How Long Does Bologna Last? (Opened or Unopened)

If you live near Lancaster or Lebanon County, you’re likely a fan, or know a fan, of bologna. Lebanon bologna, which originated in Lebanon, PA, is especially well-received in this area. But what most people think of is deli bologna, bought sliced at the grocery store. How long does bologna last?

Sliced or chipped sweet bologna from the deli case will typically last for a week. Other deli bolognas that are more highly processed can last up to 2 weeks once opened, while some shelf stable bologna can last up to 12 months before being opened.

Bologna varieties are numerous so how long bologna lasts depends on the type as well as how it was prepared, and how it's been stored.

Jack’s Mountain Beef Bologna, our shelf-stable bologna, can be safely stored without the need for refrigeration prior to opening it. The best part: this tasty, shelf-stable meat uses natural preservatives.

Read further to learn more about the shelf life of bologna and its many varieties.

How Long Does Bologna Last After You Open it?

Most deli meat bologna, such as Oscar Mayer's, sealed in plastic should be used within 7-14 days of opening it. We prefer to sell bologna with a delicious, smoky taste quite unlike the pink deli variety.

For instance, our sweet bologna is made with local molasses and smoked to perfection. When sweet bologna is paired with your favorite cheese, you’ve created one of the best sweet/salty snacks to be had. Our sweet bologna is best when enjoyed by the expiration date on the package or within 7 days after opening.

Prefer a tangier taste mixed with smoky goodness? Then Lebanon bologna is the variety to choose. Its lifespan is similar and best enjoyed within 7 days after opening. 

Ring bologna is another variety. Because it’s made with a blend of spices and is smoked, it can last around 75 days when vacuum sealed, but only 7 days once opened.

If you’re looking for a shelf-stable snack for camping trips, hunting, or backpacking, Jack’s Mountain Shelf Stable Bologna needs no refrigeration prior to opening. It’s a tasty way to have protein at-the-ready. This bologna should be refrigerated after it is opened and consumed within 7 days of opening.

Can I Freeze Bologna?

Yes, you can freeze bologna tightly wrapped in plastic, and preferably in addition to its original packaging. Bologna can stay good for up to 2 months in the freezer.

How Long Does Bologna Stay Good?

Bologna and other “lunch meats” should have a “best before” date stamped on the packaging. Following is a table with recommended refrigerator and storage information.

Bologna	Refrigerated            (40° F | 4° C)	Freezer                   (0° F | -18° C)
Opened package	7 days	not recommended
Unopened package – sweet bologna	120 days	6 months
Unopened package – ring bologna	75 days	6 months
Unopened package – Jack’s Mountain beef bologna	1 year (no refrigeration necessary)	6 months

  

These dates are based on Stoltzfus Meats products, which are made with high quality meats and smoked to perfection. If you have questions about a specific type of bologna, be sure to check with your local deli.

If your bologna has a sour smell or a slimy texture, it’s best to discard it and replace it with newly purchased meat.

We recommend you always purchase bologna prior to its “sell-by” dates. We strive to make sure that our bologna products arrive to your doorstep still cold, fresh, and ready for you to enjoy or to safely store.

How Can I Keep Bologna Longer?

Keep bologna meat wrapped tightly and stored in an airtight container while stored in the refrigerator to make sure it stays fresh for the full 7 days after opening.

Buy Jack's Mountain Bologna