Can you freeze lunch meat? Yes, you can freeze lunch meat after purchasing it. Freezing is a safe way to preserve them for a long period of time. It is best to freeze deli lunch meat at a minimum of 0 degrees Fahrenheit. The microbes and pathogens are kept dormant during this type of frozen temperature.
Deli lunch meat is safe to eat after it has been frozen for a long period of time. If you store it longer than 1 to 2 months in a freezer it is still safe to eat it. It is important to know that deterioration of the quality of the meat can happen over time too.

Can you freeze lunch meat? Photo credit: iStock-FabrikaCr
If you intend to freeze the meat it is best to do it immediately after you purchase it. The longer the deli meat is left unfrozen the more likely it will go bad and become spoiled.
Deli meats can be safely frozen sliced and unsliced. But is important to understand that you have to be careful that it is not exposed to oxygen and air if it is sliced, but it can affect the quality of the meat.
Sliced and prepacked meats are at a higher risk of contamination by bacteria and pathogens. The best meats are eaten within 1 to 2 hours of being frozen.
Here are some tips for freezing meat:
- Purchase deli meat from a reputable store.
- Freeze your meat as soon as you purchase your meat. The longer the deli meat is unfrozen the higher the risk of contamination.
- When freezing meat make sure it is a temperature of 0 degrees Fahrenheit or colder.
- Make sure you date and label the meat when you freeze and store it.
- Try thawing your frozen meat in the refrigerator and not the microwave.
“Yes, you can freeze lunch meat after purchasing it. Freezing is a safe way to preserve them for a long period of time.” Celebrity Fitness & Nutrition Expert Obi Obadike
The Bottom Line when it comes to deli lunch meat it is best to keep it frozen and stored at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. The best time to eat any type of deli meat quality wise is within 1 to 2 months of the meat being frozen.
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References
- Sciencedirect- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780081006948000091
- USDA- https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/freezing-and-food-safety
- USDA- https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/freezing-and-food-safety
- Science Direct- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0309174012000149
- Science Direct- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780123847317001264#s0025
- Food Safety- https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/cold-food-storage-charts