Plain answers to the question everyone asks with the fridge door open. Every time on these pages comes from a US government food safety source, linked at the bottom of each guide.
Dairy & eggs
How long does milk last?Until the use-by date unopened; 3 months frozen.
How long do eggs last?3 to 5 weeks in the fridge, in their shell.
How long does cheese last?Hard: 3 to 4 weeks opened. Soft: 1 to 2 weeks.- How long does yogurt last?1 to 2 weeks in the fridge.
Meat & poultry
How long does raw chicken last?1 to 2 days in the fridge; up to a year frozen.- How long does ground beef last?1 to 2 days in the fridge; 3 to 4 months frozen.
Leftovers
Fruit & veg
How long does spinach last?3 to 7 days in the fridge.
How long do carrots last?2 to 3 weeks in the fridge.
How long do apples last?3 weeks on the counter; 4 to 6 weeks in the fridge.
Bread
Where these numbers come from
Storage times come from the FoodSafety.gov Cold Food Storage Chart and USDA FoodKeeper. Handling advice comes from the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. Fridge times assume 40°F (4°C) or below; freezer times assume 0°F (−18°C) or below and are for quality only.
- FoodSafety.gov, Cold Food Storage Chart
- USDA FoodKeeper (FSIS, Cornell University and the Food Marketing Institute)
- USDA FSIS, Leftovers and Food Safety
- USDA FSIS, Molds on Food: Are They Dangerous?
- USDA FSIS, Shell Eggs from Farm to Table
Guidance, not a guarantee. These times come from US government food safety sources and assume food was handled and stored safely. Always follow the date and instructions on the package, check food before you eat it, and when in doubt, throw it out. This page isn't medical advice.