Storing Foods in the Refrigerator or Freezer
4th November 2006
- Check foods for the “sell by,” “use by” or expiration dates that will tell you how long they can be stored.
- The temperature in your fridge should be between 34°F and 40°F, and your freezer should be at 0°F or below. A refrigerator thermometer and a freezer thermometer are helpful tools to monitor temperatures.
- Allow space between foods, so air can circulate and chill or freeze the food more quickly.
- Refrigerated foods stay colder near the back of the fridge rather than in the door. Place food that will be frozen in airtight containers or wrap airtight.
Refrigerator and Freezer Storage Guide
| Foods | Refrigerator (34°F to 40°F) |
Freezer (0°F or Below) |
| Breads, Coffee cakes, Muffins | 5 to 7 days | 2 to 3 months |
| Cakes | 3 to 5 days | 3 to 4 months unfrosted 2 to 3 months frosted |
| Chocolate syrup | 3 months, after opening | |
| Eggs Raw and in the shell Cooked |
3 weeks 1 week |
Not recommended Not recommended |
| Jams and Jellies | 1 year | |
| Meats, cooked, including meats purchased at the deli | 3 to 5 days | 2 to 3 months |
| Meats, uncooked Chops Ground Roasts and steaks |
3 to 5 days 1 to 2 days 3 to 5 days |
4 to 6 months 3 to 4 months 6 to 12 months |
| Pasta, fresh | Check date on package | 9 months, unopened 3 months, opened |
| Poultry Cooked, including poultry purchased at the deli Uncooked, cut up Uncooked, whole (including game birds, ducks and geese) |
3 to 4 days 1 to 2 days 1 to 2 days |
4 months Up to 9 months Up to 12 months |
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