How long will meal prepped food last in the refrigerator?
Hey there fellow meal preppers! Are you tired of digging through your fridge and finding a science experiment in a container instead of a delicious meal? Well, have no fear because today we’re going to talk about how long your meal prepped food will last in the refrigerator.
First things first, let’s talk about the importance of labeling your meal prepped food. Not only is it helpful for keeping track of when you made it, but it also ensures that you don’t accidentally eat something that’s been in the fridge for too long. At MESS, we sell food and meal prep organization labels, some of which are even dissolvable! That means no more scrubbing off old labels and leaving behind a mess.
Now, onto the meat and potatoes (or tofu and quinoa, whichever you prefer) of the matter. How long will your meal prepped food last in the refrigerator? It depends on the type of food and how it’s been stored.
Cooked grains and pasta can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Cooked vegetables can last up to 4 days.
Cooked meat and fish can last up to 3 days.
Soups and stews can last up to 3-4 days.
Salads, like pasta salad or potato salad, should be eaten within 2-3 days.
It’s important to note that these are just general guidelines. The key to making sure your meal prepped food lasts as long as possible is proper storage. Make sure to keep your food in airtight containers and to not leave it out at room temperature for too long before storing it in the refrigerator.
If you’re ever unsure about whether or not your meal prepped food is still safe to eat, use the sniff test. If it smells off or has any visible signs of spoilage, it’s best to play it safe and throw it away.
But don’t let the fear of food going bad stop you from meal prepping! Just make sure to label your food, store it properly and pay attention to the guidelines above.
Happy meal prepping!