How Long Does Food Actually Last in the Fridge? A Simple Guide for Freshness & Safety

As a personal chef offering in-home meal prep services in both Nanaimo and Vancouver, one of the questions I get asked most often is:

“How long does food actually last in the fridge?”and“Which foods should I eat first?”

Proper food storage is one of the easiest ways to keep your meals fresh, reduce food waste, and keep your family safe. With meal prep being such a big part of busy households, knowing how long each food group lasts makes planning so much easier.

Below is a simple, clear guide you can refer to anytime.

How Long Foods Last in the Fridge

🥩 Proteins

• Chicken (cooked): 3–4 days

• Turkey (cooked): 3–4 days

• Ground Beef (cooked): 2–3 days

• Cooked Beef: 3–4 days

• Fish/Seafood (cooked): 1–2 days

🍛 Plant Proteins

• Cooked Beans/Lentils: 3–4 days

• Tofu (opened, cooked or raw): 3–5 days

🥦 Vegetables

• Raw Veggies: 5–7 days

• Cooked Veggies: 3–5 days

🍚 Carbs

• Rice (cooked): 3–4 days

• Pasta (cooked): 3–5 days

• Quinoa (cooked): 3–5 days