How Long Food Lasts

Pork

Can you freeze pork?

Yes, pork can be frozen.

  • Loin roast, bone-in Yes · 4-12 months
  • Loin roast, boneless Yes · 4-12 months
  • Loin chops, bone-in Yes · 4-12 months
  • Loin chops, boneless Yes · 4-12 months
  • Crown roast - small Yes · 4-12 months
  • Crown roast - large Yes · 4-12 months
  • Tenderloin Yes · 4-12 months
  • Tenderloin medallions or loin cubes Yes · 4-12 months
  • Ribs Yes · 4-12 months
  • Ground Yes · 3-4 months
  • Shoulder Yes · 4-12 months
  • Loin, cubes Yes · 4-12 months
  • Fresh steaks, chops, roasts Yes · 4-6 months
  • UK advice Yes · 3-6 months

How long does pork last in the freezer?

  • Loin roast, bone-in4-12 months
  • Loin roast, boneless4-12 months
  • Loin chops, bone-in4-12 months
  • Loin chops, boneless4-12 months
  • Crown roast - small4-12 months
  • Crown roast - large4-12 months
  • Tenderloin4-12 months
  • Tenderloin medallions or loin cubes4-12 months
  • Ribs4-12 months
  • Ground3-4 months
  • Shoulder4-12 months
  • Loin, cubes4-12 months
  • Fresh steaks, chops, roasts4-6 months
  • UK advice3-6 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.

How to defrost pork safely

  1. In the fridge
  2. In cold water, cook it straight after defrosting
  3. In the microwave, cook it straight after defrosting
  4. 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.

After thawing

It’s also important to use food within 24 hours after it’s been fully defrosted

Can you refreeze pork?

  • 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.

Frequently asked questions

Can you freeze pork?

Yes, pork can be frozen. Loin roast, bone-in: 4-12 months; Loin roast, boneless: 4-12 months; Loin chops, bone-in: 4-12 months.

Can you refreeze pork?

In the United Kingdom: Only after cooking; In the United States: Yes.

Sources

We always show the most cautious time among official sources. Last checked: 1 October 2026.