TempoLife › Features › How long food keeps: fridge, freezer and pantry › cooked-rice
Cooked rice shelf life
Cooked rice keeps 3-4 days in the fridge, 1-2 months in the freezer. Spoilage signs and the safe-handling notes, from the USDA Cold Food Storage Chart.
Storage at a glance
| Where | How long |
|---|---|
| Fridge (0-4 °C) | 3-4 days |
| Freezer (-18 °C) | 1-2 months |
Signs it has gone off
Sour smell, slimy surface.
Safe handling
Cool within an hour of cooking; reheat until steaming.
Storage times are guidance, not a guarantee. If it looks or smells wrong, do not taste it to check.
Source: USDA Cold Food Storage Chart / FDA-USDA FoodKeeper · checked 2026-09-03
Frequently asked questions
How long does cooked rice last in the fridge?
3-4 days — stored sealed, at 4 C or below.
Can you freeze cooked rice?
Yes — about 1-2 months for quality. Frozen at a constant -18 C it stays safe longer; the time is about taste and texture.
How do you know when cooked rice has gone off?
Sour smell, slimy surface. Trust the signs over any date.
Cooked pasta
Fridge: 3-5 days · freezer: 1-2 months
Pizza (leftover)
Fridge: 3-4 days · freezer: 1-2 months
Soups and stews
Fridge: 3-4 days · freezer: 2-3 months
Cooked vegetables
Fridge: 3-4 days · freezer: 2-3 months
Know the shelf life, plan the week
TempoLife puts the food plan next to your goals, so what you bought gets eaten, not binned.