If you’re looking to extend the life of some turkey you’ve stocked up on, you might be wondering: how long does turkey last in the fridge, and how long does turkey last in the freezer? Read on to learn the basics of storing turkey for later use.
As the holidays approach many of us are planning menus and getting ready to cook that big turkey dinner. One common question is how long can you keep a fresh turkey in the fridge before cooking it? I’ve done some research on this topic and here is what I’ve learned about proper storage times for fresh turkeys.
Overview
- A fresh turkey can last 1-2 days in the fridge if stored properly at 40°F or below.
- Freezing the turkey within 1-2 days of purchasing is recommended for longer storage.
- Cook the turkey within 1-2 days of thawing if it was frozen.
- Signs a turkey has gone bad include odor, slimy texture, and discoloration.
- Temperature, packaging, and overall quality impact a fresh turkey’s fridge life.
Maximizing Fridge Life
The ideal temperature for storing fresh turkey is 40°F or below according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) This inhibits bacteria growth Try these tips
- Store turkey on the bottom shelf. This is the coldest part of the fridge.
- Keep the turkey in original airtight packaging or wrap in plastic wrap. This prevents air exposure.
- Buy high-quality turkeys that look plump and feel moist. Avoid discoloration or odors.
- Move turkeys straight from the grocery store to your fridge. Limit time left out at room temperature.
How Long Does Raw Turkey Last in the Fridge?
- Raw whole turkey: 1-2 days
- Raw turkey parts or pieces: 1-2 days after thawing
The sell-by date on turkey packaging isn’t an expiration date, just the last day stores can display it. Cook the turkey 1-2 days before this date at most.
Identifying Spoiled Turkey
Don’t risk eating turkey past its prime. Here’s how to tell if raw turkey has gone bad:
- It smells unpleasant or has a strong, foul odor
- The texture feels sticky, slimy, or tacky
- The color has changed to green, blue, or gray
Trust your senses! Off odors, textures, and colors mean it’s time to throw it out.
Frozen Turkey Fridge Life After Thawing
For maximum safety, thaw frozen turkeys gradually in the fridge. Avoid room temperature thawing.
- Raw turkey thawed in the fridge: 1-2 days
- Cooked thawed turkey: 3-4 days
Cook thawed raw turkey within 1-2 days. Use thawed cooked turkey leftovers within 3-4 days.
Should You Freeze a Fresh Turkey?
Freezing a fresh turkey within 1-2 days extends its shelf life. Here are USDA recommended freezer times:
- Fresh raw whole turkey: 1 year
- Raw turkey parts or pieces: 9 months
Prepare the turkey for freezing by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or freezer bags. Store in the freezer at 0°F or below.
Thawing a Frozen Turkey
Always thaw frozen turkeys gradually in the fridge, allowing roughly 24 hours per 4-5 pounds. Other safe thawing methods include a cold water bath or microwave.
Avoid thawing at room temperature over 40°F. Cook thawed turkey immediately, within 1-2 days at most.
Storing Cooked Turkey Leftovers
To extend the lifespan of cooked turkey leftovers:
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking
- Store in airtight containers and bags
- Use within 3-4 days or freeze for 4-6 months
Reheat leftovers to 165°F. Discard any turkey that sits out for over 2 hours.
The Takeaway
With proper refrigeration at 40°F or below, a fresh turkey will keep for 1-2 days before cooking it. Freezing gives you more flexibility. Thaw frozen turkeys in the fridge, not on the counter. Use thawed or cooked turkey within 1-4 days and watch for signs of spoilage. Follow these turkey storage guidelines for a delicious and safe holiday meal!
Storing Turkey in the Fridge
Unsure of the best process for storing turkey in the fridge? Don’t worry — it’s pretty simple! Raw pieces of turkey can be wrapped in Glad® Press’n Seal®, then stored in an airtight bag like Glad® FLEXN SEAL™ Food Storage Quart Bags. Sliced cold cuts can be stored in a food storage bag, with any extra air squeezed out before it’s sealed. Be sure to wash your hands before and after handling turkey, especially if it’s raw.
