There’s leftover spiral ham from Sunday dinner in the fridge, canned ham for an unknown amount of time in the pantry, and sliced ham from the deli for sandwiches. It’s the same word. Very different products. Storage periods vary widely. One of them may last for years. The other one should have been used 3 days ago.
Will ham go bad?
Short answer: Yes, ham can go bad, but when it goes bad depends on the type of ham. The expiry date of deli-sliced ham is 3 to 5 days after opening. Cooked whole ham can be refrigerated for 3 to 5 days. Spiral-cut ham can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. Canned (shelf-stable) ham will last in your pantry for 2 to 5 years if unopened. Domestic ham can be stored for up to one year without refrigeration. All types require refrigeration after cutting or opening.
For more information on storing deli meats and fresh produce, see our food storage guide.
Important points
- Cooked Whole Ham or Spiral Ham (opened): Refrigerate for 3-5 days (USDA)
- Deli sliced ham (opened): 3-5 days in the refrigerator
- Canned ham, long shelf life (unopened): 2 to 5 years at room temperature (USDA)
- Canned ham, “refrigerated” label: 6 to 9 months in the refrigerator. follow label
- National Ham (uncut): Up to 1 year at room temperature (USDA)
- Country ham, after cutting: Store in the refrigerator. Use up within a week
- Freezer: Most hams last 1-2 months. Country ham not recommended
Ham is not one product
Before you can say anything useful about the shelf life of ham over other deli meats, you need to know what type of meat it is. The USDA FSIS Ham and Food Safety Guide lists five major categories, each with completely different storage rules. What is true for canned shelf-stable ham is the opposite of what is true for deli-sliced ham. What confuses them is when leftover holiday ham goes to waste or someone gets sick from canned food they thought was still okay.
Five types and their differences:
cooked ham (whole, half, spiral sliced, boneless) are fully cooked during processing. Most holiday hams, spiral cut, and deli counter whole hams are this type. Must be refrigerated. Reheating is optional since it is already fully cooked.
deli rice ham Sold in refrigerated packages or cut at the counter. Always keep refrigerated, always perishable, and have the shortest shelf life of the group after opening.
Canned ham that can be stored at room temperature Commercially sterile. No need to refrigerate before opening. According to the USDA, it can last up to 2 to 5 years in your pantry. Generally no more than 3 lbs.
refrigerated canned ham It has a “require refrigeration” label. This is a different product than shelf-stable canned ham, although both come in cans. Not completely sterile. It must be cold. Never leave it at room temperature.
country ham (Virginia ham, Smithfield ham) is salted, dried and aged for several months. According to the USDA, whole, uncut country hams can be stored at room temperature for up to one year. Once cut, it must be refrigerated as it will be moist inside.
How long does ham last?
| type | Pantry (unopened) | refrigerator | freezer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooked whole or half ham (unopened) | Refrigerated only | 7 days (USDA) | 1-2 months |
| Cooked ham, after opening or cutting | Refrigerated only | 3-5 days (USDA) | 1-2 months |
| spiral cut ham (open) | Refrigerated only | 3-5 days (USDA) | 1-2 months |
| Deli rice ham (opened) | Refrigerated only | 3-5 days | 1-2 months |
| Canned ham that can be stored at room temperature (unopened) | 2-5 years (USDA) | 6-9 months | Not recommended |
| Refrigerated canned ham (“refrigerated storage”) | Never make it a pantry | 6-9 months (USDA) | Not recommended |
| Country ham, whole, uncut | Up to 1 year (USDA) | up to 1 year | Not recommended |
| Country ham, after cutting | Refrigerated only | 1 week after soaking or cutting | Not recommended |
How to tell if a ham is rotten
signs of rot
- Sour, foul odor, foul odor: Freshly cooked ham has a mild, sweet, smoky, or savory flavor. If it has a sour, sharp, or rotten smell, it means to throw it away. Country hams have a saltier odor than cooked hams, but they shouldn’t have a rancid or rotten smell.
- Slimy or sticky texture: The ham should be moist but firm. If the cut side or deli slice feels slimy, it means bacteria is growing. Please discard it immediately.
- Gray, green, or dark discoloration: Cooked ham is pink. Gray or greenish edges or green spots extending inward indicate rot. Slight darkening of the cut end due to oxidation is normal for large whole hams. There is no widespread discoloration.
- Mold grows on cooked or deli ham: Discard the entire piece. Do not cut around the mold if the ham has a high moisture content.
- Country ham mold: The rules are different. According to the USDA, it is common for country hams to develop surface mold during the long curing process. Please don’t throw it away. Wash the ham in boiling water and scrape off any mold with a stiff vegetable brush. Mold is external and salt-rich surfaces prevent deep penetration. If the meat is moldy or the ham smells rotten, throw it away.
