ShelfLife
How long does food last in the fridge?
How long everyday foods keep in a fridge at 4 °C (40 °F) or colder. Raw meat and leftovers have the shortest times, so check those first.
Dairy and eggs
| Food | Fridge |
|---|---|
| Butter | 1–2 monthsfrom purchase |
| Buttermilk | 1–2 weeksfrom purchase |
| Hard cheese (cheddar, Swiss, block parmesan) | 6 monthsfrom purchaseOpened: 3–4 weeks |
| Soft cheese (brie, goat cheese) | 1–2 weeksfrom purchase |
| Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella) | 1 monthfrom purchase |
| Grated parmesan, dry | 12 monthsfrom purchase |
| Processed cheese slices | 3–4 weeksfrom purchase |
| Liquid coffee creamer, refrigerated | 3 weeksfrom purchase |
| Cottage cheese | 2 weeksfrom purchaseOpened: 1 week |
| Heavy cream | 10 daysfrom purchase |
| Ultra-pasteurized whipping cream | 1 monthfrom purchaseOpened: 1 week |
| Half-and-half | 3–4 daysfrom purchase |
| Sweetened whipped cream | 1 day |
| Cream cheese | 2 weeksfrom purchase |
| Raw eggs in the shell | 3–5 weeksfrom purchase |
| Raw whites or yolks | 2–4 days |
| Hard-boiled eggs | 1 week |
| Kefir | 1 weekfrom purchaseOpened: 1–2 days |
| Margarine and spreads | 6 monthsfrom purchase |
| Fresh milk | Until the use-by date |
| Shelf-stable (UHT) milk | —Opened: 5–7 days |
| Ultra-pasteurized milk, sold chilled | 1–3 monthsOpened: 7–10 days |
| Lactose-free milk | —Opened: 1 week |
| Ricotta | 2 weeksfrom purchaseOpened: 1 week |
| Yogurt | 1–2 weeksfrom purchase |
Meat
| Food | Fridge |
|---|---|
| Raw bacon | 1 weekfrom purchaseOpened: 1 week |
| Uncured bacon | 4–7 days |
| Precooked bacon, shelf-stable | —Opened: 5–14 days |
| Raw corned beef in a pouch with brine | 5–7 daysfrom purchase |
| Pre-packaged deli meat (ham, turkey, salami) | 2 weeksfrom purchaseOpened: 3–5 days |
| Deli meat sliced at the counter | 3–5 daysfrom purchase |
| Raw ground beef | 1–2 daysfrom purchase |
| Cooked ground beef dishes | 3–4 days |
| Whole cooked ham, bone-in | 1 weekfrom purchase |
| Spiral-cut or sliced cooked ham | 3–4 daysfrom purchase |
| Vacuum-packed boneless cooked ham | 2 weeksfrom purchase |
| Hot dogs | 2 weeksfrom purchaseOpened: 1 week |
| Store-bought jerky | —Opened: 2–3 months |
| Homemade jerky | 1–2 months |
| Lamb chops, ribs or loin | 3–5 daysfrom purchase |
| Boneless leg of lamb | 3–5 daysfrom purchase |
| Lamb stew meat | 3–5 daysfrom purchase |
| Ground lamb | 1–2 daysfrom purchase |
| Pork chops | 3–5 daysfrom purchase |
| Pork loin roast | 3–5 daysfrom purchase |
| Pork tenderloin | 3–5 daysfrom purchase |
| Pork shoulder | 3–5 daysfrom purchase |
| Ground pork | 1–2 daysfrom purchase |
| Prosciutto | 2–3 months |
| Pastrami | 40 days |
| Raw sausage (links, patties, bulk) | 1–2 daysfrom purchase |
| Fully cooked smoked sausage, kielbasa | 1 weekfrom purchase |
| Hard dry sausage, sliced (pepperoni) | 2–3 weeksfrom purchase |
| Beef steaks | 3–5 daysfrom purchase |
| Beef roasts (round, rump) | 3–5 daysfrom purchase |
| Chuck roast, brisket | 3–5 daysfrom purchase |
| Veal shoulder roast | 3–5 daysfrom purchase |
| Veal leg roast | 3–5 daysfrom purchase |
| Ground veal | 1–2 daysfrom purchase |
Poultry
| Food | Fridge |
