Hard or dry sausages (such as pepperoni and Genova salami), whole and unopened, can be stored indefinitely in the refrigerator or up to 6 weeks in the pantry. After opening, refrigerate for up to 3 weeks. Once you open the pepperoni sprig, look on the label for how long you can keep it open. That period is usually one week to three weeks.
Once again, it largely depends on the ingredients and the production process used by the manufacturer. When in doubt, try to finish the stick in a week and freeze the rest. When it comes to sliced pepperoni, it's like salami or the most durable charcuterie meat. This means that you should look at the date that appears on the label and assume that the unopened package will retain its quality until a few days after that date.
Once you open the package, consume the slices within 5 to 7 days for the best quality. Although pepperoni has a longer shelf life than most other cold meats, it's obvious that it can spoil over time. It's best to store it in the fridge and it can stay fresh for months. It is advisable to follow the expiration dates, the manufacturer's storage instructions and always be aware of signs of deterioration.
