How long do cooked leftovers last?

Leftovers (without meat, fish, poultry, or egg (such as cooked vegitables, rice, or potatoes)) keep 1 day in the refrigerator and 1-2 months in the freezer.

Fridge

After cooking

1day

Freezer

Can be frozen: yes

1-2months

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 leftovers last in the refrigerator?

Without meat, fish, poultry, or egg (such as cooked vegitables, rice, or potatoes)1 dayAfter cooking

Refrigerators should be set to maintain a temperature of 40 °F or below.
USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service

Your fridge should be set between 0 and 5°C.
UK Government (Food Standards Agency)

Other forms

Form	Fridge	Freezer	Pantry
With meat, fish, poultry, or egg	2-3 days	2-3 months	-
Pizza	3-4 days	1-2 months	-
General guidance	48 hours	-	-

What the official sources say

“Do not keep leftover rice for more than 1 day.”
Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust · GB

“It’s safe to eat cold cooked rice if it’s cooled down quickly, stored in the fridge and eaten within 24 hours.”
Food Standards Scotland · GB

Sources

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