|---|---|
| Whole raw chicken | 1–2 daysfrom purchase |
| Boneless chicken breasts | 1–2 daysfrom purchase |
| Bone-in chicken breasts | 1–2 daysfrom purchase |
| Chicken legs or thighs | 1–2 daysfrom purchase |
| Ground chicken or turkey | 1–2 daysfrom purchase |
| Cooked chicken dishes | 3–4 days |
| Rotisserie chicken | 3–4 daysfrom purchase |
| Whole duck | 1–2 daysfrom purchase |
| Whole goose | 1–2 daysfrom purchase |
| Whole raw turkey | 1–2 daysfrom purchase |
| Boneless turkey breast | 1–2 daysfrom purchase |
| Turkey legs or thighs | 1–2 daysfrom purchase |
| Cooked turkey | 3–4 days |
Fish and seafood
| Food | Fridge |
|---|---|
| Tuna in a pouch | —Opened: 3–4 days |
| Opened canned fish and meat | —Opened: 3–4 days |
| Fresh crab meat | 1–3 days |
| Crab legs (king, snow, Dungeness) | 2–4 daysfrom purchase |
| Pasteurized crab meat (sealed tub) | 10–12 monthsfrom purchaseOpened: 3–5 days |
| Raw fatty fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel) | 1–2 daysfrom purchase |
| Raw lean fish (cod, haddock, sole) | 1–2 daysfrom purchase |
| Cooked fish | 3–4 days |
| Live whole lobsterDon't cook and eat a whole lobster that was dead before cooking. | 1 dayfrom purchase |
| Cooked lobster tails | 2–3 daysfrom purchase |
| Frozen raw lobster tailsFridge time is after cooking. Keep frozen; cook as directed. | 3–4 days |
| Live mussels, clams and oysters in the shell | 1–2 daysfrom purchase |
| Shucked mussels, clams and oysters | 3–10 daysfrom purchase |
| Scallops | 1–3 daysfrom purchase |
| Raw shrimp | 1–3 daysfrom purchase |
| Cooked shrimp and shellfish | 3–4 days |
| Cold-smoked salmon (lox), vacuum-packed | 21–30 daysfrom purchase |
| Hot-smoked fish, vacuum-packed | 14–45 daysfrom purchase |
| Surimi, imitation crab | Until the use-by date |
Fruit
| Food | Fridge |
|---|---|
| ApplesFreezer time is for cooked apples (sauce, pie filling). | 4–6 weeksfrom purchase |
| AvocadosFridge time is for ripe avocados. | 3–4 days |
| BananasFridge time is for ripe bananas; the skin turns black. | 3 days |
| Cherries | 2–3 daysfrom purchase |
| Fresh whole coconut | 2–3 weeksfrom purchase |
| Shredded coconut | —Opened: 8 months |
| Fresh cranberries | 2 monthsfrom purchase |
| Canned cranberry sauce | —Opened: 1–2 weeks |
| Homemade cranberry sauce | 7–10 days |
| GrapesFreezer time is for whole grapes. | 1 weekfrom purchase |
| Kiwi fruitFridge time is for ripe kiwis. | 3–6 days |
| Lemons, limes, oranges and other citrusWhole fruit doesn't freeze well; juice and zest do. | 10–21 daysfrom purchase |
| Mango, papaya, passion fruit | 1 weekfrom purchase |
| Cantaloupe | 5–15 daysfrom purchase |
| Honeydew | 3–4 daysfrom purchase |
| Peaches, nectarines, plums, pearsOn the counter until ripe, then 1 to 2 days. Fridge time is for ripe fruit. Freezer time is for slices with lemon juice and sugar. | 3–5 days |
| PineappleOn the counter until ripe, then 1 to 2 days. Fridge time is for ripe fruit. | 5–7 days |
| Pomegranate | 1–3 monthsfrom purchase |
| Strawberries | 2–3 daysfrom purchase |
| Raspberries | 2–3 daysfrom purchase |
| Blueberries | 1–2 weeksfrom purchase |
| WatermelonCounter: 1 to 2 days from purchase, or until ripe. | 3–4 daysfrom purchase |
