How Long Does Food Last in the Fridge? (Complete Guide)

Your fridge isn't a time machine. Food has a shelf life, and knowing how long things last can save you from food poisoning and wasted groceries.

Proteins

• Raw chicken: 1-2 days
• Cooked chicken: 3-4 days
• Raw ground beef: 1-2 days
• Cooked beef: 3-4 days
• Raw fish: 1-2 days
• Cooked fish: 3-4 days
• Eggs (in shell): 3-5 weeks
• Hard boiled eggs: 7 days
• Deli meat: 3-5 days (opened)

Dairy

• Milk: 5-7 days (check expiration)
• Yogurt: 1-2 weeks (opened)
• Cheese (hard): 3-4 weeks (opened)
• Cheese (soft): 1 week (opened)
• Butter: 1-3 months
• Cream: 3-5 days (opened)

Leftovers

• Cooked rice: 4-6 days
• Cooked pasta: 3-5 days
• Pizza: 3-4 days
• Soup/stew: 3-4 days
• Salad (dressed): 1-2 days
• Casseroles: 3-4 days

Produce

• Lettuce: 7-10 days
• Berries: 3-5 days
• Apples: 3-4 weeks
• Carrots: 3-4 weeks
• Tomatoes: 5-7 days (room temp is better until ripe)
• Herbs: 5-7 days (in water)

Plan your meals with our free Random Food Generator.

Frequently Asked Questions

What temperature should my fridge be?

40°F (4°C) or below. Use a fridge thermometer to check. The dial numbers don't correspond to actual temperatures.

Can I eat food past its "best by" date?

"Best by" is about quality, not safety. Food past its best-by date is usually safe to eat but may taste slightly different. "Use by" dates are more important for safety, especially on meat and dairy.