste.
Freeze unopened vacuum packs for up to 2 months.
Portion out opened ham into smaller containers to limit air exposure.
Use older ham first and keep freshest packs towards the back of the fridge.
Avoid cross-contaminating ham with raw meats juices by separating.

With proper refrigeration and handling, you can enjoy deli ham for everyday meals. Just remember to use refrigerated ham within 3-5 days of opening and you’ll stay safe from foodborne illness.

Enjoying Deli Ham Safely

Deli ham is perfectly safe when stored properly. Here are some delicious ways to savor ham before it spoils:

Pile high on sandwiches or subs for an easy lunch.
Roll up in omelets, breakfast tacos or burritos.
Mix diced ham into macaroni and cheese or potato casseroles.
Top Caesar salads, wedge salads or pizza with sliced ham.
Stuff ham with cream cheese or cheese cubes for an appetizer.

Sliced deli ham has dozens of usages. With the right storage, you can conveniently enjoy this versatile staple often in recipes. Just follow the recommended time limits for opened and unopened packages.

So next time you buy deli ham at the grocery store or supermarket deli, refer to this guide for all the details on maximizing its shelf life. With proper refrigeration and careful handling, you can keep deli ham fresher for longer.

Don’t Waste it! Deli Meat – How long does it really last

FAQ

Is deli ham good after 10 days?

Once you’ve opened a package of deli meat, or if you’ve purchased it sliced from the deli counter, it’s best to use it within three to five days. Packaged lunch meats come with a best before date. It’s best to consume the meat on or before this date or freeze it in its unopened package.

Can you eat 2 week old deli ham?

It’s generally fine to consume prepackaged lunch meat seven to 10 days after the sell-by date. Once open, however, it should be eaten within five days. Freshly sliced deli meat should also be eaten within five days.

How do you know if deli ham has gone bad?

If your ham starts to take on a green or grey hue, or even gets black or brown in a few areas, throw it away. If it doesn’t smell good, throw it away. Ham should have a salty or smokey aroma, almost sweet. If there is a sour smell or something smells off, don’t take the chance of a food-borne illness.

How long does boar’s head sliced ham last in fridge?

Refrigeration Instructions Boar’s Head Sweet Slice Ham can remain fresh in the refrigerator for up to 7 days after opening. It is recommended to store the ham in an airtight container to maintain quality and prevent it from absorbing other odors or flavors.

How long does deli ham last?

According to the USDA, once you have opened the package of deli ham, it should be consumed within 3 to 5 days. This is because lunch meat is a highly perishable food item and can quickly breed harmful bacteria if not stored properly. The same goes for cooked ham, which should be stored in an airtight container and consumed within 3 to 4 days.

How long does sliced ham last?

Understanding its shelf life is crucial for ensuring food safety and quality. Sliced ham typically has a refrigerated shelf life of 3 to 5 days once opened, depending on the storage conditions and packaging. The key factors affecting the shelf life of sliced ham include proper storage temperature and packaging integrity.

How long does a ham last in the fridge?

It’s important to keep the ham refrigerated at all times and to make sure that your fridge is set at 40 °F or less. If you’ve purchased pre-packaged ham, it’s best to consume it within seven to ten days of the sell-by date. If you’ve bought unsliced deli ham, it will typically last between four to six days in the fridge.

How long does pre-packaged ham last?

If you buy pre-packaged ham, it usually comes with a sell-by date. While the meat may last a few days beyond that date, it’s best to consume it within seven to ten days of purchase. Once you open the package or have the ham sliced at the deli counter, it should be refrigerated and consumed within three to five days.