How to store dairy, eggs, and breast milk
Where to keep baby formula, breast milk, butter and margarine, cheese, cream, eggs, ice cream, milk, pudding, and yogurt, and how long each one lasts there, straight from its own guide.
Food storage chart
How long each food keeps at room temperature, in the fridge, and in the freezer.
| Food | Room temperature | Fridge | Freezer | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baby formula | 1 hour | 1-2 days | Not given | |
| Breast milk | up to 4 hours | up to 4 days | 6 months (up to 12) | |
| Butter and margarine | 1-2 days for butter | 1-2 months for butter, 6 months for margarine | 6-9 months for butter, 12 months for margarine | |
| Cheese | Not given | 3-4 weeks once opened | 3-6 months | |
| Cream | Not given | 10 days | 3-4 months | |
| Eggs | Not given | 3-5 weeks | up to 12 months for whites | |
| Ice cream | Not given | Not given | 6 months | |
| Milk | Not given | until the use-by date | 3 months | |
| Pudding | Not given | until use-by date | Not given | |
| Yogurt | Not given | 1-2 weeks | 1-2 months | |
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How long is baby formula good for?
Prepared baby formula lasts 1 hour at room temperature and 1 day in the fridge. Opened ready-to-feed formula keeps 2 days in the fridge.
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How long does breast milk last in the fridge?
Fresh breast milk lasts up to 4 hours at room temperature, 4 days in the fridge, and best within 6 months in the freezer, based on the FDA chart.
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Can you freeze butter? How long butter lasts
Butter lasts 1 to 2 months in the fridge and 6 to 9 months in the freezer. Margarine lasts 6 months in the fridge and 12 months in the freezer.
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Can you freeze cheese? Which kinds freeze well
Hard cheese freezes for 6 months and shredded cheddar for 3 to 4. Freezing isn't recommended for cream cheese, cottage cheese, or shredded Parmesan.
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Can you freeze sour cream and heavy cream?
Per USDA FoodKeeper, heavy cream keeps 10 days in the fridge and 3 to 4 months frozen. Sour cream isn't recommended for freezing.
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How to tell if eggs are bad
Raw eggs in the shell last 3 to 5 weeks in the fridge, hard-boiled eggs 1 week. Crack an egg into a bowl and smell it to know if it's bad.
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Questions people ask
Should you wash eggs before storing them?
No. Wash water can be drawn into the egg through the pores in the shell, and egg processors already wash and sanitize USDA-graded eggs.
How long does shredded cheese last?
Shredded cheese such as cheddar or mozzarella keeps 1 month in the refrigerator and 3 to 4 months in the freezer. Shredded or grated Parmesan keeps 12 months in the refrigerator.
How long does lactose-free milk last after opening?
Lactose-free milk lasts 1 week in the fridge after you open it, according to USDA FoodKeeper.
Can you refreeze breast milk?
You should never refreeze breast milk after it has thawed. Thawed milk can sit in the fridge for up to 1 day or on the counter for 1 to 2 hours.
How long does butter last in the freezer?
Butter lasts 6 to 9 months in the freezer, and margarine lasts 12 months. USDA FoodKeeper counts both from the date of purchase.
Does sour cream go bad?
Yes. USDA FoodKeeper keeps sour cream in the fridge until the package use-by date, and sour cream with mold should be thrown out.