How Long Is Ham Good in the Fridge or Freezer? (USDA Chart)
How long ham keeps depends on its type, whether it is cooked, and whether the package has been opened. Use the USDA chart below to find the storage window for the specific ham. Freezer times are for quality; frozen ham remains safe indefinitely when kept frozen.
USDA ham storage chart
| Type of ham | Refrigerator | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh (uncured) ham, uncooked | 3–5 days | 6 months |
| Fresh (uncured) ham, cooked | 3–4 days | 3–4 months |
| Cured ham, cook-before-eating, uncooked | 5–7 days or use-by date | 3–4 months |
| Cured ham, cook-before-eating, after consumer cooks it | 3–5 days | 1–2 months |
| Cooked ham, vacuum-sealed at plant, unopened, undated | 2 weeks | 1–2 months |
| Cooked ham, vacuum-sealed at plant, unopened, dated | Use-by date | 1–2 months |
| Cooked ham, vacuum-sealed at plant, opened | 3–5 days | 1–2 months |
| Cooked ham, whole, store-wrapped | 7 days | 1–2 months |
| Cooked ham, half, store-wrapped | 3–5 days | 1–2 months |
| Cooked ham slices, store-wrapped | 3–5 days | 1–2 months |
| Spiral-cut ham and leftovers from consumer-cooked ham | 3–5 days | 1–2 months |
| Country ham, uncooked, cut | 2–3 months | 1 month |
| Country ham, cooked | 7 days | 1 month |
| Canned ham, labeled “Keep Refrigerated,” unopened | 6–9 months | Do not freeze |
| Canned ham, labeled “Keep Refrigerated,” opened | 7 days | 1–2 months |
| Canned ham, shelf-stable, opened | 3–4 days | 1–2 months |
| Lunch meat ham, sealed at plant, unopened | 2 weeks or use-by date | 1–2 months |
| Lunch meat ham, sealed at plant, after opening | 3–5 days | 1–2 months |
| Lunch meat ham, sliced in store | 3–5 days | 1–2 months |
| Prosciutto, Parma or Serrano ham, cut | 2–3 months | 1 month |
The USDA notes that freezer storage periods are for quality only; frozen ham remains safe indefinitely. An unopened shelf-stable canned ham may be stored at room temperature for up to 2 years. Follow the label, especially when it gives a use-by date.
Source
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Hams and Food Safety, “Ham Storage Chart.”