You picked up a whole pepperoni stick from the unrefrigerated aisle of the grocery store. Now you’re at home and wondering: should it be put in the fridge, or is the pantry okay? Meanwhile that opened bag of last week’s chopped pepperoni is definitely in the fridge, but you’re not sure how long it will last.
Does pepperoni need to be refrigerated?
Short answer: It depends on which type you have. A whole, unopened pepperoni stick does not require refrigeration before opening. This is a shelf-stable dry-cured sausage that can be stored in a cool, dry pantry for up to 6 weeks. Once opened, it should be refrigerated and used within 3 weeks according to USDA FSIS. Cut pepperoni should be refrigerated at all times, whether opened or not.
See the Food Storage Guide for more information on storing deli meats and curated products.
key takeaways
- Whole stick, unshelled: no refrigeration required; cool dry pantry up to 6 weeks
- Whole sticks, after opening: Must be refrigerated; use within 3 weeks
- Shelf-stable shredded bags (Hormel, Signature, Aisle Shelf): No refrigeration before opening; Refrigerate later and use within 21 days
- Refrigerated-Section Cut Pepperoni: Always refrigerate; Use within 7 days of opening
- Deli-counter chopped: Always refrigerate; Use within 3 to 5 days
- Left out more than 2 hours after opening: discard (chopped) or refrigerate immediately (whole stick)
Do whole pepperoni sticks need to be refrigerated?
No, not before opening. A whole, intact pepperoni stick is a shelf-stable dry-cured sausage. USDA FSIS defines dried sausage as products preserved by fermentation, curing agents including nitrates, and drying to a specific moisture level that prevents bacteria from growing at room temperature. An unopened whole pepperoni stick can be stored in a cool, dry pantry for up to 6 weeks without any refrigeration. This is why you find whole sticks hanging on unrefrigerated shelves at grocery stores and gas stations.
Refrigerating an unopened whole stick further extends its life. Kept constantly chilled, an unopened whole stick can last indefinitely according to USDA guidance, although quality is best within 6 months before the fat becomes rancid.
Once you cut or open the stick, it changes. The cut end is now exposed to air and bacteria. The USDA FSIS says to keep opened hard or dry sausages in the refrigerator and use within 3 weeks. Wrap the cut end tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight bag and place it in the main body of the refrigerator, not in the door.
Does shelf-stable chopped pepperoni (aisle bag) need to be refrigerated?
Not before opening. Vacuum-sealed bags of chopped pepperoni sold on non-refrigerated grocery shelves (pizza aisle, snack aisle, or charcuterie section) are shelf-stable products. Brands like Hormel and Signature sell these right in the aisle because the vacuum seal mimics the protection of an intact wrapper while keeping out oxygen and bacteria. Unless you break the seal, there is no need for refrigeration.
Once opened: According to Hormel’s own FAQ guidance, refrigerate immediately and use within 21 days. One thing to know: These bags often give off a strong, pungent odor when first opened. This is lactic acid released from the fermentation process under vacuum seal. It dissipates within a minute or two and is not an indication that the product has gone bad.
Does refrigerated-section cut pepperoni need to be refrigerated?
Yes always. Sliced ​​pepperoni sold from the refrigerated deli section must be kept cold, whether the package is opened or not. Use within 7 days after opening. Deli-sliced ​​pepperoni over the counter has an even worse shelf life: use within 3 to 5 days. Simple rule: Match the storage to where you bought it. Refrigerated section means keep it refrigerated. Aisle shelf means it’s fine until the pantry opens.
Why are some pepperoni sold unrefrigerated?
The answer is the curing and drying process. According to USDA FSIS, dried sausages are shelf-stable because the combination of salt, fermentation acid (lactic acid from starter cultures), nitrate, and low moisture content creates an environment where harmful bacteria cannot thrive at room temperature. The water activity of properly dried pepperoni sticks is generally below 0.85, which is the limit 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 processes serve the purpose of preservation, making refrigeration before opening optional rather than a requirement.
Note: The USDA also notes that because dried sausages are not cooked, high-risk individuals, including pregnant women, older adults, small children, and people with weakened immune systems, should consider avoiding raw dried sausages. The USDA specifically identifies E. coli O157:H7 as a concern and now tests fermented sausage for E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. Cooking pepperoni (like pizza) eliminates this worry completely.
How to Store Each Type of Pepperoni
Whole pepperoni sticks (unshelled)
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Refrigerating extends life even further; Keeps refrigerated indefinitely unopened.
- Do not freeze an opened whole stick unless it has a shelf life of more than 6 months.
Whole pepperoni sticks (after opening)
- Wrap the cut end tightly in plastic wrap or remove air and place in a zip-top bag.
- Place the refrigerator immediately on the inner shelf, not on the door.
- Use within 3 weeks after opening.
- Cut into portions and freeze before the 3-week closing period, if necessary.
Shelf-Stable Shredded Bags (Hormel, Signature, Aisle Shelf)
- No refrigeration is required before opening. Store in a cool, dry pantry.
- Once opened, refrigerate immediately in a sealed container or resealable bag.
- Use within 21 days after opening or by expiration date according to Hormel’s guidance.
- The strong odor when first opened is normal lactic acid off-gassing. Not bad.
Refrigerated-Section Sliced ​​and Deli-Counter Pepperoni
See also
- Keep refrigerated at all times, whether opened or not.
- After opening, reseal the package tightly or store in an airtight container.
- Refrigerated section bags: Use within 7 days after opening.
- Daily-Counter Slice: Use within 3 to 5 days.
- Keep raw meat on the inner shelf to prevent cross-contamination.
Recipes that use pepperoni
Working through chopped pepperoni before turning? These low-carb heart-shaped tortilla pizzas use pre-cut pepperoni as the main topping and take less than 20 minutes to finish. For something a little more substantial, gluten-free stuffed mushrooms are added to the filling, pairing well with finely chopped pepperoni. For complete USDA guidance on dried sausage storage and safety, see USDA FSIS Sausage and Food Safety Page.
FAQ: Can pepperoni be left out overnight?
It depends. A whole, unopened pepperoni stick left overnight in a cool dry environment is fine: it’s shelf-stable. Any chopped pepperoni left on an open stick or at room temperature overnight should be discarded. The USDA 2-hour rule applies: Spoilable meat kept at room temperature for more than 2 hours enters the bacterial growth window, making it unsafe regardless of appearance or smell.
FAQ: Does pepperoni need to be refrigerated after opening?
Yes always. Once the whole pepperoni sticks are cut or the package of chopped pepperoni is opened, the ingredients should be refrigerated. Wrap or seal tightly and store at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Use entire sticks within 3 weeks of opening. Use cut pepperoni within 7 days of opening. For complete shelf life guidance and signs of spoilage, see Does Pepperoni Go Bad?
FAQ: Does pepperoni need to be refrigerated before opening when purchased from the refrigerated section?
Yes. If it was sold from the refrigerated section of the grocery store, keep it refrigerated. Some whole meats are sold refrigerated because they are packaged differently, have less drying capacity, or the retailer stores all processed meat chilled as a consistent policy. When in doubt, match the storage with where you bought it: If it came from a refrigerated case, keep it cold. If it came from an unrefrigerated shelf, pantry storage is fine until opened.
Further reading
Better Living may earn commission through affiliate links and may occasionally feature sponsored or partner content. If you purchase through our links, we may receive a small commission at no cost to you.
