Stocked up on groceries, but not sure where to store them? Try the freezer. Not only does freezing your food free up in-demand real estate in your refrigerator and pantry, but it can also keep food fresh for longer. But, as the old saying goes, nothing lasts forever – and your freezer food is no exception.
You’ll eventually want to remove your groceries from that icebox and, you know, use ’em!
How long does your food last in the fridge once it’s out of the freezer? Well, it’s complicated. Every type of food has a different shelf life; plus, those expiration dates are no longer valid. Note that it’s safe to eat food with freezer burn, but it will have a dry and unpleasant texture.
Here’s how long thawed food lasts…
Bacon, Cooked: 4 to 5 days
Bacon, Uncooked: 7 days
Beef Roast, Steaks or Ribs, Uncooked: 3 to 5 days
Chicken, Cooked: 3 to 4 days
Chicken, Uncooked: 1 to 2 days
Fish, Uncooked: 1 to 2 days
Ground Beef, Cooked: 3 to 4 days
Ground Beef, Uncooked: 1 to 2 days
Hot Dogs, Opened: 1 week
Hot Dogs, Unopened: 2 weeks
Lunch Meat, Opened: 3 to 5 days
Lunch Meat, Unopened: 2 weeks
Pork Roast, Chops or Ribs, Uncooked: 3 to 5 days
Prawns, Uncooked: 1 to 2 days
Tofu: 1 week
Berries: 4 to 5 days
Broccoli: 3 to 5 days
Corn: 3 to 4 days
Green Beans: 3 to 4 days
Tomatoes: 2 to 3 days
Butter: 1 to 3 months
Shredded Cheese, Unopened: 1 month
Whipped Topping: 1 to 2 weeks
Yoghurt: 1 to 3 weeks
Bread: 1 to 2 weeks
Bagels: 1 to 2 weeks
Cakes: 1 to 2 days
Leftovers: 3 to 4 days
Pies: 3 to 4 days
Rolls: 1 week
No matter what the food is – or how long it’s been out of the freezer – it’s best to go with your gut. While we’re big proponents of making the most out of your groceries, it’s a good idea to discard anything that looks (or, worse, smells) strange.
This article originally appeared on Reader’s Digest.