If properly stored, raw turkey can last in the fridge for 1–2 days, while cold cuts last up to 5 days. How long does cooked turkey last in the fridge? If you have leftovers that include cooked turkey, you can expect those to last in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
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Freezing Cooked Turkey and Raw Turkey
If you have enough turkey leftovers to last more than a few days, you might want to consider freezing cooked turkey instead of refrigerating it. The same is true if you’re stocked up on raw turkey that you don’t plan to cook right away. Luckily, the process for storing turkey in the freezer — whether it’s cooked or raw — is really simple.
Create an airtight seal around each individual piece of turkey using Glad® Press’n Seal®, then put them into an airtight bag, such as Glad® FLEXN SEAL™ Freezer Quart Bags, making sure to squeeze out any extra air before sealing. If you’re freezing a whole turkey, just wrap your bird in several layers of Glad® Clingn Seal™ or Glad® Press’n Seal®. In both cases, you’ll want to store the turkey in the deepest part of the freezer. When properly stored, raw turkey pieces should stay good in the freezer for up to 9 months, while whole raw turkeys last for a year when frozen. Cooked turkey pieces last in the freezer for 4–6 months.
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Per the USDA’s guidelines, you should never thaw frozen turkey on the counter or in hot water, nor should you leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
The best way to thaw turkey (whole or in pieces) is to move the frozen package from the freezer onto a plate and into the fridge, and then let it thaw gradually. Depending on the size of what you’re thawing, this method can take a full day. If raw frozen turkey is thawed in the refrigerator, the defrosted turkey can last in the fridge for 1–2 days before it needs to be cooked or refrozen.
If you’re in a hurry to thaw your turkey, there’s a faster method you can use. Ensure the turkey is in an airtight bag — like Glad® FLEXN SEAL™ Food Storage Quart Bags — then submerge it in cold tap water, changing the water every 30 minutes so it continues to thaw. You can also thaw frozen turkey pieces in the microwave, but if you want to use that method, you should plan to cook it immediately after thawing to prevent bacteria from growing.
You can learn more about how to store meat and how long meat can last in the fridge or freezer with our meat storing tips.
For safe meat preparation, reference the USDA website.
How long is leftover turkey good for in the fridge?
FAQ
How far in advance can I buy a fresh turkey?
How long can a fresh uncooked turkey stay in the fridge?
How long is fresh wild turkey good in the fridge?
Is turkey still good after 7 days in fridge?
How long does raw turkey last in the fridge?
Raw turkey can last in the fridge for 1-2 days before going bad. It’s important to store your raw turkey correctly in the fridge so it doesn’t spoil even faster. It doesn’t take a long time because the bacteria multiply rapidly at a temperature of 40°F or above. If you wait too long, your meat might end up showing some signs of spoilage.
How long can raw eggs last in the refrigerator?
It can last from 4 to 5 weeks depending on the state of your refrigerator. Please make sure to check whether there are broken eggs before storing them in fridge. Remove broken eggs to prevent contamination with the other eggs.
How long can you keep cooked turkey in the freezer?
You can keep cooked turkey in the freezer almost indefinitely, though, as microbial growth will stop when the food is frozen. When stored in the refrigerator, turkey does not last as long. Snyder points to the USDA FoodKeeper app for best guidance: The tool notes that refrigerated, cooked turkey should be eaten within 4 days.
How long can you keep a thawed Turkey in the fridge?
A fully thawed turkey can keep in the fridge for up to two days. To thaw frozen turkey, transfer it from the freezer to the fridge several days before cooking it to allow for sufficient thawing time. After thawing frozen turkey, keep it refrigerated at a temperature of 40°F or below and use it within two days to ensure optimal freshness and safety.