How Long Can You Keep Lunch Meat in the Refrigerator?

Deli meats are a traditional sandwich filling.

Fresh Cut Lunch Meats

Fresh cut lunch meat from the deli counter at your grocery store lasts about 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Packaged Lunch Meat

Vacuum sealed packaged lunch meat lasts until the expiration date on the package as long as it is unopened. Once opened, the meat can be kept in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.

Bottom Line

Lunch meat spoils quickly. If your lunch meat smells or looks bad, it is best to throw it away, regardless of how long it has been in the refrigerator.

References

• Good Housekeeping: How Long to Keep Food in Refrigerator
• Today: The Five Things You Need to Know About Deli Meats