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Have your leftovers been lingering for a little too long in the fridge? How do you know when it's still safe to eat? Below we share guidelines for a variety of different foods, but it's also important to remember the following: Seven days is the max for all foods that are opened or prepared—and many foods should be tossed before that. If foods ever start to mold or smell, it's time to go.
Fortunately, knowing these tips and guidelines can help you plan when to eat which foods, and hopefully reduce food waste. We'll even share a few of our favorite recipes for using what you have.
Pro tip: If you love takeout but don't love leftovers, look for our new Mealtime To Go menu items that serve 1, 2, or 4.
Tuna Salad
Tuna salad, along with egg salad, chicken salad, ham salad, and macaroni salads—basically any mayonnaise-based salad—will last 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator. Unfortunately, these types of salads do not freeze well.
Hot Dogs
And open package of hot dogs will last up to 1 week in the refrigerator and 1 to 2 months in the freezer.
An unopened package will last 2 weeks in the refrigerator and 1 to 2 months in the freezer.
Lunch Meat
An open package of deli meat will last 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator and 1 to 2 months in the freezer.
An unopened package will last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and 1 to 2 months in the freezer.
Bacon & Sausage
Raw bacon will last up to 7 days in the refrigerator and 1 month in the freezer.
Raw sausage made from chicken, turkey, pork, or beef will last 1 to 2 days in the refrigerator and 1 to 2 months in the freezer.
Ground Meats
Raw hamburger, ground beef, turkey, veal, pork, lamb, and mixtures of them will last 1 to 2 days in the refrigerator and 3 to 4 months in the freezer.
Steaks
Raw steaks will last 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator and 6 to 12 months in the freezer.
Chops
Raw pork chops and other chops will last 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator and 4 to 6 months in the freezer.
Roasts
Uncooked roasts will last 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator and 4 to 12 months in the freezer.
Poultry
A raw whole chicken or turkey will last 1 to 2 days in the refrigerator and 1 year in the freezer.
Raw chicken or turkey pieces will last 1 to 2 days in the refrigerator and 9 months in the freezer.
Related Content, Main Dish
One-Pan Mediterranean Chicken PastaSoups & Stews
Vegetable or meat soups and stews will last 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator and 2 to 3 months in the freezer.
Prepared Foods & Leftovers
Cooked meat and poultry will last 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator and 2 to 6 months in the freezer.
Pizza will last 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator and 1 to 2 months in the freezer.
