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How long can foods be kept in the freezer?

Leftovers won't stay fresh forever. - by Livia Gamble
  • 07 Sep 2021

Freezing food will increase its shelf life but it won’t stay tasty forever. Although frozen foods remain safe to eat indefinitely, flavours and textures will start to deteriorate over time.

WATCH: Cheese and corn polenta loaf

To stay on top of your freezer and its contents follow our handy guide.

How long can foods be kept in the freezer?

According to Health Direct, you should store food in the freezer below 15°C and always allow it to defrost in the freezer, not on the bench (especially when the weather is warm!).

Bacon, sausage, burgers

Bacon can be kept frozen for up to six months, though it's best to use it within one month, while raw sausages will keep for one to two months. Hamburger patties and other ground meat can be kept for three to four months.

Fresh beef, lamb pork

Keep steak frozen anywhere between six and 12 months, chops for four to six months and roasts for four to 12 months.

freezer

Fresh poultry

A whole chicken or turkey can be kept frozen for one year. Chicken and turkey pieces will stay tasty for nine months.

Soups and stews

Freeze soups and stews for two to three months.

Leftovers

Leftovers containing cooked meat or poultry can be kept frozen for two to six months. Keep chicken nuggets and burger patties for one to three months and pizza for one to two months.

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Livia Gamble
Livia Gamble
Based in Sydney, Livia Gamble will not sleep until she has discovered every possible way to use bi-carb soda and vinegar. When she isn’t reporting on ways to improve your home and garden, she can be found knitting socks (by choice) and will never say no to pizza.

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