Deli & Prepared Foods

Main dishes or mealshot or refrigerated

3–4 days in the fridge from the date of purchase and 2–3 months in the freezer.

Pantry

No USDA guidance

Fridge

from purchase: 3–4 days

Freezer

stored: 2–3 months

Source: USDA FSIS FoodKeeperHow to read these times

Common questions

How long do main dishes or meals (hot or refrigerated) last in the fridge?

3–4 days from the date of purchase.

Can you freeze main dishes or meals (hot or refrigerated), and for how long?

Yes. 2–3 months.

How can I tell if main dishes or meals (hot or refrigerated) have gone bad?

Throw it out if it smells off, feels slimy or sticky, shows mold, or has changed color. Storage times assume it was handled safely and kept cold the whole time.