National Salami Day – Sep. 7, 2026

National Salami Day
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AppreciationFoodItalian Food
Where:
United States
Date change rule:
Every September 7
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National Salami Day slices onto the calendar every September 7, inviting everyone to savor the rich, savory flavors of this beloved cured sausage. Whether you’re enjoying it on a charcuterie board, in a sandwich, or as a pizza topping, salami adds a delightful kick to any meal. Explore new varieties, host a tasting party, or simply enjoy your favorite slices today!

Want to sponsor National Salami Day? Learn how

Expected National Salami Day Deals

While we await official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that National Salami Day often brings savory deals from delis and grocery stores. Look for discounts on pre-packaged salami from brands like Boar’s Head and Applegate, or special pricing on sliced-to-order varieties at local Italian markets. Pizza chains such as Domino’s and Papa John’s might feature salami as a premium topping or in specialty pizzas. Gourmet food retailers like Whole Foods Market and Eataly could offer tasting events or bundles of imported salamis. Keep an eye out for discounts on charcuterie board essentials from stores like Target or Kroger. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as September 7 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Salami Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalSalamiDay. Share your most mouth-watering salami boards, sandwiches, or creative recipes.

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalSalamiDay. Film a quick salami-tasting review or a fun ‘build your own charcuterie’ video.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalSalamiDay. Ask your community for their favorite salami pairings or family recipes.

Social Media Tips for National Salami Day

Individuals

Host a small gathering with friends and family, showcasing a variety of salami types paired with cheeses, olives, and crackers. Experiment with different flavor profiles.

Creators

Produce a short video or photo series demonstrating how to make a gourmet salami sandwich or an elaborate charcuterie board. Offer tips on slicing and pairing.

Brands

Run a 'Salami Recipe Contest' encouraging followers to submit their most creative dishes featuring your salami products. Offer a prize package of gourmet meats.

Top Brands for National Salami Day

  1. Boar's Head

    Founded in 1905 in Brooklyn, New York, Boar's Head Provisions Co. is renowned for its premium deli meats, cheeses, and condiments. They offer a wide selection of high-quality salamis, including Genoa and Hard Salami, known for their consistent flavor and texture.

  2. Applegate

    Applegate Farms, founded in 1987, specializes in organic and natural meats. Their commitment to humanely raised animals and antibiotic-free products extends to their line of deli meats, including popular organic Genoa salami, appealing to health-conscious consumers.

  3. Columbus Craft Meats

    Established in 1917 in San Francisco, California, Columbus Craft Meats is celebrated for its authentic Italian-style salamis and deli meats. They are particularly known for their artisanal dry-cured salamis, crafted with traditional recipes and slow aging processes.

  4. Olli Salumeria

    Olli Salumeria, founded in 2010 by fourth-generation Italian salami producer Oliviero Colmignoli, brings traditional Italian salami-making to the US. Based in Virginia, they use pasture-raised pork and slow-curing methods to create a range of authentic salamis.

  5. Volpi Foods

    Volpi Foods has been a St. Louis institution since 1902, specializing in dry-cured meats. They are known for their commitment to traditional Italian recipes and techniques, offering a variety of high-quality salamis, including their popular Genoa and Pepperoni.

  6. Armour-Eckrich

    With a history dating back to 1867, Armour-Eckrich is a major producer of processed meats in the United States. They offer a range of accessible salami products, including hard salami and cooked salami, widely available in grocery stores nationwide.

  7. Fiorucci

    Fiorucci is an Italian brand with a long history, dating back to 1850, known for its extensive range of cured meats. They offer authentic Italian salamis, including classic varieties like Milano and Napoli, bringing a taste of Italy to international markets.

National Salami Day Hero

The Ancient Romans

While no single individual is credited with inventing salami, the Ancient Romans were among the first to master the art of cured meats, including early forms of salami. Their need for preserving meat for long journeys and military campaigns led to sophisticated techniques that laid the groundwork for modern salami production. This tradition of fermentation and drying ensured a stable food source and contributed significantly to the culinary heritage of Europe, making them the unsung heroes of salami.

History of National Salami Day

It’s a lean, mean, cured, and fermented machine, it’s world-famous, contains many health benefits, and takes on different personalities; it’s salami! This spicy, air-dried sausage is a deli and butcher shop favorite and has been around long enough for its origin to become difficult to trace. Salami is mostly made of pork but can be made from beef, wild boar, goose, venison, or even duck for unique variations.

Historically, salami was popular among Southern, Eastern, and Central European peasants, but has now become easily tied to Italy and the Mediterranean. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 40 days once cut, and countries and regions across Europe make their own traditional varieties of salami. The word “salami” itself is the plural of the Italian word ‘salame’, which originated from the Italian word for salt.

