How long do frozen meals, vegetables and sides last?
Frozen meals, vegetables and sides keep refrigerating isn't recommended and 12 months in the freezer, according to USDA FoodKeeper.
Quick answer
Storage times by type
| Type | Fridge | Freezer | Pantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frozen entrees (prepared meals) |
|
| — |
| USDA tips: Fridge: Not recommended to refrigerate after cooking due to decreased quality. · Freezer: Keep frozen. For safety, cook as directed. | |||
| Pizza (frozen) |
|
| — |
| USDA tips: Fridge: Recommendation is for storage after cooking. · Freezer: Keep frozen. For safety, cook as directed. | |||
| Vegetables |
|
| — |
| USDA tips: Fridge: Recommendation is for storage after cooking. · Freezer: Keep frozen. For safety, cook as directed. | |||
| Fruits (such as berries, melons) | — |
| — |
| USDA tips: Fridge: Thawing in the refrigerator is not recommended. | |||
| Frozen potato products (fries, hashbrowns, tater tots) |
|
| — |
| USDA tips: Fridge: Not recommended to refrigerate after cooking due to decreased quality. · Freezer: Keep frozen. For safety, cook as directed. | |||
| Fish (breaded) |
|
| — |
| USDA tips: Fridge: Not recommended to refrigerate after cooking due to decreased quality. · Freezer: Keep frozen. For safety, cook as directed. | |||
Also covers: frozen pizza, frozen, frozen vegetables, frozen fruit, frozen berries, frozen dinner, frozen meal, frozen entree, fish sticks, french fries, tater tots, hash browns, onion rings, sweet potato fries, pot pie, egg rolls, corn dog, puff pastry.
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Get early accessThese are general guidelines from the USDA’s FoodKeeper data for food stored at safe temperatures: fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below, freezer at 0°F (−18°C). Freezer times are for best quality; food kept constantly frozen at 0°F stays safe longer. Always check the package and the food itself. When in doubt, throw it out. Shelf Shepherd isn’t affiliated with or endorsed by the USDA.
Source: USDA FSIS FoodKeeper data. Last reviewed November 5, 2026.