Can You Eat Frozen Food Past the Expiration Date? (2024)

Your freezer is likely packed with various foods, including vegetables, fruit, ice cream, meat, and prepared foods just waiting to be thawed and cooked.

If you notice that the date on the frozen food package has already passed, you may be wondering if that food is still safe to eat.

The good news is that you can eat frozen food that has passed its expiration date — although in some cases, the flavor, color, or texture may have decreased in quality (1).

This article explains everything you need to know about eating frozen food past the expiration date.

Can You Eat Frozen Food Past the Expiration Date? (1)Share on Pinterest

An expiration date is somewhat of a myth. In the United States, manufacturers can include a variety of dates on food products, but the only food that is mandated to include a product date is infant formula.

The regulations for food product dating vary by country, with some countries prohibiting the sale of foods past the product date (2, 3, 4).

Here are some types of product dates you might see on your food (2):

  • Best if used by” or “use by”: the date that the product is expected to maintain its highest quality
  • “Sell by”: the date that a store should try to sell the product by so that it’s purchased while the food still has top flavor and quality
  • “Freeze by”: when a food should be frozen to maintain top flavor and quality

None of these dates are actual expiration dates or indicate that the food will no longer be safe to eat at that time.

Freezing food is an excellent way to maintain the nutritional value, quality, and flavor of many foods (5).

Unlike perishable foods stored in the refrigerator, frozen foods are often safe long after the use-by date. Storing food at 0 °F deactivates microbes (bacteria) that could cause spoilage (5).

However, if the freezer is opened often and foods are allowed to reach temperatures higher than 0°F, the chances of spoilage increase (5).

While food can safely be eaten past the expiration date, some foods may decrease in quality and flavor after too much time in the freezer.

Summary

In the United States, food manufacturers add dates to products to indicate food’s freshness, but labeling regulations vary by country. Freezing food often keeps it safe to eat long after the use-by date.

While food is often safe to eat past its expiration date, that doesn’t mean you’ll want to eat it.

Storing certain foods too long can make them look or taste “off” due to freezer burn or drying out. To avoid food waste, get creative in how you use frozen foods that may have dried out by using them in casseroles, baked dishes, or smoothies (1).

If food has been stored improperly or allowed to reach temperatures above 0°F, it may not be safe to eat, even if the food is not expired. If a food has an “off” or rotten smell after thawing, it’s safest to toss it out (6).

Here are some steps you can take to make sure your frozen food stays safe:

  • Keep a thermometer in your freezer to check that the temperature stays at 0℉.
  • Avoid placing warm foods in your freezer. Always cool in the refrigerator before placing cooked items in the freezer.
  • Limit the amount you open the freezer.

Here is a list of common foods and how long they will maintain their quality and freshness in a freezer at 0°F (7, 8):

FoodLength of Storage
Fruits and vegetables8-12 months
Raw eggs (not in shell)12 months
Casseroles and TV dinners3-4 months
Raw or ground beef and pork3-4 months
Whole chicken or turkey12 months
Cured or processed meat (bacon, sausage)1-2 months
Cooked fish4-6 months
Raw steaks or roasts4-12 months

Meat, including poultry and fish, maintains quality much longer when frozen raw versus cooked. This is because of the higher moisture content in raw meat. Once cooked, it’s more likely to dry out after being frozen for a longer period of time (7).

The freezing time of fruits and vegetables varies based on how the food was prepared, packaged, and stored. Some vegetables like cabbage, potatoes, celery, and cucumbers don’t freeze well at all. The high water content makes them mushy once thawed (9).

Summary

The amount of time a frozen food will stay safe and maintain quality depends on how the food was prepared, packaged, and stored. The safe temperature for frozen foods is 0℉.

Besides the food itself, the way that the food was prepared, packaged, and stored will also influence how long it will maintain its quality and freshness in the freezer (8).

Preparing, packaging, and storing food correctly keeps it from spoiling quickly by limiting air exposure and the buildup of ice crystals in the food (5).

Blanching vegetables before freezing preserves their nutritional value, color, taste, and texture. To blanch a vegetable, submerge it in boiling water for a short period of time, then quickly placed it in ice-cold water to stop the cooking process (5, 8).

Store food in vapor-resistant, airtight containers or packaging to avoid exposure to air and odors that cause off-flavors in the food (8).

Freeze food as quickly as possible to avoid the build-up of ice crystals that can cause the food to dry out when thawed. Spread food out into an even layer to freeze quickly (5).

Summary

The length of time a frozen food can be stored safely depends on proper storage to keep air away from the food and the temperature at or below 0℉.

While food that has been frozen is safe to eat (provided that it was frozen properly and in a quality state), here are some obvious signs that it has lost its quality and may have gone bad:

  • Freezer burn. This happens when frozen food has been exposed to air. The food is safe to eat, but may be dry and have an undesirable texture. If only small sections of the food are freezer-burned, you can just cut off the freezer-burned portions and eat the rest (6).
  • Smell. Once thawed, give food a sniff test. If it smells foul, rancid, or otherwise rotten, it’s best to toss it (6, 10).
  • Texture. A mushy or slimy texture is an indicator of spoilage caused by bacteria (11).
  • Color. Color is not the only indicator of spoilage since many fresh foods will change in color once frozen. Fading or darkening of a food in addition to changes in smell or texture can indicate spoilage (12).
Summary

The texture, color, and smell of a thawed, previously frozen food, can help indicate if that food is safe to eat. When in doubt, throw it out.

The expiration date, or use-by date, on food helps to estimate the expected timeframe that the food will still be at its highest quality. Eating frozen food past the expiration date can be safe, but the food may no longer have the best flavor or texture.

