Does Pepperoni Need to Be Refrigerated?

You picked up a whole pepperoni stick from the unrefrigerated aisle of the supermarket. Now you’re at home wondering, should I put this in the fridge or is it okay to put it in the pantry? On the other hand, the open bag of pepperoni you sliced ​​last week is definitely in the fridge, but you don’t know how long it will last.

Does pepperoni need to be refrigerated?

Short answer: It depends on your type. There is no need to refrigerate whole unopened pepperoni sticks before opening. This sausage can be stored dry at room temperature for up to 6 weeks in a cool, dry pantry. Once opened, it should be kept refrigerated and used within 3 weeks according to USDA FSIS. Sliced ​​pepperoni should always be refrigerated, whether opened or not.

For more information on storing deli meats and processed products, see our food storage guide.

Do whole pepperoni sticks need to be refrigerated?

No, not before the store opens. Whole pepperoni sticks are shelf-stable, dry-cured sausages. USDA FSIS defines dried sausage as a product preserved by fermentation, curing agents such as nitrates, and drying to a specific moisture level that prevents bacterial growth at room temperature. Unopened whole pepperoni sticks can be stored in a cool, dry pantry without refrigeration for up to 6 weeks. This is why you can find whole sticks hanging on unrefrigerated shelves at grocery stores and gas stations.

Refrigerating the entire unopened stick will further extend its life. With continued refrigeration, unopened whole sticks can be stored indefinitely according to USDA guidelines, but quality is best within six months before the fat begins to spoil.

Things change when you cut or open the stick. The cut end is exposed to air and bacteria. The USDA FSIS states that opened hard or dry sausages should be refrigerated and used within three weeks. Wrap the cut portion tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight bag and store it in the refrigerator, not in the door.

Does shelf-stable sliced ​​pepperoni (aisle bag) need to be refrigerated?

Not before opening. Vacuum-sealed bags of sliced ​​pepperoni sold on unrefrigerated grocery store shelves (pizza, snack, or meat aisles) are shelf-stable items. Vacuum seals replicate the protection of an intact casing, preventing oxygen and bacteria from entering, which is exactly why brands like Hormel and Signature sell these in the aisles. There is no need to refrigerate until the seal is opened.

Per Hormel’s own FAQ guidance, refrigerate immediately after opening and use within 21 days. There’s one thing you should know. These bags often have a sharp, pungent odor when first opened. It is lactic acid that releases gas from the fermentation process under a vacuum seal. This will disappear within a minute or two and is not a sign that the product has gone bad.

Does sliced ​​pepperoni in the refrigerated section need to be refrigerated?

Yes, always. Sliced ​​pepperoni sold in the refrigerated deli aisle should be kept cold, whether the package is open or not. Please use within 7 days after opening. Deli sliced ​​pepperoni cut on the counter is even more perishable and should be used within 3-5 days. A simple rule is to keep your storage where you buy it. Refrigerated section means stored refrigerated. Aisle shelves mean you’ll be fine until the pantry opens.

Why are some pepperoni not refrigerated?

The answer is the curing and drying process. According to the USDA FSIS, dry sausage is shelf-stable because a combination of salt, fermented acid (lactic acid from the starter culture), nitrates, and low moisture content creates an environment in which harmful bacteria cannot grow at room temperature. Properly dried pepperonistic sticks typically have a water activity of less than 0.85, the threshold below which most pathogenic bacteria cannot grow.

This is the same principle behind beef jerky, country ham, and other shelf-stable cured meats. The curing and drying process provides preservation, so refrigeration before opening is optional rather than required.

Note: The Department of Agriculture also warns that because dry sausages are not cooked, high-risk people such as pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people with weakened immune systems should consider avoiding consuming uncooked dry sausages. The USDA has specifically cited E. coli O157:H7 as a concern and is currently testing fermented sausages for E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella enterica, and Listeria monocytogenes. Cooking pepperoni (like pizza) completely eliminates this concern.

How to store each type of pepperoni

Slices in the refrigerated section and pepperoni on the deli counter

See also

• Always keep refrigerated regardless of whether the package has been opened or not.
• After opening, please close the seal tightly or transfer it to an airtight container.
• Refrigerated Section Bag: Use within 7 days after opening.
• Deli counter slices: Use within 3-5 days.
• Store on an indoor shelf away from raw meat to prevent cross-contamination.

Recipes using pepperoni

Are you processing the sliced ​​pepperoni before you turn it? These low-carb heart-shaped tortilla pizzas use pre-sliced ​​pepperoni as the main topping and take less than 20 minutes from start to finish. For something heartier, mix gluten-free mushroom stuffing and chopped pepperoni into the filling. For complete USDA guidance on dry sausage storage and safety, please visit USDA FSIS Sausage and Food Safety Page.

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