Quick Storage Guide
| Food | Fridge | Freezer | Pantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raw Chicken | 1–2 days | 9 months | — |
| Cooked Beef | 3–4 days | 2–3 months | — |
| Milk | 5–7 days | 3 months | — |
| Bread | — | 3 months | 5–7 days |
| Apples | 1 month | 8 months | 1–2 weeks |
Food Storage Calculator: Never Waste Food Again
Stop guessing. Our Food Storage Calculator gives exact safe storage times for 100+ foods in fridge, freezer, and pantry. Save money, reduce waste, plan meals.
Why Storage Time Matters
Americans waste 30–40% of food. Proper storage:
- Saves $1,500/year per family
- Prevents food poisoning
- Reduces plastic waste
How to Use
- Enter food name (autocomplete)
- Select quantity & unit
- Choose storage location
- Check “Opened” if applicable
- Get exact expiration date
Storage Rules
- Fridge: 35–40°F (2–4°C)
- Freezer: 0°F (-18°C)
- Pantry: Cool, dark, dry
Meat & Poultry
- Raw: 1–2 days fridge, 4–12 months freezer
- Cooked: 3–4 days fridge, 2–6 months freezer
- Ground meat: Use within 1 day
Dairy
- Milk: 5–7 days past sell-by
- Cheese: Hard 3–4 weeks, soft 1 week
- Yogurt: 1–2 weeks opened
Produce
- Leafy greens: 3–5 days
- Berries: 2–3 days fridge
- Bananas: Counter until ripe, then fridge
Freezer Tips
- Label with date
- Use freezer bags
- Freeze in portions
- Thaw in fridge
Pantry Staples
- Rice, pasta: 1–2 years
- Canned goods: 2–5 years
- Oil: 6–12 months opened
Signs of Spoilage
- Smell, color, texture changes
- Mold (cut 1 inch around hard cheese)
- Slimy meat or greens
Meal Planning
- Shop with list
- Freeze extras
- Use FIFO (First In, First Out)
Pair with Other Tools
Need portions? Try Meal Portion Calculator. Track costs? Use Food Cost Calculator.
Conclusion
Master food storage. Save money, eat safely, waste less. Explore more in Cooking Calculators.