How long does your food last?
Enter a food item and where you store it. Our AI estimates its shelf life — and if you tell us when you bought it, when to use or toss it.
Pro Tip: Freezing raw meats, berries, or homemade soups extends their shelf life up to 6–12 months without losing quality!
Got ingredients to use up?
Turn them into a delicious recipe before they expire
Is it still good?
Select any food item on the left to check its exact shelf life and expiration safety guidance.
Food Storage FAQs
QHow do I know how long my food will last?
Enter the food item and choose where you store it — fridge, freezer, pantry, or counter. Our AI estimates its typical shelf life and, if you add when you bought it, tells you roughly when to use or toss it.
QDoes storage location change how long food lasts?
Yes. The same food can last days on the counter, a week or two in the fridge, and months in the freezer. Our checker gives an estimate specific to the storage location you select.
QIs the food shelf life checker free?
Yes, the food shelf life checker is free to use. Sign up for a free account to save items to your fridge and get reminders before they expire.
QAre these estimates a guarantee of food safety?
No. Estimates are general guidance based on typical storage. Always use your judgment — if food looks, smells, or feels off, throw it out regardless of the estimate.
How to use the food shelf life checker
- 1
Enter the food
Type what you want to check, like bell pepper, chicken breast, or milk. Be specific: cooked rice and uncooked rice keep for very different lengths of time.
- 2
Pick where it's stored
Choose Fridge, Freezer, Pantry, or Counter. The same food can last days on the counter, a week or two in the fridge, and months in the freezer.
- 3
Add when you got it
Optionally add when you bought or cooked it, like "3 days ago", to get an estimate of how much time is left and when to use it.
Tips for better results
- lightbulbKeep your fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below and your freezer at 0°F (-18°C). Most shelf-life estimates assume those temperatures.
- lightbulbRefrigerate cooked food within 2 hours, or 1 hour if it's above 90°F (32°C) outside.
- lightbulbStore leftovers in shallow, airtight containers so they cool quickly and evenly.
- lightbulbLabel containers with the date you cooked or opened them. It takes seconds and ends the guessing.
- lightbulbFreezing pauses the clock on safety, but quality slowly declines, so eat frozen food within a few months for the best texture.
- lightbulbWhen in doubt, throw it out. An off smell, slimy texture, or mold means it's done, whatever the estimate says.
For specific foods, see our food storage guides, such as how long cooked chicken lasts in the fridge. Got ingredients that need using up? Turn them into dinner with the AI recipe generator.