How Long You Can Store (Almost) Anything in the Fridge and Freezer

Of all the things we waste, food is one of the elements that can make a serious impact. Follow these guidelines to know what is still fresh―and what to toss.

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Updated on July 1, 2022

Frozen berries on the red-blue background — Photo: Getty Images

Is that chicken breast at the bottom of your freezer still safe to eat? How about the soy sauce that's been in your fridge for who knows how long? We are here to help.

It can be difficult to know when food needs to be tossed and when it's perfectly safe to salvage. Safety comes first, of course, but the United States tosses nearly 40 percent of its food every year. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, that adds up to over $160 billion wasted annually.

If you're feeling guilty thinking about all of the food your family may be unnecessarily tossing out every week, don't worry. There are numerous easy ways to change your habits to waste fewer ingredients, starting with knowing exactly how long foods stay fresh in your fridge and freezer and keeping your refrigerator temperature at the right level. We've demystified the process with this handy guide, which incorporates advice from the USDA, food scientists, and food manufacturers. (Scroll down for downloadable versions that are perfect for hanging on the fridge).

Remember: Expiration dates should be taken with a grain of salt, as they're not federally regulated. A "use by" or "best by" date typically says when the product will be at its best quality. When in doubt, remember that your nose knows. If you notice off odors or a change in appearance in your food, do not consume it.

How Long Food Lasts in the Fridge

Produce

Apples: 3 weeks
Blueberries: 1 week
Broccoli and cauliflower: 1 week
Chard, kale, and spinach: 3 days
Leafy herbs: 3 days
Lemons and limes: 3 weeks
Lettuce: 5 days
Melon: 5 days
Mushrooms: 1 week
Strawberries and raspberries: 3 days
Winter squash: 1 week
Woody herbs: 3 weeks

Dairy

Hard cheeses: 4 to 6 months, unopened
Butter: 3 months
Cream cheese: 2 months, unopened
Eggs: 3 to 5 weeks
Heavy cream: 1 month
Milk: 1 week
Pizza: 3 to 4 days
Ricotta and cottage cheese: 1 week
Sour cream: 3 weeks
Soft cheese: 2 weeks, unopened
Tofu: 3 weeks
Yogurt: 2 weeks

Meat, poultry, seafood

Bacon: 2 weeks, unopened
Chicken: 1 to 2 days
Cold cuts: 2 weeks, unopened
Fish fillets: 2 days
Ground meat: 1 to 2 days
Hot dogs: 2 weeks, unopened
Pork, chops, and roasts: 3 to 5 days
Raw shrimp: 2 days
Shellfish (in shells): 2 days
Shellfish (shucked): 1 day
Steaks: 3 to 5 days

Opened condiments

Ketchup: 6 months
Maple syrup: 1 year
Mayonnaise: 2 months
Mustard: 1 month
Salsa: 1 month
Soy sauce: 1 year

How Long Food Lasts in the Freezer

Times are based on a freezer set at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or colder. Storing and eating frozen foods past these deadlines isn't dangerous, but flavors and textures will begin to deteriorate.