Hosting a backyard bash full of flavorful grilling recipes or throwing together a hearty family dinner can be a cinch if you’ve got protein options in your freezer. Plus, buying meat in bulk and freezing some for later = major savings. But if that ribeye has been in your freezer for a while, you might be wondering: How long does frozen meat last?
According to the USDA, frozen foods are safe to eat indefinitely. But just because something is ok to consume doesn’t mean it will still taste delicious after years in a deep freeze. Here’s how it works: Zero-degree temps (and below) inactivate any bacteria, yeasts or molds and prevent harmful microorganisms from growing. Frozen foods, however, will decrease in quality (think: taste, texture, color, etc.) over time, especially if they are loosely wrapped or frozen slowly. So while you won’t get sick from your months-old frozen steak, it might not make for the juiciest cut.
We put together guidelines based on recommendations from the FDA for how long to store all types of meat in the freezer. And when it comes time to thaw that prized piece, be sure to defrost meat safely for the healthiest — and tastiest — result.
*The graphic above illustrates our Chief Food Director's professional opinion on frozen meat quality over time, which may suggest shorter freezing time than the FDA's recommended time outlined below.
How do I store meat in the freezer?
First, make sure that you're freezing meat — and all other foods — at a temperature of 0° Fahrenheit or lower. This is the temp that keeps food safe. It's fine to freeze meat in its original packaging, but if you're planning to keep it in your freezer for longer than two months the FDA recommends that you switch to heavy-duty packaging like foil, plastic wrap or freezer paper. You can seal protein inside an airtight plastic bag, too. Lock in freshness using one of our top-tested, best vacuum sealers.
How long does frozen meat last?
Poultry
Whole chickens and turkeys can last up to a year in the freezer. Turkey or chicken breasts, thighs, or wings should be consumed within nine months, while giblets should be kept no longer than three to four months.
Beef, Veal, & Lamb
Raw steaks can be kept in the freezer for six to 12 months. Chops last four to six months while roasts can be frozen for up to a year.
Pork
Uncooked pork has similar freezer guidelines to beef: Chops last four to six months in the freezer, while roasts can be frozen for up to a year. Processed pork, such as bacon, sausage, hot dogs, ham, and lunch meats, should not be kept in the freezer for longer than one to two months.
Fish & Seafood
Lean fish can last six to eight months in the freezer while fatty fish only lasts two to three months.
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Not sure if your fish is lean or fatty? Common lean fish include bass, cod, tuna and tilapia, while fatty fish include mackerel, salmon and sardines. Other fresh seafood such as shrimp, scallops, crawfish, and squid should last three to six months in the freezer.
Ground Meat
Ground beef, turkey, lamb, or veal will preserve their quality in the freezer for three to four months. (The same goes for hamburger meat!)
Cooked & Leftover Meat
Looking to save that leftover turkey? Cooked meat doesn't maintain its quality in the freezer for as long as raw meat does: Cooked poultry and fish can be kept in the freezer for four to six months, while beef, veal, lamb and pork shouldn't be kept for longer than two to three months.
FAQs
Food that is stored in a freezer at zero degrees will be safe to eat indefinitely. However, if meat is frozen too long it may lose quality and taste. If you are unsure if meat is still fresh, you can determine this once it has been thawed.
Is 2 year old frozen meat safe to eat? ›
Food that is stored in a freezer at zero degrees will be safe to eat indefinitely. However, if meat is frozen too long it may lose quality and taste. If you are unsure if meat is still fresh, you can determine this once it has been thawed.
How long can I keep raw meat in the freezer? ›
According to the FDA , you can keep cuts, like roasts, frozen for anywhere from 4 to 12 months and steaks for 6 to 12 months. Ground beef should be frozen for no more than three to four months. Once cooked, you can also safely freeze those beefy leftovers.
Can frozen meat go bad? ›
Does Frozen Meat “Go Bad?” According to the USDA, frozen meat kept at 0°F or lower will always technically be safe to eat. This low temperature prevents the growth of microorganisms and microbes like bacteria and mold. But that doesn't mean it will taste good forever.
When should you take meat out of the freezer before cooking? ›
Take the meat out of the freezer and let it thaw on a plate in the lowest part of the fridge so it doesn't drip on anything. A turkey or a roast might need two or three days. A steak, depending on its thickness, might only require twenty-four hours. If the meat is wrapped in plastic, leave it in the plastic.
How long is meat good in a deep freezer? ›
Cold Food Storage Chart
| Food | Type | Freezer [0°F (-18°C) or below] |
|---|
| Hamburger, ground meats and ground poultry | Hamburger, ground beef, turkey, chicken, other poultry, veal, pork, lamb, and mixtures of them | 3 to 4 months |
| Fresh beef, veal, lamb, and pork | Steaks | 4 to 12 months |
| Chops | 4 to 12 months |
| Roasts | 4 to 12 months |
49 more rowsSep 19, 2023
Items from the freezer section are safe to eat indefinitely. They have expiration dates because they won't taste good forever; flavor and texture break down over time. Once you open a bag of frozen peas or corn, pour out a portion rather than reaching in with your hand, which can introduce bacteria.
Is meat still good if it turns brown in the freezer? ›
Color changes can occur in frozen foods but the foods remain safe to eat. The bright red color of meat as purchased usually turns dark or pale brown depending on its variety. This may be due to lack of oxygen, freezer burn or abnormally long storage. Freezing doesn't usually cause color changes in poultry.
What can I do with old meat in the freezer? ›
For heavily freezer-burnt meat, a stew might be your best bet. A low-and-slow approach will give the meat time to absorb moisture and flavor. If all else fails, freezer-burnt meat makes a great treat for the family dog. And if your dog won't eat it, you probably shouldn't either.
What makes meat go bad in the freezer? ›
As a frozen piece of meat loses its moisture, the protein gets discolored and dry, creating microscopic “pockets” that cause chalky, hard textures, and off flavors.
Freezer burn is a term for the moisture lost from frozen food. It's what happens when meat left in your freezer for a long time loses moisture and begins to look discolored or shriveled. The surface may be covered in ice crystals. When you thaw foods that look like this, you'll notice that their texture appears tough.
Is 2 year old frozen chicken still good? ›
If kept frozen continuously, it will be safe indefinitely. Chicken may be frozen in its original packaging or repackaged. If freezing longer than two months, over wrap the porous store plastic packages with airtight heavy-duty foil, plastic wrap or freezer paper, or place the package inside a freezer bag.
Can you cook meat straight from frozen? ›
Raw or cooked meat, poultry or casseroles can be cooked or reheated from the frozen state. However, it will take approximately one and a half times as long to cook. For example, if fresh meat takes one hour to cook, the same meat cooked frozen would take 1 1/2 hours.
Can I eat 3 year old frozen food? ›
According to the USDA, frozen foods are safe to eat indefinitely. But just because something is ok to consume doesn't mean it will still taste delicious after years in a deep freeze.
Is 2 year old frozen ground beef still good? ›
Ground beef can be frozen indefinitely, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Is it safe to eat 2 year old frozen chicken? ›
If kept frozen continuously, it will be safe indefinitely. Chicken may be frozen in its original packaging or repackaged. If freezing longer than two months, over wrap the porous store plastic packages with airtight heavy-duty foil, plastic wrap or freezer paper, or place the package inside a freezer bag.
Is sausage still good after 2 years in the freezer? ›
Freezing keeps food safe indefinitely. Keep sausages in the freezer (0 °F or less) for one to two months for best quality.