Vegetables and herbs
| Food | Fridge |
|---|---|
| Whole artichokes | 1–2 weeksfrom purchase |
| Asparagus | 3–4 daysfrom purchase |
| Bean sprouts | 5–10 daysfrom purchase |
| Fresh beets | 1–2 weeksfrom purchase |
| Pickled beets | —Opened: 1–2 months |
| Bok choy | 2–3 daysfrom purchase |
| Broccoli and broccoli rabe | 3–5 daysfrom purchase |
| Brussels sprouts | 3–5 daysfrom purchase |
| Cabbage | 1–2 weeksfrom purchase |
| Carrots and parsnips | 2–3 weeksfrom purchase |
| Baby carrotsBlanch before freezing. | 4 weeksfrom purchase |
| Cauliflower | 3–5 daysfrom purchase |
| Celery | 1–2 weeksfrom purchase |
| Corn on the cob | 1–2 daysfrom purchase |
| Cucumbers | 4–6 daysfrom purchase |
| Eggplant | 4–7 daysfrom purchase |
| Fresh herbs | 7–10 daysfrom purchase |
| Fresh basilCounter: stems in water. The fridge darkens the leaves. | 10 days |
| Fresh parsley | 2–3 days |
| Garlic | 3–14 daysfrom purchase |
| Fresh ginger root | 2–3 weeksfrom purchase |
| Green beans, snow peas, sugar snaps, fava beans | 3–5 daysfrom purchase |
| Kale | 3–5 daysfrom purchase |
| Leeks | 1–2 weeksfrom purchase |
| Iceberg or romaine lettuce | 1–2 weeksfrom purchase |
| Leaf lettuce and spinach | 3–7 daysfrom purchase |
| Bagged salad greensUSDA: unopened, 3 to 5 days after the date on the bag; 2 days once opened. | 3–5 daysOpened: 2 days |
| Fresh mushrooms | 3–7 daysfrom purchase |
| Onions (yellow, white, red) | 2 monthsfrom purchase |
| Green onions (scallions) | 1 weekfrom purchase |
| Bell peppers | 4–14 daysfrom purchase |
| Hot peppers (chili, jalapeño) | 1 weekfrom purchase |
| PotatoesFreezer time is for cooked or mashed potatoes. | 1–2 weeksfrom purchase |
| Whole pumpkin | 3–5 monthsfrom purchase |
| Winter squash (butternut, acorn) | 1–3 monthsfrom purchase |
| Radishes | 10–14 daysfrom purchase |
| Cherry tomatoes | 5 days |
| Zucchini | 1 week |
| Summer squash | 4–5 daysfrom purchase |
Bread and baked goods
| Food | Fridge |
|---|---|
| Store-bought bread, rolls and buns | —Opened: 2–3 weeks |
| Store-bought cake | —Opened: 7–10 days |
| Cheesecake | —Opened: 5–7 days |
| Fruit pie (apple, cherry, peach) | —Opened: 1 week |
| Pumpkin pie | —Opened: 3–4 days |
| Pecan pie | —Opened: 3–4 days |
| Cream pie | —Opened: 3–4 days |
| Dough in tubes (biscuits, rolls, pizza) | Until the use-by date |
| Ready-to-bake pie crust | Until the use-by date |
| Refrigerated cookie dough | Until the use-by date |
| Flour tortillas | —Opened: 3 months |
| Corn tortillas | 60–90 daysfrom purchase |
Rice, grains, beans and pasta
| Food | Fridge |
|---|---|
| Cooked rice | 4–6 days |
| Uncooked white or wild rice | —Opened: 6 months |
| Uncooked brown rice | —Opened: 6 months |
| Cooked pasta | 3–5 days |
| Fresh pasta, homemade or loose | 1–2 days |
| Cooked quinoa | 6–7 days |
Leftovers and prepared food
| Food | Fridge |
|---|---|
| Store-bought hummus (with preservatives) | 3 monthsfrom purchaseOpened: 7 days |
| Homemade or fresh hummus (no preservatives) | 7 days |
| Leftovers with meat, fish, poultry or eggs | 3–4 days |
| Leftovers without meat (vegetables, potatoes) | 3–4 days |
| Leftover pizza | 3–4 days |
