How Long Does Food Last in the Fridge? A Simple Guide

A quick reference for leftovers, meat, dairy and more — so you eat food at its best and waste less.

Editorial TeamNovember 4, 20261 min read

Is that leftover curry still safe? Should you throw out the chicken you bought last week? A simple guide helps you avoid both waste and food poisoning.

These are general guidelines for a fridge kept at 5°C (about 40°F) or colder. Always follow any use-by date on the packaging.

Quick reference chart

Food	Fridge time (approx.)
Cooked leftovers	3–4 days
Cooked rice	1 day
Raw chicken or mince	1–2 days
Raw steaks and chops	3–5 days
Fresh fish	1–2 days
Opened milk	Up to 7 days
Hard cheese (opened)	3–4 weeks
Raw eggs in shell	3–5 weeks
Soups and stews	3–4 days

Use-by vs best-before

Use-by dates are about safety — don't eat food after this date. Best-before dates are about quality; food is often fine after the date if it looks, smells and has been stored correctly.

Good to knowMany bacteria that cause food poisoning don't change how food looks or smells. When in doubt, throw it out.

Tips to keep food fresh longer

Cool leftovers quickly and refrigerate within about an hour or two.
Store raw meat on the bottom shelf so it can't drip onto other food.
Use airtight containers and label them with the date.
Don't overfill the fridge — cold air needs space to circulate.

Freeze it instead

If you won't eat something in time, freeze it. Most cooked meals keep their quality for two to three months in the freezer. Thaw in the fridge, not on the counter.

A quick look at this guide before you cook can save money and keep everyone at home safe.