All About Pepperoni
Your complete guide to pepperoni - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Pepperoni Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for pepperoni in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
Unopened (Refrigerated)Until the 'use-by' or 'best if used by' date on the package, typically 1-2 months.
Signs of Spoilage
Slimy texture on the surface, dull or grayish/greenish discoloration, sour or strong off-smell, visible mold.
How to Check
Check the 'use-by' date. Visually inspect through the packaging for any discoloration or moisture accumulation. If opened for inspection, feel for sliminess and sniff for any sour or unpleasant odors.
Storage Tips
Keep in its original sealed packaging in the coldest part of the refrigerator. Do not allow it to sit at room temperature for extended periods.
Unopened (Shelf-Stable)Up to 6 months, or according to the 'best by' date on the package. Can often last longer if properly stored.
Signs of Spoilage
Visible fuzzy mold (white, green, black), extreme hardness or dryness (beyond typical curing), rancid or sour smell, bulging or damaged packaging indicating gas production.
How to Check
Visually inspect the package for damage or bulging. Check the pepperoni itself for any mold or unusual discoloration. Sniff for any off-odors. If it feels unusually hard or brittle, it may be overly dry and past its prime quality.
Storage Tips
Store in a cool, dry, dark place. Avoid direct sunlight or heat, which can accelerate spoilage. Once opened, it must be refrigerated.
Opened (Refrigerated)1-3 weeks. Pre-sliced pepperoni typically lasts on the shorter end (1 week), while whole sticks can last up to 3 weeks once cut.
Signs of Spoilage
Slimy or sticky surface texture, dull or grayish/greenish discoloration, fuzzy white/green/black mold, strong sour, rancid, or unpleasant 'locker room' smell.
How to Check
Touch test: Feel the surface for sliminess or stickiness. Visual inspection: Look for any mold growth or changes in color. Sniff test: A strong, off-putting odor is a clear sign of spoilage. If in doubt, throw it out.
Storage Tips
To extend freshness, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or store in an airtight container to prevent drying out and absorption of other refrigerator odors. Proper sealing minimizes exposure to air and moisture.
Freezer6-9 months for best quality, but remains safe indefinitely if kept at 0°F (-18°C).
Signs of Spoilage
Significant freezer burn (dry, discolored spots or edges), extreme dryness or crumbly texture upon thawing, loss of flavor or undesirable texture after thawing. Off-smell after thawing indicates spoilage.
How to Check
Before freezing, ensure proper wrapping to minimize freezer burn. After thawing (always thaw in the refrigerator), perform visual, smell, and touch tests as you would for opened, refrigerated pepperoni. Discard if any spoilage signs are present post-thaw.
Storage Tips
Wrap pepperoni tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil, or place in a heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Label with the date. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator for best texture and safety. Do not refreeze thawed pepperoni.