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Refrigerated Food Storage Guidelines
How Long Food Stays Goods To Eat

Ever wondered if something in your home is still good to eat? Below are food storage guidelines for common expiration dates for items in your refrigerator, to learn when food will taste its best and be safe for consumption.

Printable refrigerated food storage guidelines cheat sheet, so you know what to keep versus toss from your refrigerator when you do a big clean out {courtesy of Home Storage Solutions 101} #FoodStorage #Printable #KitchenOrganizationuse this Pin it button to save to Pinterest

In addition, below this table are links to other pages sharing common freezer storage times, and to a printable cheat sheet you can reference in your home with the information contained in this chart. (To get the printable version scroll down.)


Fresh Food Storage Guidelines For Refrigerator

Fruit Storage Time
Apples 1 month
Apricots, avocados, grapes, melons, nectarines, peaches, pears, plums 5 days
Berries and cherries 3 days
Citrus fruit 3 weeks
Juices (once opened) 6 days
Pineapple 4 days
Vegetables Storage Time
Asparagus, corn, lima beans, peas 3 days
Beets, carrots, radishes, turnips 2 weeks
Broccoli, brussel sprouts, green onions, leafy greens such as lettuce, spinach, etc. 5 days
Cabbage, cauliflower, celery, cucumber, eggplant, green beans, peppes, tomatoes 1 week
Dairy and Eggs Storage Time
Butter 2 months
Buttermilk, sour cream, yogurt 2 weeks
Cottage and ricotta cheese 1 week
Cream cheese and slices (opened) 2 weeks
Hard cheese (unopened) 6 months
Shredded cheese (once opened) 1 week
Milk and cream 1 week
Eggs (in shells) 1 month
Egg whites or yolks (no shells) 4 days
Meats (before cooking) Storage Time
Steaks, pork chops, roasts 3 days
Ground meats and stew meats 2 days
Poultry 2 days
Seafood 1-2 days
Bacon 2 weeks
Sausage (fresh) 2 days
Ham (whole) 1 week
Ham slices 3 days
Luncheon meats (once opened) 5 days
Condiments Storage Time
Jellies and jams (opened) 8 months
Ketchup (opened) 5 months
Mayonnaise (opened) 2 months
Mustard (opened) 1 year
Nuts 6 months
Pickles and olives 3 months
Salad dressings 3 months
Leftovers / After Opening Storage Time
Cakes and pies 2 days
Casseroles and stuffings 3 days
Coffee (ground) 2 weeks
Mayonnaise based salads (i.e., potato salad, coleslaw, egg salad) 3-5 days
Cooked meats 3 days
Pizza 3 days
Soups and stews 3 days
Wine (for drinking) 3 days
Wine (for cooking) 3 months


These Fresh Food Storage Guidelines Are Only Estimates

5 food storage safety tips

The estimates provided in this chart are that, only estimates. Read all information on packaging regarding expiration and use by dates, and how long the item is safe to consume after opening.

If a date on a package is shorter or longer than the dates listed, rely on the dates on the package instead of this chart.

The times listed also assume you are placing items in the optimum places within your refrigerator for storage. If you don't know what those places are for various food items make sure to check out the refrigerator storage chart and guidelines article which provides more information about this.

In addition, check out the articles about fresh fruit storage tips and fresh vegetable storage tips, both of which also come with their own free printable charts.

Always use your senses of sight and smell to be sure food is safe to eat. Even if it says it's within the expiration date periods, if it smells or looks funny throw it out!

Live by the motto, "When in doubt, throw it out!"

For more information about food safety, check out my article with 5 food storage safety tips, plus visit FoodSafety.gov.

In addition, you can also check out my friend Marybeth's site here for additional guidelines and information about storing food in the refrigerator.

Printable Fresh Food Storage Guidelines For Refrigerator Cheat Sheet

Printable refrigerated food storage guidelines cheat sheet, so you know what to keep versus toss from your refrigerator when you do a big clean out {courtesy of Home Storage Solutions 101} #FoodStorage #Printable #KitchenOrganization
use this Pin it button to save to Pinterest

Click here to get your Cheat Sheet (opens into 2 page PDF)

organize refrigerator and freezer challenge

I've created a printable version of this information for you so it is easier for you to reference when decluttering your fridge as part of the Organizing Refrigerator & Freezer Challenge.

This cheat sheet will help you both know when to throw certain foods out and also when to plan to eat them while they'll taste their best.

Other Printable Forms You May Like

Here are some additional printable forms about food storage, including other cheat sheets with storage times for food, that you may find helpful.


freezer storage times
Freezer Storage Times {Cheat Sheet}
pantry food storage chart
Pantry Food Storage Chart {Cheat Sheet}
running list of leftovers
Running List Of Leftovers


This article is sponsored by the Indiana's Family of Farmers. All thoughts and opinions are my own.




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