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.
Fresh turkey is a delicious choice for holiday meals and family dinners. But to safely enjoy fresh turkey it’s important to know how long it can be stored before cooking. Understand proper fridge life freezing guidelines, and signs of spoilage to get the most out of your fresh turkey purchase.
Shelf Life of Fresh Raw Turkey
Fresh raw turkey has a very limited shelf life compared to frozen. Follow these storage times for safety:
-
Store fresh turkey no more than 1-2 days in the refrigerator before cooking.
-
For longer storage, freeze turkey. Frozen turkey lasts up to 1 year in the freezer.
Proper refrigeration is key. Keep fresh turkey chilled at 40°F or below. Use leak-proof packaging. Cook within 1-2 days for optimal freshness and food safety.
Factors Affecting Fresh Turkey’s Fridge Life
How long fresh turkey lasts in the fridge depends on a few factors:
-
Storage temperature – Colder is better. Keep the temperature at 40°F or below.
-
Packaging – Store in airtight, leak-proof packaging or wrapping. Limit air exposure.
-
Turkey quality – Higher quality turkey stored properly will last longer. Avoid torn packages or off-odors.
Monitor these factors to maximize fresh turkey’s fridge shelf life, Cook within 1-2 days for best quality and safety
Freezing Guidelines for Raw Turkey
For longer storage, freeze fresh turkey immediately if not using within 1-2 days.
-
Freeze in airtight packaging up to 1 year for optimal quality.
-
Thaw turkey slowly in the refrigerator before cooking, allowing 24 hours per 4-5 pounds.
-
Cook thawed turkey within 1-2 days for food safety. Do not refreeze raw turkey after thawing.
Signs Turkey Has Spoiled
Discard fresh turkey if you notice:
- Slimy texture or sticky film
- Foul odors
- Discoloration
- Dry, hard meat
- Mold growth
- Leaking or torn packaging
Do not taste questionable turkey to test for spoilage. Cook within 1-2 days and discard any turkey with signs of spoilage. Don’t risk eating spoiled turkey.
Dangers of Spoiled Turkey
Eating rotten turkey can cause foodborne illness. Bacteria like salmonella and listeria rapidly multiply on perishable raw turkey if stored improperly at unsafe temperatures.
Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping. In extreme cases, food poisoning from turkey can be life-threatening.
Always inspect fresh turkey before cooking. Cook within 1-2 days of purchasing for safety. Monitor for signs of spoilage and immediately discard anyexpired or questionable turkey.
Buying Turkey in Advance of Cooking Day
Only buy fresh turkey 1-2 days before cooking it. The fridge life does not reset if you freeze then thaw turkey.
For holiday meals, buy fresh turkeys no more than 2 days in advance. Then cook within 1-2 days for the best flavor and texture.
If you need to buy earlier, freeze the turkey immediately and thaw in the refrigerator when ready to cook.
Do not attempt to store fresh turkey longer than 1-2 days before cooking it. This risks dangerous bacterial growth over time.
Cooking Previously Frozen Turkey
Follow food safety guidelines when cooking previously frozen turkey:
-
Thaw turkey slowly in the refrigerator, allowing 24 hours per 4-5 pounds.
-
Cook thawed turkey within 1-2 days for best quality and safety.
-
Reheat cooked turkey leftovers to 165°F.
-
Discard cooked turkey after 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
-
Do not refreeze raw turkey after it has thawed.
Always monitor thawed turkey for signs of spoilage and discard any turkey that smells bad or has an odd appearance or texture. Cook thawed turkey within 1-2 days for optimal freshness and safety.
Storing Cooked Turkey
Store cooked turkey properly for maximum leftovers lifespan:
-
Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.
-
Store in shallow containers at 40°F or below.
-
Only keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
-
Reheat to 165°F before eating leftovers.
Following food safety guidelines allows you to safely enjoy turkey leftovers for 3-4 days. Discard any turkey that has been refrigerated for longer.
Keeping an Eye on Quality
Properly handle and store fresh turkey to maximize quality and fridge life:
-
Chill at 40°F or below immediately after purchase.
-
Use airtight, leak-proof packaging or wrapping.
-
Cook within 1-2 days for best flavor and texture.
-
Monitor for signs of spoilage.
With optimal refrigeration and careful monitoring, fresh raw turkey will stay fresh for 1-2 days. Freezing uncooked turkey is best for longer storage. Follow safety guidelines after thawing. Discard turkey with any signs of spoilage after the use-by date. Then you can enjoy the delicious taste of fresh turkey on your holiday table.
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.
Your browser does not support the video element.
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.
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.
Your browser does not support the video element.
How long can you keep a thawed turkey in the refrigerator before cooking?
FAQ
Can I keep a fresh turkey in the fridge for a week?
An uncooked turkey can last in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days. If you need to store it for a longer period, it’s best to freeze it, where it can last for several months. Always make sure the turkey is stored in its original packaging or wrapped tightly to prevent contamination and maintain freshness.
How far in advance can I buy a fresh turkey?
Fresh turkeys should not be purchased until one or two days before you cook it, unless the manufacturer’s tag has a “Best by” or “Use by” date that indicates …Nov 9, 2023
How long can you keep a freshly killed turkey in the refrigerator?
| Storage Times | ||
|---|---|---|
| Turkey Item | Refrigerator Storage | Freezer Storage |
| Fresh whole turkey | 1 to 2 days | 12 months |
| Fresh turkey parts | 1 to 2 days | 9 months |
| Ground turkey, giblets | 1 to 2 days | 3 to 4 months |
How long can you keep a fresh turkey prior to cooking?
Buy a fresh turkey one to two days before the day you plan to cook. If there is a ‘best-by’ or ‘use by’ date on the manufacturer’s label, then you can keep fresh poultry, unopened, in the refrigerator until that date. Do not follow the ‘sell by’ date on the label.
Can You Refrigerate a Turkey before cooking?
Keep the refrigerator temperature at or below 40°F (4°C). Refrigerating the turkey at the proper temperature is essential to avoid spoilage. By following these storage guidelines, you can safely keep your fresh turkey in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before cooking it to enjoy a tasty and safe Thanksgiving feast. 1.
Can one have turkey and carrots?
Eating turkey and carrots is part of healthy habits. The turkey has meat like chicken and is another healthy poultry option. Carrots are rich in carotenoids, it is a source of vitamin A, fiber, potassium and vitamin B3.
When should a fresh turkey be cooked?
Select fresh: The “fresh” label means the turkey has never been chilled below 26 F. Fresh turkeys should not be purchased until one or two days before you cook it, unless the manufacturer’s tag has a “Best by” or “Use by” date that indicates the turkey will be okay on the date you plan to cook it. How long can a fresh turkey wait to be cooked?
How long can you keep leftover Turkey?
You’ll need to store the turkey leftovers in the fridge if you want to use them within one or two days. Put small portions of leftovers in an airtight container, plastic wrap, or aluminum foil and place them in the fridge. It’s recommended to store turkey leftovers within two hours of cooking. Also, consume them within three to four days.
How long does a fresh turkey last?
It won’t last indefinitely. You need to treat it as you would any other poultry. A fresh turkey should have a sell by date on it. Fresh turkeys tend to arrive at stores the weekend that is before the weekend that is before Thanksgiving – in other words just under 2 weeks from Thanksgiving Day.
How long does a Turkey last in the fridge?
So, if you plan to keep your turkey for over two days, it is best to freeze it. Raw turkey – whether fresh or frozen and then thawed – can last for up to 2 days inside the fridge once it is fully thawed. The whole raw turkey will last for 1 year, while raw turkey pieces will be good for up to 9 months in the freezer.