Freezer Storage Time Calculator
Find out how long different foods last in the freezer.
Select a food type to see safe storage duration and freezing tips.
Safe Freezer Storage Time
Freezer storage times indicate how long food maintains its best quality when stored at 0°F (-18°C) or below.
Frozen food is safe indefinitely at 0°F, but quality degrades over time. These times are for best quality.
General guidelines:
| Food Category | Storage Time |
|---|---|
| Raw beef/pork/lamb | 4–12 months |
| Raw chicken/turkey | 9–12 months |
| Ground meat | 3–4 months |
| Cooked meat | 2–3 months |
| Fish/shellfish | 3–6 months |
| Vegetables (blanched) | 8–12 months |
| Fruit | 8–12 months |
| Bread | 3–6 months |
| Cheese (hard) | 6–8 months |
| Butter | 6–9 months |
| Ice cream | 2–4 months |
| Soups/stews | 2–3 months |
| Casseroles | 2–3 months |
| Baked goods | 2–4 months |
Freezer tips:
- Label everything with the date frozen
- Remove as much air as possible from packaging
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags (not regular storage bags)
- Freeze items flat for faster freezing and easier stacking
- Never refreeze raw meat that has been thawed at room temperature
- Blanch vegetables before freezing to preserve color and nutrients