How long food lasts in the fridge: chart by food
Opened milk, mozzarella, minced meat, yesterday's leftovers: how long can they stay in the fridge? Here are typical times for the most common foods in a well-set fridge.
General guidance for a fridge at 0–4 °C and a freezer at −18 °C. Always follow the instructions on the pack and, when in doubt, throw it out.
Rule number one: temperature
These times assume a fridge between 0 and 4 °C. If yours is warmer (many sit at 7–8 °C without anyone noticing) times get shorter. A fridge thermometer costs a few euros and settles any doubt.
Fridge times chart
| Food | Once opened or prepared |
|---|---|
| Fresh milk | 2–3 days |
| Opened UHT milk | 3–4 days |
| Mozzarella, ricotta, fresh cheese | 1–3 days |
| Hard cheese (well-wrapped piece) | 3–4 weeks |
| Yogurt | by the date; opened 2–3 days |
| Eggs | by the date on the shell |
| Raw minced meat, raw chicken | 1–2 days |
| Raw meat cuts (steaks, roasts) | 3–5 days |
| Raw fresh fish | 1–2 days |
| Sliced cold cuts | 3–5 days |
| Opened jar of sauce or pesto | 3–5 days |
| Opened bagged salad | 1–2 days |
| Cooked leftovers | 3–4 days |
When to throw it out, no questions asked
- Sour or unpleasant smell, mould, changed colour.
- Swollen pack or jar with a bulging lid.
- Slimy meat or fish.
Mould on soft foods (fresh cheese, sauces, sliced bread) can't be cut away: the threads go deep. Throw the whole thing out.
The trick that prevents waste
The problem is rarely knowing how long a food lasts, but remembering when we opened it. Write the opening date on the pack or, better still, let your phone remember it for you.
Frequently asked questions
How long does opened milk last in the fridge?
Fresh milk 2–3 days after opening, UHT milk 3–4 days, always in the fridge and closed.
How many days does minced meat keep in the fridge?
Only 1–2 days: it's the most delicate meat. If you won't cook it right away, freeze it the same day.
How long do cooked leftovers last?
3–4 days in a closed container, put in the fridge within two hours of cooking.
Remember everything, without writing
With ConservoCibo you say «mozzarella, expires Friday, fridge» and the app reminds you before it expires. QR labels, fridge compartments and one summary every morning.
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