How long do bell peppers last?
Quick answer
Bell peppers keep 4-5 days in the fridge and 6-8 months in the freezer.
Fridge
4-5days
Freezer
Can be frozen: yes
6-8months
Pantry
No known time
-
Mine has been in the fridge for
Refreeze after thawing in the fridge?
- United States
- Yes
- United Kingdom
- Only after cooking
How long do bell peppers last in the fridge?
- General guidance4-5 days
Your fridge should be set between 0 and 5°C.
Refrigerators should be set to maintain a temperature of 40 °F or below.
How long do bell peppers last in the freezer?
- General guidance6-8 months
Freezer times are for quality; frozen food stays safe.
Your freezer should be around -18°C
A freezer acts as a pause button - food in a freezer won’t go bad and most bacteria cannot grow in it.
Food stored constantly at 0 °F will always be safe. Only the quality suffers with lengthy freezer storage.
Can you freeze bell peppers?
Yes.
How to defrost bell peppers safely
- In the fridge
- In cold water, cook it straight after defrosting
- In the microwave, cook it straight after defrosting
- Cook it from frozen
You should defrost your food in the fridge so that it doesn’t get too warm
It’s also important to use food within 24 hours after it’s been fully defrosted
There are three safe ways to thaw food: in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave.
Check the water frequently to be sure it stays cold. Change the water every 30 minutes. After thawing, cook immediately.
It is safe to cook foods from the frozen state. The cooking will take approximately 50% longer than the recommended time for fully thawed or fresh meat and poultry.
Can you refreeze bell peppers?
- In the United KingdomOnly after cooking
- In the United StatesYes
You can freeze food again once cooked, but you’ll only be able to reheat it once after that
Food thawed in the refrigerator can be refrozen without cooking, although there may be some loss of quality.
Foods thawed by the cold water method should be cooked before refreezing.
After cooking raw foods which were previously frozen, it is safe to freeze the cooked foods.
Can bell peppers be kept out of the fridge?
Official sources give no room-temperature (cupboard) storage time for bell peppers.
What the official sources say
“Peppers * 4 to 14 days 6 to 8 months”
“Peppers, chile, bell 4-5 days 6-8 months”
“Peppers 4-14 days 4-14 days 6-8 months”
“Peppers 1 week 8-12 months”
Frequently asked questions
How long do bell peppers last in the fridge?
General guidance: 4-5 days.
How long do bell peppers last in the freezer?
General guidance: 6-8 months. Freezer times are for quality; frozen food stays safe.
Can you freeze bell peppers?
Yes.
Can you refreeze bell peppers?
In the United Kingdom: Only after cooking; In the United States: Yes.
Can bell peppers be kept out of the fridge?
Official sources give no room-temperature (cupboard) storage time for bell peppers.
Sources
We always show the most cautious time among official sources. Last checked: 1 October 2026.
- Food Standards Agency - consumer food hygiene guidance GB
- Ohio State University Extension US
- University of Georgia Extension US
- North Dakota State University Extension US
- University of Kentucky Extension US
- Virginia Cooperative Extension (Virginia Tech) US
- Worcestershire County Council GB
- USDA FSIS Safe Food Handling and Preparation US