Expiration Dates 101: When to Keep and Toss Leftovers

Expiration Dates 101: When to Keep and Toss Leftovers
Expiration Dates 101: When to Keep and Toss Leftovers

Expiration Dates 101: When to Keep and Toss Leftovers

Unlike a gallon of milk or a jar of pickles, leftovers don't come stamped with an expiration date. Don't resort to the sniff test with that extra slide of pie or uneaten chicken -- we've got you covered with expiration dates from StillTasty.com.

By Lisa Cericola

1. Cooked Chicken (Except Fried)
Three to four days in the refrigerator or four months in the freezer.

Refrigerate cooked chicken within two hours of cooking in a shallow, airtight container or wrapped tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Freezer time is for best quality -- foods kept at zero degrees Fahrenheit will be safe to eat indefinitely.

2. Cooked Meatloaf or Meatballs
Three to four days in the refrigerator or three to four months in the freezer.

Leftover meatloaf and meatballs make great next-day sandwiches. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking in an airtight container, freezer bag or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Freezer time is for best quality -- foods kept at zero degrees Fahrenheit will be safe to eat indefinitely.

3. Cooked Lasagna
Three to five days in the refrigerator or one to two months in the freezer.

Refrigerate cooked lasagna within two hours of cooking in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freezer time is for best quality -- foods kept at zero degrees Fahrenheit will be safe to eat indefinitely.

4. Deli-Sliced Cold Cuts (Most Types)
Three to five days in the refrigerator or one to two months in the freezer.

Deli-sliced meats like turkey, ham, roast beef and bologna don't last long in the refrigerator so only buy as much as you need, or freeze any leftovers.

5.Fruit Pies (Most Types)
Two days in the refrigerator or six to eight months in the freezer.

Baked fruit pies may be kept at room temperature for up to two days, covered loosely with foil or plastic wrap. After that, store them in the refrigerator or in a freezer bag in the freezer. Freezer time is for best quality -- foods kept at zero degrees Fahrenheit will be safe to eat indefinitely.

Click here for 21 more food expiration dates

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