Leftovers — they’re time-savers, the perfect snack in between meals, and a delicious reminder of the awesome meal you had the day before. The tricky part is knowing how long you can store them in the fridge before they go bad. Here’s your quick guide on leftover food longevity and how to properly store them in your fridge.
Why Leftover Food Belongs in the Fridge
Unlike non-perishable food and most grocery items, leftovers don’t come with an expiration date or a label for that matter. Whether it’s leftover food from a restaurant or something you cooked the previous day, it’s important to be mindful of proper storage. Leftovers are prone to bacteria growth, and eating bad food is never a fun experience. The key to prolonging the shelf life of your leftovers is ensuring they stay at refrigerator temperature.
The most common reason for bacteria growth in cooked foods is the so-called “temperature abuse,” which occurs when meals have been left for too long at an unsafe temperature, e.g., forgetting things on the kitchen table or leaving a stew on the countertop overnight. To prevent that, make sure you put your leftovers in proper containers and store them in the fridge as soon as they’ve cooled down.
Leftovers Usually Last Three to Four Days
If you’re wondering how long roasted chicken or your favorite Thai rice can last in the fridge, you’re not alone. While most leftovers, such as cooked pork, shrimp, veggie/meat soup, chicken, pasta, rice, and even cheesecake and pumpkin pie, can last about three to four days in the fridge, there are other meals like sushi with raw fish that won’t be good for more than two days. If you don’t think you’ll be able to eat your leftovers within that time window, it’s best to freeze them right away.
How to Properly Store Leftovers
Keeping leftover food in the fridge is only half of it. The other half is using the right containers and knowing when to put the food in the fridge. Here are some key tips to help you with that:
- Always put your leftovers in the fridge within the first two hours after cooking.
- Use shallow containers (preferably made from microwave-resistant plastic or borosilicate glass) and sealed bags to store food.
- Make sure to place your leftovers on the top shelf, as it’s generally the coldest part of your fridge.
- Discard any leftovers that have already been reheated once.
- Set your refrigerator between 35°F and 38°F.
If you notice color changes, mold growth, or a slimy texture, throw away the food immediately!