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📅 Shelf Life Checker

Check how long foods last in the fridge, freezer, or pantry for food safety

🍖 Meat & Poultry

  • Chicken (raw)
  • Beef (raw)
  • Pork (raw)
  • Ground Meat

🥛 Dairy

  • Milk
  • Cheese (hard)
  • Yogurt
  • Eggs

🍎 Produce

  • Apples
  • Berries
  • Lettuce
  • Tomatoes

🥫 Pantry Items

  • Flour
  • Rice
  • Pasta
  • Canned Goods

Understanding Food Shelf Life

What is Shelf Life?

Shelf life is the length of time a food item can be stored before it becomes unsafe to eat or loses quality. It varies by food type, storage method (pantry, fridge, or freezer), and conditions like temperature and humidity. Proper storage extends shelf life and maintains food safety.

Temperature Guidelines

Food safety depends on proper temperature control. Keep refrigerators at 40°F (4°C) or below, freezers at 0°F (-18°C) or below, and pantries cool and dry. The "danger zone" for bacterial growth is 40°F-140°F (4°C-60°C) - don't leave perishables in this range for more than 2 hours.

Signs of Spoilage

Always check foods before consuming. Warning signs include off odors, unusual colors, slimy textures, mold growth, bulging cans, or fizzing when opened. When in doubt, throw it out - foodborne illness isn't worth the risk. Trust your senses, but remember some dangerous bacteria don't produce obvious signs.

Storage Best Practices

Store raw meats on the bottom shelf to prevent drips. Use airtight containers to prevent moisture loss and odor absorption. Label items with dates. Freeze foods before their refrigerator shelf life expires. Thaw foods in the refrigerator, not on the counter. Practice FIFO (First In, First Out) to use older items first.

How to Use This Tool

  1. Type the name of the food you want to check in the search box (e.g., chicken, milk, apples)
  2. Click on the matching food item from the suggestions that appear as you type
  3. Or browse food categories (Meat & Poultry, Dairy, Produce, Pantry Items) and click on any food item
  4. Review the shelf life information for pantry, refrigerator, and freezer storage
  5. Follow the storage tips provided to maximize food safety and freshness
  6. Always check foods for signs of spoilage before consuming, regardless of storage time

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate are these shelf life times?

These storage times are based on USDA FoodKeeper guidelines and represent safe storage periods for optimal quality. Actual shelf life can vary based on storage conditions and initial freshness. Always use your senses to check for spoilage.

Is this tool free to use?

Yes! This tool is completely free with no hidden costs, subscriptions, or limitations. Use it as often as you need.

Do I need to create an account?

No account needed. The tool works entirely in your browser without requiring signup or personal information.

Does this work on mobile devices?

Yes, this tool is fully responsive and works on smartphones, tablets, and all desktop browsers.

Is my data private?

Absolutely. All lookups happen locally in your browser using a built-in database. Your searches never leave your device and are not stored on any server.

What food safety guidelines should I follow?

Always check foods for signs of spoilage (off odors, colors, or textures). Follow the 'when in doubt, throw it out' rule. Keep refrigerators at 40°F or below and freezers at 0°F or below. Store raw meats separately to prevent cross-contamination.