How long does ham last?
Quick answer
Ham (pre-packaged, luncheon/deli meat) keeps 2 weeks in the fridge and 1-2 months in the freezer.
- Fresh, cook-before-eating, bone-in, whole 5-7 days in the fridge · 1-2 months in the freezer
- Fresh, cook-before-eating, bone-in, half 5-7 days in the fridge · 1-2 months in the freezer
- Fresh, cook-before-eating, shank or butt portion, bone-in 5-7 days in the fridge · 1-2 months in the freezer
Fridge
From purchase
2weeks
Freezer
Can be frozen: yes
1-2months
Pantry
No known time
-
Mine has been in the fridge for
Refreeze after thawing in the fridge?
- United States
- Yes
- United Kingdom
- Only after cooking
How long does ham last in the fridge?
- Pre-packaged, luncheon/deli meat2 weeksFrom purchase
- Pre-packaged, luncheon/deli meat, opened3-5 daysAfter opening
- Uncured, fresh, cooked3-4 days
- Uncured, fresh, uncooked3-5 daysFrom purchase
- Canned (“keep refrigerated” label)6-9 monthsFrom purchase
- Canned (“keep refrigerated” label), opened3-5 daysAfter opening
- Fully cooked, bone-in, whole1 weekFrom purchase
- Fully cooked, bone-in, half3-5 days
- Fully cooked, slices, half, or spiral cut3-4 daysFrom purchase
- Fully cooked, arm picnic shoulder, boneless1 weekFrom purchase
- Fully cooked, canned, boneless (refrigerated)6-9 monthsFrom purchase
- Fully cooked, canned, boneless (refrigerated), opened3-5 daysAfter opening
- Fully cooked, vacuum packed, boneless2 weeksFrom purchase
- Fresh, cook-before-eating, bone-in, whole5-7 days
- Fresh, cook-before-eating, bone-in, half5-7 days
- Fresh, cook-before-eating, shank or butt portion, bone-in5-7 days
- Fresh, cook-before-eating, arm picnic shoulder, boneless5-7 days
- Fresh, cook-before-eating, shoulder roll (butt), boneless5-7 days
- Fresh, uncooked, whole leg, bone-in3-5 days
- Fresh, uncooked, whole leg, boneless3-5 days
- Fresh, uncooked, half leg, bone-in3-5 days
- Country ham, cooked7 days
- Country ham, uncooked, cut2-3 months
- Cured, cook-before-eating, uncooked5-7 days
- Cooked, store-wrapped, half3-5 days
- Cooked, store-wrapped, whole7 days
- Fully cooked, vacuum-sealed at plant, opened3-5 daysAfter opening
- Fully cooked, vacuum-sealed at plant, unopened2 weeks
Your fridge should be set between 0 and 5°C.
Refrigerators should be set to maintain a temperature of 40 °F or below.
How long does ham last in the freezer?
- Shelf-stable cans, opened1-2 months
- Pre-packaged, luncheon/deli meat1-2 months
- Pre-packaged, luncheon/deli meat, opened1-2 months
- Uncured, fresh, cooked3-4 months
- Uncured, fresh, uncooked6 months
- Canned (“keep refrigerated” label), opened1-2 months
- Fully cooked, bone-in, whole1-2 months
- Fully cooked, bone-in, half1-2 months
- Fully cooked, slices, half, or spiral cut1-2 months
- Fully cooked, arm picnic shoulder, boneless1-2 months
- Fully cooked, vacuum packed, boneless1-2 months
- Fresh, cook-before-eating, bone-in, whole1-2 months
- Fresh, cook-before-eating, bone-in, half1-2 months
- Fresh, cook-before-eating, shank or butt portion, bone-in1-2 months
- Fresh, cook-before-eating, arm picnic shoulder, boneless1-2 months
- Fresh, cook-before-eating, shoulder roll (butt), boneless1-2 months
- Fresh, uncooked, whole leg, bone-in1-2 months
- Fresh, uncooked, whole leg, boneless1-2 months
- Fresh, uncooked, half leg, bone-in1-2 months
- Country ham (whole or half)1-2 months
- Cured cook-before-eating, after cooking1-2 months
- Country ham, cooked1 month
- Country ham, uncooked, cut1 month
- Cured, cook-before-eating, uncooked3-4 months
- Cooked, store-wrapped, half1-2 months
- Cooked, store-wrapped, whole1-2 months
- Fully cooked, vacuum-sealed at plant, opened1-2 months
- Fully cooked, vacuum-sealed at plant, unopened1-2 months
- General guidance1-2 months
Freezer times are for quality; frozen food stays safe.
