How Long Does Food Last in the Freezer?
How long does food last in the freezer? Is there a limit? Freezing food has become a daily occurrence, and it’s something we don’t even tend to think twice about. Not only is it incredibly useful, but it’s suited to almost any kind of food! Yes, there are a number of exceptions (such as cucumber, zucchini, milk, lettuce, cabbage, etc), but overall, freezing your food will always come in handy.
So, the question isn’t about usefulness. Rather, you’re going to want to know how long food lasts in the freezer. Do different foods last different lengths of time? How long does food last in the freezer if it’s cooked or uncooked?
We’ll take you through everything you need to know.
Don’t have the time or willpower to read the full article? Here’s what you need to know: frozen food will indefinitely be safe to eat. However, the quality of the food will go down with time, which is why there are time limit suggestions of food packages.
Storing Food in Your Freezer
Freezers are incredibly useful, that goes without saying. However, you do need to ensure that you take all the right steps when freezing your food to get the best results. Below are a handful of things you need to know about when it comes to freezing food.
Rules of Storing Food in Your Freezer
When it comes to storing your food in a freezer, there are only a handful of rules to follow. The most important being that the freezer needs to be at the correct temperature. The correct temperature is -18°C (0°F).
However, this might need to be adjusted a bit depending on where you live. External temperatures and climate will play a role, so bear that in mind.
The other key rules to storing food in a freezer include:
- Always cool your food down before freezing (let it reach room temperature).
- Portion your food if you are able to.
- Seal your food properly, so there are no leaks or messes.
- Label all your food – include what it is, when you made it, and a use by date
- Prevent ice from building up on your food
Does Food Ever Go Off when it is Frozen?
Now, the truly important stuff! You’re going to be asking yourself… Does food ever go off when frozen?
Well, the answer is…never. Technically, anyway. When you freeze food, no bacteria can grow, and the food can’t rot or ‘go off’. However, this doesn’t mean that your food is frozen in time.
The truth is, your food’s quality will gradually get worse the longer it remains frozen. This doesn’t mean that it isn’t technically edible, though. There might be changes in the texture of the food, or its appearance. Sometimes, the taste and smell can change a bit, too. Put together, this can create an unappealing and unpleasant dinner – which is why it’s always a good idea to follow the guidelines provided.
One of the most common issues you will face with frozen food is freezer burn. Essentially, this means that the food became dehydrated. While still safe to eat, freezer burn will negatively impact texture, flavour, and appearance. For example, a steak will turn from red to brown, become chewy, and it will be less flavoursome.
How Long Does Food Last in the Freezer?
So, if food is indefinitely safe in the freezer, why is the question “how long does food last in the freezer” even relevant?
We mentioned before that food will deteriorate when left frozen for too long. This is what we mean. If you want to know how long your food will “last” and still be enjoyable, then you’re going to want to pay attention. This time will be different depending on the type of food you’re freezing. Raw fish isn’t going to last as long as cooked poultry, and bread isn’t going to last as long as other baked goods.
It can all get a bit confusing, and at first glance, it might make no sense. However, there’s a reason for it all, so all you need to do is follow the instructions.
How Long Does Food Last when Frozen: A List
Looking for a list to make your life easier? Below, we will list a bunch of popular foods, and how long it is recommended that they are frozen for. Please bear in mind that these times are only correct assuming that your freezer is set to the right temperature, and you took all necessary steps to ensure quality when packaging.
Freezing Meats, Fish, and Poultry
- Uncooked meat such as steaks and chops: 4–12 months
- Uncooked fish: 2–4 months
- Uncooked poultry: 9–12 months
- Uncooked mincemeat: 3–4 months
- Cooked meat: 2–3 months
- Cooked fish: 2–4 months
- Cooked crustaceans: 9–12 months
- Cooked molluscs: 9–12 months
- Cooked poultry: 4 months
- Cured meats such as bacon: 1–2 months
Freezing Meals
- Casseroles, stews, and souls: 2–3 months
- Frozen dinner such as pizza or lasagne: 3–4 months
Freezing Dairy
- Butter: maximum 3 months
- Milk: maximum 1 month
Freezing Carbohydrates
- Baked goods and cakes (no icing): 6–8 months
- Uncooked pastry: maximum 6 months
- Bread: maximum 3 months
- Cooked rice: maximum 6 months
- Cooked pasta: maximum 3 months
Freezing Fruits and Vegetables
- Fruit: maximum 6 months
- Vegetables: maximum 12 months
Final Thoughts
There you have it! Frozen food is technically indefinitely safe to eat, but this doesn’t mean that its quality will remain the same. Over time, the food will deteriorate. This can lead to changes in appearance, flavour, and texture.
For the best results, stick to the use by date on frozen foods, and make sure to label everything you package yourself. This way, you can ensure that your food is delicious every time, and you won’t be left disappointed.
If you want to discover more, we have plenty of articles to check out. With a focus on self-sufficiency, you can find information on gardening (such as fruits to grow in a hot climate), baking (like our delicious bread), using craps (did you know that you can use whey in gardening?), and so much more.