How long does food last in the freezer?
Short answer: Food kept frozen at 0°F (−18°C) stays safe indefinitely. For best quality: raw ground meat 3–4 months, steaks 4–12 months, chicken pieces 9 months, cooked leftovers 2–6 months.
Freezer chart
Times are for a freezer at 0°F (−18°C). Food kept at that temperature stays safe indefinitely; these times are how long it keeps its best taste and texture.
| Food | Best quality in the freezer |
|---|---|
| Raw ground meat | 3–4 months |
| Raw steaks, chops and roasts | 4–12 months |
| Raw chicken or turkey pieces | 9 months |
| Raw whole chicken or turkey | 1 year |
| Bacon | 1 month |
| Raw sausage | 1–2 months |
| Hot dogs and deli meat | 1–2 months |
| Cooked meat and poultry | 2–6 months |
| Soups and stews | 2–3 months |
| Pizza | 1–2 months |
| Chicken nuggets and patties | 1–3 months |
| Fatty fish (salmon, tuna) | 2–3 months |
| Lean fish (cod, tilapia) | 6–8 months |
| Shrimp | 6–18 months |
| Raw egg whites or yolks | 12 months |
| Eggs in the shell | Don't freeze |
| Chicken, egg, tuna or macaroni salad | Doesn't freeze well |
Freezer burn
Gray-brown, dry patches are freezer burn: air reached the food. It's safe to eat. Cut the patches off before or after cooking. Squeeze the air out of bags and wrap meat tightly to prevent it.
Thawing safely
- In the fridge: slowest and safest. Raw ground meat, poultry and fish keep 1–2 more days after thawing; steaks and roasts 3–5 days.
- In cold water: in a leak-proof bag, changing the water every 30 minutes. Cook right away.
- In the microwave: cook right away.
- Never on the counter.
Planning a turkey? Use the turkey thaw calculator.
Common questions
How long does food last in the freezer?
Food kept at 0°F stays safe indefinitely. For best quality: raw ground meat 3–4 months, steaks 4–12 months, chicken pieces 9 months, cooked leftovers 2–6 months.
Can you eat frozen meat after a year?
Yes, if it stayed frozen at 0°F the whole time it's safe. It may be dry or freezer-burned, so it's best used in soups, stews or sauces.
Is freezer-burned food safe?
Yes. Freezer burn affects taste and texture, not safety. Cut off the dry patches.
Can you refreeze thawed meat?
Yes, if it was thawed in the fridge and hasn't been out longer than 2 hours. It may lose some quality.
How long food lasts
Source: FoodSafety.gov cold food storage chart. This page is general information, not medical advice. When in doubt, throw it out.