Your freezer should be around -18°C
A freezer acts as a pause button - food in a freezer won’t go bad and most bacteria cannot grow in it.
Food stored constantly at 0 °F will always be safe. Only the quality suffers with lengthy freezer storage.
Can you freeze ham?
- Shelf-stable cans, openedYes
- Pre-packaged, luncheon/deli meatYes
- Pre-packaged, luncheon/deli meat, openedYes
- Uncured, fresh, cookedYes
- Uncured, fresh, uncookedYes
- Canned (“keep refrigerated” label)No
- Canned (“keep refrigerated” label), openedYes
- Fully cooked, bone-in, wholeYes
- Fully cooked, bone-in, halfYes
- Fully cooked, slices, half, or spiral cutYes
- Fully cooked, arm picnic shoulder, bonelessYes
- Fully cooked, vacuum packed, bonelessYes
- Fresh, cook-before-eating, bone-in, wholeYes
- Fresh, cook-before-eating, bone-in, halfYes
- Fresh, cook-before-eating, shank or butt portion, bone-inYes
- Fresh, cook-before-eating, arm picnic shoulder, bonelessYes
- Fresh, cook-before-eating, shoulder roll (butt), bonelessYes
- Fresh, uncooked, whole leg, bone-inYes
- Fresh, uncooked, whole leg, bonelessYes
- Fresh, uncooked, half leg, bone-inYes
- Country ham (whole or half)Yes
- Cured cook-before-eating, after cookingYes
- Country ham, cookedYes
- Country ham, uncooked, cutYes
- Cured, cook-before-eating, uncookedYes
- Cooked, store-wrapped, halfYes
- Cooked, store-wrapped, wholeYes
- Fully cooked, vacuum-sealed at plant, openedYes
- Fully cooked, vacuum-sealed at plant, unopenedYes
- General guidanceYes
How to defrost ham safely
- In the fridge
- In cold water, cook it straight after defrosting
- In the microwave, cook it straight after defrosting
- Cook it from frozen
You should defrost your food in the fridge so that it doesn’t get too warm
It’s also important to use food within 24 hours after it’s been fully defrosted
There are three safe ways to thaw food: in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave.
Check the water frequently to be sure it stays cold. Change the water every 30 minutes. After thawing, cook immediately.
It is safe to cook foods from the frozen state. The cooking will take approximately 50% longer than the recommended time for fully thawed or fresh meat and poultry.
Can you refreeze ham?
- In the United KingdomOnly after cooking
- In the United StatesYes
You can freeze food again once cooked, but you’ll only be able to reheat it once after that
Food thawed in the refrigerator can be refrozen without cooking, although there may be some loss of quality.
Foods thawed by the cold water method should be cooked before refreezing.
After cooking raw foods which were previously frozen, it is safe to freeze the cooked foods.
Can ham be kept out of the fridge?