| Pâté from the deli counter | 1–2 daysfrom purchase |
| Packaged meat pâtéWrap leftover pâté in plastic film. | 7 days |
| Packaged poultry pâté | 7 days |
| Leftover pizza | 3–4 days |
| Frozen pizzaFridge time is after cooking. Keep frozen; cook as directed. | 3–4 days |
| Potato salad | 3–5 days |
| Pasta salad | 3–5 days |
| Egg salad | 3–4 days |
| Chicken salad | 3–4 days |
| Soups and stews | 3–4 days |
| Homemade vegetable soup | 3–4 days |
Condiments and sauces
| Food | Fridge |
|---|---|
| Bottled barbecue sauce | —Opened: 4 months |
| Jam, jelly and preserves | —Opened: 6–12 months |
| Ketchup, cocktail or chili sauce | —Opened: 6 months |
| Store-bought mayonnaise | —Opened: 2 months |
| Mustard | —Opened: 1 year |
| Olives in jars or cans | —Opened: 2 weeks |
| Olives from an olive bar | 2 weeksfrom purchase |
| Pasta sauce in a jar | —Opened: 4 days |
| Tomato sauce (pasta, pizza)Refrigerating unopened jars doesn't make them last longer. | —Opened: 3–5 days |
| Pickles | —Opened: 1–3 months |
| Bottled salad dressing | —Opened: 1–3 months |
| Creamy dressing (ranch, Caesar) | —Opened: 3–4 weeks |
| Bottled vinaigrette | —Opened: 4 weeks |
| Homemade vinaigrette | 2–3 weeks |
| Jarred salsa, picante and taco sauce | —Opened: 1 month |
| Fresh salsa from the store's chilled section | 4–7 days |
| Homemade fresh salsa | 5–7 days |
| Soy sauce or teriyaki sauce | —Opened: 1 month |
| Tahini | —Opened: 3 weeks |
| Balsamic vinegar | —Opened: 18 months |
Baking ingredients and spices
| Food | Fridge |
|---|---|
| White flour | —Opened: 1 year |
| Whole wheat flour | —Opened: 6–8 months |
| Dry yeast (packets or jar)Must be refrigerated or frozen once opened. | —Opened: 4 months |
Pantry staples
Frozen food
| Food | Fridge |
|---|---|
| Frozen vegetablesFridge time is after cooking. Keep frozen; cook as directed. | 3–4 days |
| Sherbet and sorbet | Not recommended |
Drinks
| Food | Fridge |
|---|---|
| Almond milk, sold chilled | Until the use-by dateOpened: 7–10 days |
| Soy milk, sold chilled | Until the use-by dateOpened: 7–10 days |
| Whole coffee beans | —Opened: 3–4 months |
| Store-bought ground coffee | —Opened: 1 month |
| Orange juice in a carton, sold chilled | —Opened: 7–10 days |
| Freshly squeezed orange juice | 2–3 days |
| Soda, cola, mixers (bottles or cans) | —Opened: 2–3 days |
| Red wine | —Opened: 1–3 days |
| White wine | —Opened: 1–3 days |
Tofu and plant proteins
| Food | Fridge |
|---|---|
| Tofu | 1 weekfrom purchase |
Baby food
| Food | Fridge |
|---|---|
| Baby food, fruit (opened jar) | —Opened: 3 days |
| Baby food, vegetables (opened jar) | —Opened: 2 days |
| Baby food, dinners with meat (opened jar) | —Opened: 2 days |
| Prepared formula from powderAt room temperature, use within 1 hour. | —Opened: 1 day |
| Liquid concentrate or ready-to-feed formula, opened | —Opened: 2 days |
Fridge at 4 °C (40 °F) or colder, freezer at −18 °C (0 °F). Freezer times are for best quality: food kept frozen stays safe, but slowly loses taste and texture. These times are USDA guidance, not a guarantee. When in doubt, throw it out.
Storage times: USDA FoodKeeper (Food Safety and Inspection Service), public domain. Text by ShelfLife.