Keeping frozen food at or below 0℉ will help maintain the quality and safety of that food for the longest amount of time.

Be aware of the signs that frozen food isn’t safe to eat. Once thawed, inspect the smell, texture, and color for signs of spoilage.

Just one thing

Try this today: Freezing food is a great way to fight food waste. Check your refrigerator at least once a week for any leftovers, fruits, or vegetables that are close to spoiling, and move them to the freezer.

Freezing food before it goes bad saves you money and keeps food waste out of the landfill.

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Can You Eat Frozen Food Past the Expiration Date? (2024)

FAQs

Can You Eat Frozen Food Past the Expiration Date? ›

In the United States, the food industry adds dates to products to indicate freshness, although labeling regulations vary by country. In general, freezing food keeps it safe to eat long after its expiration date.

How long can you use frozen food after the expiration date? ›

Items from the freezer section are safe to eat indefinitely. They have expiration dates because they won't taste good forever; flavor and texture break down over time. Once you open a bag of frozen peas or corn, pour out a portion rather than reaching in with your hand, which can introduce bacteria.

Can you eat food that has been frozen for 10 years? ›

Food that is stored in a freezer at zero degrees will be safe to eat indefinitely. However, if meat is frozen too long it may lose quality and taste. If you are unsure if meat is still fresh, you can determine this once it has been thawed.

How long can you keep food frozen before it goes bad? ›

The quality and taste of your favorite foods can be preserved in the freezer anywhere from one to 12 months at the right freezer temperature. This time frame varies for fresh or cooked meats, fruits, vegetables, soups and leftovers.

What is the maximum shelf life of frozen food? ›

If food is properly frozen it will stay safe to eat indefinitely, although after a time the taste and texture may suffer. Whether you have a chest freezer or upright freezer, the principles of good freezing are the same.

How can you tell if frozen food has gone bad? ›

7 Signs Something Has Gone Bad in the Freezer
  1. There are ice crystals inside the packaging. ...
  2. The protein has changed color. ...
  3. The veggies look super dull. ...
  4. You can't remember when exactly you put something in there. ...
  5. There's evidence of spills. ...
  6. There's a rancid or off odor. ...
  7. The defrosted food is sticky or slimy.

Is it okay to eat something after the use or freeze by date? ›

In an effort to reduce food waste, it is important that consumers understand that the dates applied to food are for quality and not for safety. Food products are safe to consume past the date on the label, and regardless of the date, consumers should evaluate the quality of the food product prior to its consumption.

Can I eat 3 year old frozen food? ›

According to the USDA, frozen foods are safe to eat indefinitely. But just because something is ok to consume doesn't mean it will still taste delicious after years in a deep freeze.

Is 2 year old frozen hamburger still good? ›

Ground beef can be frozen indefinitely, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. However, it is recommended to use ground beef within four months of freezing, as the quality of the meat will begin to deteriorate over time. Ground beef that has been frozen for too long may not be as flavorful.

How long can you use after the expiration date? ›

Sell-By Date: Refers to the last day a retailer can display a product for sale; typically a food is safe to eat for 10 days after the Sell-by Date if refrigerated properly. Use-By Date: Refers to the last day a product will maintain its optimum freshness, flavor, and texture.

When should you throw out frozen food? ›

How to make leftover food last longer
CategoryFoodFreezer (0 °F or below)
Soups & StewsVegetable or meat added2 to 3 months
LeftoversCooked meat or poultry2 to 6 months
Chicken nuggets or patties1 to 3 months
Pizza1 to 2 months
13 more rows

Is it safe to freeze food that is about to expire? ›

As long as it was frozen before the expiration date and stays frozen, it's safe. Note that it doesn't reset that usability date. If chicken is good for 3 days in the fridge and you freeze it on the the third day, that doesn't mean you get another 3 days in the fridge.

How long will frozen food last in the freezer without power? ›

A full freezer will hold a safe temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full and the door remains closed). Food may be safely refrozen if it still contains ice crystals or is at 40°F (4°C) or below, however, its quality may suffer. Never taste food to determine its safety.

How long can you eat frozen food after expiration? ›

The short answer is that foods will keep indefinitely in a frozen state. That's right — as long as your freezer is plugged in and functioning normally, frozen foods will never expire, go bad, or pose any health issues.

Is 2 year old frozen chicken still good? ›

If kept frozen continuously, it will be safe indefinitely. Chicken may be frozen in its original packaging or repackaged. If freezing longer than two months, over wrap the porous store plastic packages with airtight heavy-duty foil, plastic wrap or freezer paper, or place the package inside a freezer bag.

What frozen foods last the longest? ›

Shrimp stores the longest and will remain good for up to 18 months, followed by lobsters which can be kept frozen for nine to 12 months. Lean fish like cod, haddock, grouper, halibut, tilapia, and bass stay frozen well for up to a year, too.

Is frozen food with ice crystals safe to eat? ›

What About Ice Crystals? When frozen foods are covered in snow-like crystals, it's best to toss them. But if only small amounts of icy deposits are present, scrape them off and get cooking: Just be ready to adjust cooking times and/or add extra seasonings to make up for texture changes and loss of flavor.

Is it safe to eat frozen fish past the expiration date? ›

Any frozen fish or shellfish will be safe indefinitely; however, the flavor and texture will lessen after lengthy storage. For best quality, freeze (0 °F / -17.8 °C or less) cooked fish for up to 3 months. Frozen raw fish is best used within 3 to 8 months; shellfish, 3 to 12 months.

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