- Shelf-stable cans6-9 months
All forms at a glance
| Form | Fridge | Freezer | Pantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shelf-stable cans | - | - | 6-9 months |
| Shelf-stable cans, opened | - | 1-2 months | - |
| Pre-packaged, luncheon/deli meat | 2 weeks | 1-2 months | - |
| Pre-packaged, luncheon/deli meat, opened | 3-5 days | 1-2 months | - |
| Uncured, fresh, cooked | 3-4 days | 3-4 months | - |
| Uncured, fresh, uncooked | 3-5 days | 6 months | - |
| Canned (“keep refrigerated” label) | 6-9 months | - | - |
| Canned (“keep refrigerated” label), opened | 3-5 days | 1-2 months | - |
| Fully cooked, bone-in, whole | 1 week | 1-2 months | - |
| Fully cooked, bone-in, half | 3-5 days | 1-2 months | - |
| Fully cooked, slices, half, or spiral cut | 3-4 days | 1-2 months | - |
| Fully cooked, arm picnic shoulder, boneless | 1 week | 1-2 months | - |
| Fully cooked, canned, boneless (refrigerated) | 6-9 months | - | - |
| Fully cooked, canned, boneless (refrigerated), opened | 3-5 days | - | - |
| Fully cooked, vacuum packed, boneless | 2 weeks | 1-2 months | - |
| Fresh, cook-before-eating, bone-in, whole | 5-7 days | 1-2 months | - |
| Fresh, cook-before-eating, bone-in, half | 5-7 days | 1-2 months | - |
| Fresh, cook-before-eating, shank or butt portion, bone-in | 5-7 days | 1-2 months | - |
| Fresh, cook-before-eating, arm picnic shoulder, boneless | 5-7 days | 1-2 months | - |
| Fresh, cook-before-eating, shoulder roll (butt), boneless | 5-7 days | 1-2 months | - |
| Fresh, uncooked, whole leg, bone-in | 3-5 days | 1-2 months | - |
| Fresh, uncooked, whole leg, boneless | 3-5 days | 1-2 months | - |
| Fresh, uncooked, half leg, bone-in | 3-5 days | 1-2 months | - |
| Country ham (whole or half) | - | 1-2 months | - |
| Cured cook-before-eating, after cooking | - | 1-2 months | - |
| Country ham, cooked | 7 days | 1 month | - |
| Country ham, uncooked, cut | 2-3 months | 1 month | - |
| Cured, cook-before-eating, uncooked | 5-7 days | 3-4 months | - |
| Cooked, store-wrapped, half | 3-5 days | 1-2 months | - |
| Cooked, store-wrapped, whole | 7 days | 1-2 months | - |
| Fully cooked, vacuum-sealed at plant, opened | 3-5 days | 1-2 months | - |
| Fully cooked, vacuum-sealed at plant, unopened | 2 weeks | 1-2 months | - |
| General guidance | - | 1-2 months | - |
What the official sources say
“Canned ham (shelf-stable) 2 to 5 years 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator”
“Canned, shelf-stable, opened Note : An unopened, shelf-stable, canned ham can be stored at room temperature for 2 years. 3 to 4 days 1 to 2 months”
“Luncheon meats, unopened 2 weeks 1-2 months”
“Hotdogs, luncheon meats (unopened) 2 weeks”
Frequently asked questions
How long does ham last in the fridge?
Pre-packaged, luncheon/deli meat: 2 weeks; Pre-packaged, luncheon/deli meat, opened: 3-5 days; Uncured, fresh, cooked: 3-4 days; Uncured, fresh, uncooked: 3-5 days.
How long does ham last in the freezer?
Shelf-stable cans, opened: 1-2 months; Pre-packaged, luncheon/deli meat: 1-2 months; Pre-packaged, luncheon/deli meat, opened: 1-2 months; Uncured, fresh, cooked: 3-4 months. Freezer times are for quality; frozen food stays safe.
Can you refreeze ham?
In the United Kingdom: Only after cooking; In the United States: Yes.
