If an open packet of salami has been sitting in your fridge for almost a week, theres good reason to believe its time to throw it out.
There’s usually a few indications that your days-old deli meat is past its peak, but sometimes, there might not always be visible signs of spoilage.
Exactly how long does deli meat actually last, and what steps should you take to store it correctly? To understand the risks of consuming deli meat, we asked an expert to answer your FAQs.
How Long Do Turkey Slices Last in the Fridge? The Complete Guide
As a turkey lover, I’m always looking for ways to enjoy this tasty and versatile meat beyond the holiday season. One great option is to pick up sliced turkey from the deli counter for easy sandwiches, wraps, and snacks. But with its perishable nature, it’s important to know how long turkey slices will stay fresh in the fridge.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk through everything you need to know about properly storing turkey slices to maximize freshness and avoid wasting food We’ll cover optimal storage methods, signs of spoilage to look out for, recommended timelines, and tips to extend shelf life. Whether you’re prepping for meal prep or just stocked up on some deli meat, this info will help keep your turkey tasting great
Key Factors that Impact Shelf Life
When stored properly in the refrigerator, sliced turkey will generally last 3-5 days after opening or purchasing. However, a few key factors impact just how long it stays fresh
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Packaging: Slices kept in the original airtight packaging tend to last a bit longer than those repackaged in plastic wrap or bags.
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Deli meat type: Less processed varieties like roasted turkey breast have a shorter shelf life than very processed lunch meats like bologna.
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Storage method: Keeping slices tightly wrapped and towards the back of the fridge extends freshness.
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Freezing: Frozen sliced turkey lasts 1-2 months in the freezer.
Following proper storage methods is key to getting the most mileage from your turkey while keeping it safe to eat.
Optimal Storage Methods
Storing deli meats correctly helps slow bacterial growth that causes spoilage and foodborne illness. Here are some tips for keeping turkey slices fresh longer:
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Refrigerate slices promptly within 2 hours of purchasing. Don’t leave deli meats out more than 2 hours.
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Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Vacuum sealing is ideal.
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Keep slices towards the back of the top shelf of the fridge where the temperature is most consistent.
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Use sliced meats within 3-5 days for optimal flavor and texture.
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Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meats separate.
Proper refrigeration is the number one way to extend the shelf life. Maintain your fridge temp at 40°F or below.
How to Know When Turkey Slices Are Bad
Over time, turkey slices will dry out, change color, develop a sour smell or slimy texture. Here are some signs your deli meat has spoiled:
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Slimy or sticky appearance
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Unnatural colors like grey, green or yellow
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Mold growth, usually white or fuzzy
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Rancid or rotten smell
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Dry, crusty edges
When in doubt, remember the old adage “When in doubt, throw it out.” Don’t risk eating spoiled turkey.
Storing Leftover Sliced Turkey
Made too many sandwiches? Leftover sliced turkey should be consumed within 3-4 days. But you can breathe new life into deli meats in creative ways. Try these ideas:
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Turkey salad sandwiches with fresh veggies
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Add to Chef salads, grain bowls or spinach salads
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Mix into scrambles, frittatas or breakfast burritos
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Layer on nachos or flatbreads
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Toss with pasta and pesto or marinara sauce
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Stir fry with veggies and teriyaki sauce
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Top pizza with turkey, veggies and cheese
Leftover sliced turkey brings a tasty protein punch to meals. With endless possibilities, you can reinvent those remnants into something new.
Freezing Deli Meat for Long-Term Storage
For longer storage, freezing is ideal for preserving sliced turkey 1-2 months or longer. Here’s how:
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Slice meats before freezing for easier thawing.
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Place slices in a single layer on a sheet pan and freeze 1-2 hours until hard.
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Put frozen slices into freezer bags or airtight containers, removing air.
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Label with contents and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
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Thaw refrigerated overnight before using.
With proper freezing techniques, you can keep deli meats fresh for extended periods.
Tips for Buying Fresh Sliced Turkey
When shopping for sliced turkey, opt for high-quality, minimally processed varieties from reputable brands or deli counters. Consider these factors:
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Choose turkey with no added preservatives, artificial ingredients or high sodium.
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Look for “sell-by” and expiration dates furthest out.
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Select freshly sliced at the deli for maximum freshness.
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Avoid discoloration or drying around the edges.
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Opt for airtight vacuum-sealed packaging.
Start with the freshest sliced turkey you can find, and store it correctly at home. This gives you the best chance of enjoying it within the recommended 3-5 day window after opening.
The Health Benefits of Turkey
Beyond tasty sandwiches, turkey slices offer great nutrition in every bite. Here are some benefits of turkey:
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Excellent source of lean protein to support muscle growth and satisfaction.
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Rich in vitamins like B6, B12, zinc and selenium.
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Contains tryptophan which helps regulate serotonin levels.
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Lower in fat than other deli meats like salami or roast beef.
In moderation, sliced turkey provides a powerhouse of nutrients. Just limit very processed versions high in sodium.
The Bottom Line
With proper refrigeration and containment, sliced turkey stays fresh for 3-5 days after purchasing. Monitor for signs of spoilage, follow optimal storage methods, and freeze for extended shelf life. With this complete guide, you can enjoy delicious sliced turkey while reducing waste and sticking to food safety best practices.
How long is deli meat good for?
Official recommendations say deli-sliced or store-prepared lunch meat should be consumed within three to five days, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Additionally, any opened vacuum-packets of sliced lunch meat should be consumed within three to five days. Unopened packets should be consumed within two weeks, the USDA recommends.
These recommendations run on the contingency that you’ve taken the steps to ensure the safe storage of deli meat. “What is critical is how the deli meat is conserved,” says Dr. Stephanie Seveau, PhD, a professor of microbial infection and immunity at The Ohio State University School of Medicine. Deli meat should be refrigerated at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below, according to the USDA.
After you’ve purchased any type of sliced lunch meat, be sure to refrigerate it immediately once you get home. If the deli meat is left out for a few hours “at a temperature that favors bacterial growth,” there will be risks to consuming it, Seveau says.
How can I tell if deli meat has gone bad?
Theres a few telltale signs that may indicate it’s time to discard an open packet of deli meat. Do not consume the meat if you notice any suspicious changes to its smell or appearance. For example, you should discard the meat if it is emanating an unpleasant smell, if a viscous, sticky film appears on it, or if there is mold growth, Seveau says.
However, it is important to note that there won’t always be visible indications of bacterial growth on deli meat. Listeria growth, for example, often does not have any smell, Seveau says.
For this reason, always be sure to discard deli meat that has been open for more than five days, per USDA recommendations. Additionally, discard the meat if it is past the expiration date, Seveau says.
Don’t Waste it! Deli Meat – How long does it really last
FAQ
Is deli turkey good after 7 days?
If you are talking about commercial packages of deli turkey, then you can keep it for 7 days after opening (if your refrigerator is 41°F or less) with the day of opening being day 1 (FDA Food Code).
Can I eat deli turkey after 10 days?
For this reason, always be sure to discard deli meat that has been open for more than five days, per USDA recommendations. Additionally, discard the meat if it is past the expiration date, Seveau says.
Does sliced turkey go bad in the fridge?
The Best Way to Store Lunch Meat
It’s best to keep your fridge at 40° F to keep foods fresh as long as possible. Once open, lunchmeat should be eaten within five days. Freshly sliced deli meat should also be eaten within five days.
Is turkey still good after 5 days in the fridge?
Cooked ground turkey can typically be safely consumed within 3 to 4 days when stored in the refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C). After 5 days, the risk of foodborne illness increases, and it’s generally recommended to discard it to ensure safety.