Luncheon Meat
Deli slices stay fresh for 3–5 days once opened. Unopened packages can last around two weeks, but the flavor drops quickly after air hits them.
Fresh Poultry
Raw chicken or turkey should only be kept 1–2 days. Cooked poultry will stretch closer to four days. Store on the bottom shelf to prevent dangerous drips.
Milk
Usually fine for 5–7 days past the “sell by” date if properly stored in the fridge. Use the smell test if you’re not sure!
Apples
Surprisingly hardy, they’ll keep 4–6 weeks chilled. One of your best options for a healthy snack that’s always within reach!
Soups
Generally good for 3–4 days, even they’ve got meat in them. Freeze if you want to keep them longer.
Stews
Stews keep 3–4 days refrigerated. They often taste even better the next day as the flavors meld, but don’t push storage too long.
Steak
Raw steaks hold 3–5 days in the fridge. Once cooked, they stay safe around four days. Wrap tightly to prevent drying or freezer burn if storing longer.
Cheddar Cheese
Can last 3–4 weeks once opened if wrapped tightly. If not wrapped tightly, it’ll grow mold.
Salad
Pre-made salad keeps about 3–4 days before wilting. Don’t put it in the freezer, it won’t do well in there.
Fish Fillets
Super perishable - raw fillets only last 1–2 days in the fridge. Cook immediately or freeze to keep quality high and prevent that fishy smell.
Bacon
Raw bacon keeps for about a week in the fridge, while cooked bacon holds up 4–5 days. Wrap tightly so it doesn’t pick up fridge smells.
Leftover Pizza
Pizza lasts about 3–4 days in the fridge. It’s tastiest reheated within two days, though - it starts to get cardboard-y after that.
Yogurt
Keeps 1–2 weeks beyond the “best by” date if unopened. But if anything at all looks off, throw it away.
Cooked Rice
Lasts about 4–6 days before turning risky. Don’t try it if you’re remotely suspicious, that way lies food poisoning.
Cooked Pasta
Pasta lasts 3–5 days chilled. Toss it with a drizzle of oil before storing so it doesn’t clump together into a sticky brick.
Sausage
Fresh sausage is best within 1–2 days. Cooked sausage sticks around for up to four days. Freeze it if you don’t plan on eating it quickly.
Tofu
Once opened, tofu lasts 3–5 days. Store submerged in fresh water, changing the water daily to maintain texture and keep it tasting fresh.
Ham
Cooked ham sticks around in the fridge for 3–5 days. Unopened shelf-stable canned ham, on the other hand, can be stored for two years.
Fresh Crab Meat
Extremely delicate- fresh crab meat lasts only 1–2 days refrigerated. Keep it as cold as possible and use quickly for the best flavor and safety.
Grapes
These usually last a week or two in the fridge if kept dry. A great snack food for kids!
Onions
Once cut, onions stay good about seven days sealed tightly in a container or bag. Store away from fruit to prevent flavors from mixing.
Ground Beef
Raw ground beef keeps 1–2 days max. Cooked ground beef lasts around 3–4 days, so don’t let it sit long before cooking or freezing.
Cooked Potatoes
Cooked potatoes last 3–4 days refrigerated. Keep them covered to prevent drying out, and reheat thoroughly before eating to ensure they’re safe.
Eggs
Whole eggs can stay fresh for 3–5 weeks in the fridge. If you’re not sure about them, pop them in water and if they float, they’re bad!
Leafy Greens
Washed greens last 3–5 days in the fridge. Many people fall into the trap of buying them, storing them and never eating them, though!
Berries
These are super delicate - best within 2–3 days after buying. So many people accidentally waste these!
Cucumbers
Cucumbers usually stay crisp for about a week in the fridge, maybe 10 days. Keep them in the crisper drawer, not next to ethylene-producing fruit like apples.
Bread
Bread lasts 5–7 days refrigerated, but it tends to dry out faster than on the counter. Toasting helps bring it back to life.
Butter
Butter stays fresh about a month in the fridge. Unsalted butter spoils quicker than salted, so check dates carefully if you don’t use much.
Carrots
Carrots can last 2–3 weeks in the fridge. Keep them in the crisper drawer or submerged in water to maintain crunchiness and prevent drying.
Mayonnaise
Once opened, mayo lasts about two months if kept refrigerated. Always use a clean spoon to avoid contamination.
Salad Dressing
Opened bottles last 1–3 months depending on type. Creamy ones spoil faster than vinaigrettes, so always check for changes in texture or smell.
Leftover Takeout
Most takeout leftovers are good 3–4 days max. With fried foods or sushi, though, it’s best to eat within a day or two.
