Calculator
Freezer time calculator
Choose a food and the day it went into the freezer. We tell you when it is past its best — frozen food stays safe, but quality drops.
Your best-quality date appears here.
Quality, not safety
FSIS is clear that food kept constantly at 0°F (-18°C) is safe indefinitely. FoodKeeper's freezer times tell you how long food keeps its best flavour and texture. After that, it is still safe to eat but may be dry, tough or bland.
Getting the most from your freezer
- Wrap tightly and squeeze out air to prevent freezer burn.
- Freeze flat in bags for fast freezing and thawing.
- Label everything with the name and date.
FAQ
Is frozen food safe after the freezer time?
Yes. Food held at 0°F (-18°C) stays safe indefinitely. The freezer time is when quality — texture and flavour — starts to decline.
What is freezer burn?
Dry, greyish patches where air reached the food. It is safe to eat; trim the patches off before or after cooking.
Does the clock start when I bought it?
It starts when you froze it. Label bags with the date going in.
What temperature should my freezer be?
0°F (-18°C) or colder. Check it with an appliance thermometer.
More tools: Leftover calculator · Thaw time calculator · Left-out checker · Best-by date decoder
Numbers on this page come from USDA FoodKeeper and FSIS guidance. Last verified November 2026. How we verify our data · Report a wrong number