Food Storage & Shelf-Life Calculator

Select a food item to see how long it keeps safely in the fridge, freezer, and pantry.

How this works

USDA FoodKeeper shelf-life guidance reflects both food safety (avoiding harmful bacterial growth) and food quality (avoiding freezer burn, staleness, or spoiled flavor). Refrigerator and freezer times generally assume proper storage at 40°F (4°C) or below and 0°F (-18°C) or below, respectively.

Source: Shelf-life data reflects the USDA FoodKeeper app and food safety guidance from USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

Frequently asked questions

How long can raw chicken stay in the fridge before I need to cook or freeze it?

Raw chicken should be cooked or frozen within 1–2 days of purchase when stored at 40°F or below, per USDA guidance.

Can food still be unsafe even before its shelf-life date runs out?

Yes — these are general guidelines assuming proper storage temperature the whole time. If the fridge or freezer ran warm, or food shows signs of spoilage (off smell, texture, or color) before the listed time, it's safest to discard it.

Why does the freezer 'not recommended' show up for some foods?

Some foods, like mayonnaise or in-shell eggs, separate, become watery, or otherwise lose quality and safety assurance when frozen and thawed, even though freezing itself doesn't make them unsafe to attempt.

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