The surprising expiry date of country ham and canned ham
Two types of ham that most people don’t realize are shelf-stable are country ham and shelf-stable canned ham. Both are truly amazing for someone who has only ever bought refrigerated cooked ham.
According to the USDA FSIS, whole, uncut country hams can be safely stored at room temperature for up to one year. Salting draws out moisture and lowers water activity to a level that prevents the growth of pathogens, just like dry cured ham or salami. For this reason, country hams have been hung unrefrigerated in smokehouses and pantries in Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee for centuries. Once you cut it into pieces and the moist inside comes out, store it in the refrigerator immediately and use it within a week.
Shelf-stable canned ham is commercially sterilized and can be stored in your pantry for up to 2 years according to the USDA Ham and Food Safety Guide (some USDA long-term food resources list low-acid canning as generally up to 5 years; follow the dates on your specific product). These are small hams, typically less than 3 pounds, that are treated at high temperatures to kill all spoilage bacteria and pathogens, including Clostridium botulinum, Salmonella, and Trichinella. The USDA lists one caution: storage at temperatures above 122 degrees Fahrenheit may allow harmless thermophilic bacteria to grow and cause the product to sour or swell. Don’t store canned ham near a stove, in a hot car, or in a garage during the summer.
Important differences: Not all canned hams can be stored at room temperature. If the label says “requires refrigeration,” it is not storable, even if it is in a can. According to the USDA, these hams should always be kept cold and stored in the refrigerator for 6 to 9 months. Do not store “refrigerated” canned ham at room temperature.
Can ham be frozen?
Yes, it is possible for most types. All cooked whole hams, spiral hams, and deli-sliced hams freeze well for 1 to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, or deflate and place in a zip-top freezer bag. For spiral ham, consider portioning it into portions before freezing to make it easier to use. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
See also
Country hams are not listed on the USDA’s frozen storage schedule, and most producers do not recommend freezing them. Freeze-thaw cycles can affect texture and increase the risk of fat spoilage. The USDA recommends not freezing canned ham. The liquid inside expands during freezing and can damage the can’s seal. If you want to freeze opened canned ham, first transfer it to a freezer-safe container.
A practical note about cooked ham: Most cooked, spiral and boneless hams sold in supermarkets are fully cooked and can be safely eaten cold straight from the fridge without reheating. The label confirms this. “Ready to eat” or “fully cooked” means no reheating required, but many people prefer it warm. The USDA recommends reheating packaged cooked hams in USDA-inspected factories to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Recipes using ham
If your cooked ham is about to expire in 3-5 days, use it. Leftover Spiral Ham Croque Monsieur is one of the best ways to use up leftover ham this holiday season. Ham and egg chilaquiles are ready in under 20 minutes using diced ham. The highlight of the holiday ham is peach, honey and wine-crusted ham, which pairs well with bone-in whole ham. For complete guidance on USDA ham and food safety, please visit USDA FSIS Ham and Food Safety Page.
Does ham go bad? Frequently asked questions
FAQ: How long does leftover ham last?
Leftover cooked ham, whether a holiday whole ham, spiral cut, or baked half ham, can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days per USDA guidance. Store tightly wrapped or in an airtight container. If you have a large amount that you won’t be able to eat within that time, portion it and freeze it within the first 1-2 days for best quality.
FAQ: Will storing ham in the freezer spoil it?
According to the USDA, frozen ham that is continuously stored at 0 degrees Fahrenheit is safe indefinitely. Quality deteriorates over time. Cooked ham is best frozen for up to 1 to 2 months. It’s safe after that, but you may experience freezer burn, off-flavors, and a chalky texture. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and use within 3 to 5 days after thawing.
FAQ: What is the shelf life of ham?
Unopened vacuum-sealed cooked hams can often survive a few days past their sell-by date in a properly functioning refrigerator, provided they pass the odor and texture checks. After opening, the sell-by date is more important than the 3-5 day period after opening. For country hams and shelf-stable canned hams, the printed date is an indication of quality and does not indicate safety. Both will last beyond their normal shelf life if stored correctly.
FAQ: Is it safe to eat ham during pregnancy?
Cooked deli ham and sliced ham carry the same listeria risks as other cooked deli meats. The CDC and FDA advise pregnant women to avoid cold deli meats or to heat them to 165 degrees Fahrenheit (steamy) before eating. Fully cooked whole ham reheated until safe to steam. Country ham that is cooked before consumption is also safe if heated properly. Follow your healthcare provider’s guidance about consuming deli meat during pregnancy.
FAQ: How long can ham bones be stored in the refrigerator?
Meat-on ham bones can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. This is the same period as the rest of the cooked ham. Store in an airtight container or wrap tightly in foil. For long-term storage, freeze the ham bone in a zip-top freezer bag for up to 3 months. Frozen ham bones are perfect for split pea soup, bean soup, or any dish that calls for a smoky pork base. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before use.
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Source: Better Living – onbetterliving.com
