How long can cooked food stay in the refrigerator?

ADVERTISEMENT
đ§ How Long Can Cooked Food Safely Stay in the Fridge?
Proper storage of cooked food is key to keeping your meals safe and preventing waste. While leftovers can be lifesavers, itâs important to know how long they stay fresh and when itâs time to toss them.
ADVERTISEMENT
âł General Guidelines for Refrigerated Cooked Foods
(At a fridge temperature between 1°C and 5°C)
ADVERTISEMENT
Food Type | Safe Storage Time |
---|---|
Cooked meats (beef, chicken, pork, turkey) | 3â4 days |
Cooked fish | 2â3 days |
Cooked rice, pasta, legumes | 3â5 days |
Soups and stews | 3â4 days |
Boiled eggs (in shell) | Up to 1 week |
Cooked vegetables | 3â5 days |
Pizza or empanadas | 3â4 days |
Homemade sauces (bĂ©chamel, tomato) | 3â4 days |
Milk- or cream-based desserts | 2â3 days |
â Top Tips for Storing Cooked Food
- Let food cool before refrigerating
Allow it to cool to room temperature within two hours of cooking to avoid raising the fridge temperature. - Use airtight containers
This prevents odors from spreading and protects food from drying out or cross-contamination. - Label everything
Add the date when you cooked or stored it to easily track freshness. - Organize smartly
Store cooked food on upper shelves, away from raw meat and seafood to prevent drips or bacteria transfer. - Reheat just once
Only warm what youâll eat. Reheating multiple times lowers food quality and safety. Heat to at least 70°C.
đ§ Extra Tips to Maximize Shelf Life and Minimize Waste
- đ„¶ Freeze leftovers you wonât eat within 3 daysâmost cooked foods freeze well for up to 3 months.
- đ« Donât mix old and newâuse a fresh container for each batch of food.
- đ Trust your sensesâif food smells strange, shows signs of mold, or looks off, toss itâno taste test needed.
- đĄïž Keep your fridge between 1°C and 5°C to keep bacteria at bay and food safe.
đ„ Final Thought
Smart food storage doesnât just protect your healthâit helps you stretch your groceries further and keeps your fridge organized. Leftovers can be delicious, but only if theyâre fresh, safe, and well-managed.