Good to know
Other figures given by the sources for close variants:
- Canned ham (shelf-stable) Pantry 2-5 years
- Ham, shelf-stable cans Fridge 5-14 days
- Canned ham (shelf-stable) Fridge 3-4 days
- ***Canned Ham, Shelf Stable, Opened Fridge 3-4 days Freezer 1-2 months
- Ham, Canned, shelf-stable, opened Note : An unopened, shelf-stable, canned ham can be stored at room temperature for 2 years. Fridge 3-4 days Freezer 1-2 months
- Canned Ham, Labeled "Keep Refrigerated," Opened Fridge 7 days Freezer 1-2 months
- Ham, Corned Beef: Ham, fully cooked, whole Fridge 7 days
- Cooked Ham, Slices, Store Wrapped Fridge 3-5 days Freezer 1-2 months
- Spiral-Cut Hams and Leftovers From Consumer-Cooked Hams Fridge 3-5 days Freezer 1-2 months
- Ham, Cooked, store-wrapped, slices, half, or spiral cut Fridge 3-5 days Freezer 1-2 months
- Cured Ham, Cook-Before-Eating; After Consumer Cooks it Fridge 3-5 days Freezer 1-2 months
Sources
We always show the most cautious time among official sources. Last checked: 1 October 2026.
- FoodSafety.gov Cold Food Storage Chart US
- Food Standards Agency - consumer food hygiene guidance GB
- Kansas State University Research and Extension US
- Utah State University Extension US
- University of Georgia Extension US
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension US
- UConn Extension US
- Wyoming Department of Health US
- Clemson University Extension US
- National Center for Home Food Preservation US
- North Dakota State University Extension US
- Ohio State University Extension US
- Virginia Cooperative Extension (Virginia Tech) US
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension US
- Oregon State University Extension US
- USDA FSIS FoodKeeper data US
- USDA FSIS Safe Food Handling and Preparation US
Values we do not display (17)
Values below were set aside: unconfirmed by a second independent source, or contradicted by a shorter time.
- Canned (“keep refrigerated” label), opened, fridge: 7 days (extension.usu.edu, a source gives a shorter time)
- Canned (“keep refrigerated” label), opened, fridge: 1 week (workspace.oregonstate.edu, a source gives a shorter time)
- Country ham (whole or half), fridge: 1 week (fsis.usda.gov, not confirmed by a second source)
- Cured cook-before-eating, after cooking, fridge: 3-5 days (fsis.usda.gov, not confirmed by a second source)
- Fresh, uncooked, half leg, bone-in, fridge: 1 week (fsis.usda.gov, a source gives a shorter time)
- Fresh, uncooked, whole leg, bone-in, fridge: 1 week (fsis.usda.gov, a source gives a shorter time)
- Fresh, uncooked, whole leg, boneless, fridge: 1 week (fsis.usda.gov, a source gives a shorter time)
- Fully cooked, bone-in, half, fridge: 1 week (fsis.usda.gov, a source gives a shorter time)
- Fully cooked, bone-in, half, fridge: 7 days (ndsu.edu, a source gives a shorter time)
- Fully cooked, canned, boneless (refrigerated), freezer: 1-2 months (fsis.usda.gov, not confirmed by a second source)
- Fully cooked, canned, boneless (refrigerated), opened, fridge: 7 days (extension.usu.edu, a source gives a shorter time)
- Fully cooked, canned, boneless (refrigerated), opened, fridge: 1 week (workspace.oregonstate.edu, a source gives a shorter time)
- Shelf-stable cans, opened, fridge: 3-4 days (fsis.usda.gov, not confirmed by a second source)
- Shelf-stable cans, opened, fridge: 3-4 days (fsis.usda.gov, not confirmed by a second source)
- Shelf-stable cans, opened, fridge: 3-4 days (foodsafety.gov, not confirmed by a second source)
- Shelf-stable cans, opened, fridge: 5-14 days (fsis.usda.gov, a source gives a shorter time)
- Uncured, fresh, cooked, fridge: 3-4 days (fsis.usda.gov, not confirmed by a second source)