Food Expiry & Freezer Storage Guide
Indicative safe shelf life in refrigerator, maximum freezing duration, thawing safety rules, and temperature guidelines.
Fridge and freezer storage times: reference ranges
For 12 common foods, the tool shows a storage range in the fridge at 0 to 4 °C and in the freezer at −18 °C (0 °F). Raw ground meat and chicken keep 1 to 2 days in the fridge and cooked dishes 3 to 4 days; freezer times mainly concern taste and texture.
How it works
You pick a food; the tool shows the fridge time in days, the freezer time in months, the recommended temperature zone and a storage tip. It does not work out an expiry date from a purchase date: times run from when the food is stored (or opened, for milk).
Values used by the tool
| Food | Fridge (days) | Freezer (months) |
|---|---|---|
| Raw Chicken or Turkey (cuts or whole) | 1–2 | 9–12 |
| Raw Ground Meat (beef, pork) | 1–2 | 3–4 |
| Raw Beef or Veal Steak / Roast | 3–5 | 6–12 |
| Cooked Meat Leftovers / Stews | 3–4 | 2–3 |
| Fresh Raw Fish (salmon, cod) | 1–2 | 3–6 |
| Raw Shrimp / Shellfish | 1–2 | 6–9 |
| Whole Fresh Eggs in Shell | 21–28 | not recommended |
| Hard Cheese (Parmesan, Cheddar, Gruyere) | 21–45 | 6–9 |
| Opened Milk (carton or bottle) | 4–7 | 1–3 |
| Homemade Vegetable Soup / Broth | 3–5 | 4–6 |
| Bread, Baguette & Pastries | 1–2 | 2–3 |
| Cooked Rice / Cooked Pasta | 3–4 | 1–2 |
Assumptions and limits
The times assume a fridge at 4 °C (40 °F) or below and a freezer at −18 °C (0 °F). At that temperature microbes do not grow, so freezer times show how long taste and texture stay good, not a safety limit. They do not replace the use-by date printed on packaged food, which takes priority. The tool advises against refreezing thawed raw food without cooking it and against thawing at room temperature. These are indicative ranges, not checked against an official source on 14/10/2026, because the USDA FSIS and FoodSafety.gov pages could not be reached. If the smell, look or cold chain is in doubt, throw the food away.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does raw ground meat keep in the fridge?
The tool shows 1 to 2 days at 0 to 2 °C and 3 to 4 months in the freezer. If the packaging carries an earlier use-by date, that date applies.
Can I refreeze thawed food?
Not thawed raw food as it is. Once cooked through, it can be frozen again as a cooked dish and eaten within the 2 to 3 months shown for homemade meals.
Is food frozen longer than the stated time dangerous?
At −18 °C (0 °F) microbes do not grow, so freezer times are a quality guide. Beyond them taste and texture decline (freezer burn), with no safety risk as long as the food stayed frozen.
How long do homemade leftovers keep in the fridge?
The tool shows 3 to 4 days in the fridge and 2 to 3 months in the freezer. Cool them quickly and store them in an airtight container.
Is this tool really free?
Yes, all tools on Kristools are 100% free and accessible without registration.
Is my data protected?
Yes. All processing is performed directly and securely inside your browser. No personal data is sent to our servers.