Along with the taste variations of salami, methods, recipes, and even fermentation times differ across the globe. Typically, salami is made by grinding meat to a fine texture and then flavored by adding spices or herbs. Some of the most popular flavorings include garlic, white pepper, vinegar, and even wine. The meat blend is then air-cured in either pork or beef casing and is aged between 30 to 90 days or longer.

While salami’s beginnings are uncertain, the Romans may have introduced methods used today. The Salami Appreciation Society organized the National Salami Day, and it was first celebrated in the year 2006 in Henrico and Virginia. Ever since then, it has been celebrated on September 7 annually.

National Salami Day timeline

1300s
Norcini Make An Appearance

The norcini, butchers specializing in pork meat transformation, emerge for the first time and produce new kinds of deli meats such as salami.

1615
The Confraternity of Pork Butchers

Pope Paul V recognizes the Confraternity of Pork Butchers dedicated to the Saints Benedetto and Scolastica.

1677
An Upgrade

Gregorius XV elevates it to Archconfraternity, which was also joined by the University of Norcia and Cascia Pork Butchers and Empirical Pork Physicians (types of sorcerers).

2013
The First Charcuterie Museum

Musa, a museum whose main goal is to share the knowledge and art of charcuterie making, is created.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Salami Day

Local delis and Italian restaurants can celebrate National Salami Day by offering special salami-focused menus, such as gourmet salami sandwiches, pizza specials, or charcuterie board deals. Butcher shops can highlight their selection of artisanal and imported salamis with tasting samples and pairing recommendations. Grocery stores might run promotions on packaged salami brands and offer ideas for incorporating salami into everyday meals. Consider hosting a ‘build your own salami’ bar for customers to customize their perfect snack.

National Salami Day FAQs

When is National Salami Day?

National Salami Day 2026 falls on Monday, September 7, providing the perfect start to a week filled with savory cured meats. This fixed date ensures a consistent celebration each year.

How popular is salami in the US?

Salami remains a highly popular cured meat in the US, frequently featured on charcuterie boards, sandwiches, and pizzas. The market for specialty and imported salamis continues to grow, reflecting a rising interest in gourmet food products.

What are the different types of salami?

Salami comes in a vast array of types, often named after their region of origin or key ingredients. Popular varieties include Genoa (garlic and wine), Milano (finer grind, mild), and Sopressata (coarser grind, sometimes spicy). Each offers a unique flavor profile.

Is salami healthy?

Salami is a cured meat, typically high in sodium, fat, and calories, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. While it provides protein, it’s not generally considered a health food due to its processing.

How to Celebrate National Salami Day

  1. Enjoy the flavor

    Salami comes in different flavors, shapes, and sizes, and also in different recipes. Today is the perfect day to enjoy salami in all its vast glory with family and friends. Don’t just eat it alone, make it a moment to remember by going out and dining at a Mediterranean restaurant, organizing a lunch, or even a cozy picnic!

  2. Make some salami recipes

    There are different salami-based recipes available to try out. Test out your cooking skills, while enjoying spicy, healthy meat. You can go all out by making a cold pasta dish, or even down to the basics by simply adding it to your bowl of salad.

  3. Talk about it on social media

    Celebrate the day by sharing recipes, pictures, or facts about it across your social media. Take a few pictures of your new salami slices with the hashtag #NationalSalamiDay.

5 Shocking Facts About Salami

  1. It is really healthy

    Salami is low in carbs, high in protein and fat, and it contains a wide range of vitamins and minerals.

  2. It is really salty

    Salami is very high in salt, so moderation is advisable.

  3. There are hundreds of varieties across the world

    Some of the most popular varieties of salami include Chorizo, Pepperoni, and Soppressata.

  4. There are museums just for it

    There are two museums in Italy, and one in Hungary dedicated to this piece of sausage

  5. Its variation serves as one of the most popular pizza toppings

    A Harris Poll taken in January of 2016 found pepperoni to be the most popular pizza topping in the United States.

Why We Love National Salami Day

  1. The varieties are endless

    There are different ways to prepare, cook, and even eat salami. This varies with geographical zones and even cultural differences. This versatile meat blend is the gift that keeps on giving!

  2. Salami are equally as healthy as they are tasty

    Salami is relatively nutrient-dense and provides a decent source of important vitamins and minerals. It is also low in carbs, and high in protein and fat.

  3. Salami always adds flavor

    Whether you’re having a regular sandwich or a full-blown meal, salami serves as a good addition to spicing a once bland dish. The salt and spices added to the sausage in its preparation stages are great for adding that extra touch of flavor any meal may need.

National Salami Day dates

Year Date Day
2026 September 7 Monday
2027 September 7 Tuesday
2028 September 7 Thursday
2029 September 7 Friday
2030 September 7 Saturday