Food storage chart
Quick answer
Most cooked leftovers keep 3–4 days in a fridge at or below 5°C (41°F) and 2–4 months in a freezer at -18°C (0°F). Food stays safe longer in the freezer, but quality drops after these times.
| Food | Fridge (5°C / 41°F) | Freezer (-18°C / 0°F) |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked leftovers (general) | 3–4 days | 2–4 months |
| Cooked rice and grains | 3–4 days | 1–2 months |
| Soups and stews | 3–4 days | 2–3 months |
| Cooked meat and poultry | 3–4 days | 2–6 months |
| Raw chicken or turkey | 1–2 days | 9–12 months |
| Raw minced meat | 1–2 days | 3–4 months |
| Raw steaks, chops, roasts | 3–5 days | 4–12 months |
| Raw fish | 1–2 days | 3–8 months |
| Cooked fish | 3–4 days | 4–6 months |
| Fresh eggs in shell | 3–5 weeks | Not recommended in shell |
| Hard-boiled eggs | 1 week | Not recommended |
| Opened milk | 7 days | 3 months |
| Hard cheese (opened) | 3–4 weeks | 6 months |
| Soft cheese | 1 week | 6 months |
| Yogurt | 1–2 weeks | 1–2 months |
| Deli meats (opened) | 3–5 days | 1–2 months |
| Cooked pizza | 3–4 days | 1–2 months |
Three rules worth remembering
- Refrigerate cooked food within 2 hours (1 hour above 32°C / 90°F).
- Reheat leftovers until steaming hot, 74°C (165°F) in the centre.
- Thaw frozen food in the fridge, not on the counter.
Sources: USDA FSIS, FoodSafety.gov cold storage chart. Read more in How long do leftovers last?