How Long Can You Refrigerate or Freeze Food?

Real Simple Magazine

Surprising expiration dates for popular perishables.



By Elisa Huang

If you're saving food in plastic bags, be sure to follow the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Food and Drug Administration guidelines for safe storage. Frozen foods can be stored indefinitely, but the flavor can change when food is stored past the time limits below.


Raw Beef Roast and Steaks
Refrigerator: 3 to 5 days
Freezer: 6 to 12 months

Related:6 Steps to a Delicious Beef Burger

Raw Pork Roast and Chops
Refrigerator: 3 to 5 days
Freezer: 4 to 6 months

Related:The Best Marinades

Raw Lamb Roast and Chops
Refrigerator: 3 to 5 days
Freezer: 6 to 9 months

Related:The 5 Tastiest Warehouse-Club Buys

Raw Veal Roast and Chops
Refrigerator: 3 to 5 days
Freezer: 4 to 6 months

Cooked Meat
Refrigerator: 3 to 4 days
Freezer: 2 to 3 months

Soup
Refrigerator: 3 to 4 days
Freezer: 2 to 3 months

Raw Chicken Pieces
Refrigerator: 1 to 2 days
Freezer: 9 months

Cooked Chicken Pieces
Refrigerator: 3 to 4 days
Freezer: 4 months

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Image By Gregor Halenda