Food Expiry Estimator
Find out how long food stays safe after opening, cooking, or purchasing — based on FDA and USDA food storage guidelines.
Did this tool work for you?
How to use this calculator
- 1
Select the type of food from the dropdown.
- 2
Select your storage method (fridge, freezer, or pantry).
- 3
Read the safe storage duration and food safety tips.
- 4
When in doubt, follow the rule: "When in doubt, throw it out."
Frequently asked questions
What is the danger zone for food temperature?
Bacteria multiply rapidly between 4°C (40°F) and 60°C (140°F). Keep cold food cold (below 4°C) and hot food hot (above 60°C). Never leave cooked food at room temperature for more than 2 hours (1 hour if above 32°C/90°F).
Can I rely on the smell test to know if food is safe?
No — many harmful bacteria (like Salmonella and E. coli) do not produce any noticeable smell, taste, or appearance changes. Always follow time-based guidelines rather than relying on your senses alone.
Does freezing kill bacteria?
Freezing halts bacterial growth but does not kill bacteria. When food thaws, any bacteria present before freezing become active again. Always thaw food in the fridge, not on the counter.
Food Expiry Estimator — How Long Does Food Last in the Fridge, Freezer, or Pantry?
FDA and USDA Food Storage Guidelines
The FDA FoodKeeper app and USDA FoodSafety.gov are the authoritative sources for food storage times. These times assume foods are stored at 4°C (40°F) or below in the fridge and at -18°C (0°F) in the freezer.
Common Food Storage Mistakes
The most common mistakes are: storing opened canned goods directly in the can (transfer to a container), keeping cooked rice at room temperature too long (a leading cause of food poisoning), and not labelling freezer foods with the date they were frozen.
First In, First Out (FIFO) Rule
Professional kitchens use the FIFO method — label everything with the date stored and always use the oldest items first. This simple habit dramatically reduces food waste and prevents accidental consumption of expired food.
Learn more from an authoritative source:
WikipediaRecipe Scaler Calculator
Scale any recipe up or down by changing the number of servings. Instantly adjust ingredient amounts while keeping proportions perfect.
Recipe Cost Calculator
Calculate the total cost of a recipe and the cost per serving to help with meal planning and food business pricing.
Cooking Time Converter
Adjust cooking time and temperature when switching between conventional oven, fan/convection oven, and air fryer.
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Find the best baking and cooking substitutions for common ingredients when you run out or need a dietary alternative.
Results are estimates for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional financial, medical, legal, or technical advice. Read full disclaimer →