How long does Turkey last?
In the fridge: 3 days
In the freezer: 90 days
Raw meat and poultry like Turkey last 1–3 days in the fridge at 4°C or below — longer than seafood, shorter than dairy. Ground varieties spoil faster (1–2 days) because surface area exposed to air is larger. Cooked versions keep 3–4 days refrigerated in a sealed container. Frozen, whole cuts hold quality for months — typically 6–9 months for poultry, up to a year for beef and pork. Color shifts toward brown in air-exposed parts: that's oxidation, not necessarily spoilage. Smell is the decisive signal.
How to store it
- Bottom shelf in a sealed container or tray on a plate
- Keep fridge at or below 4°C
- Freeze the day you buy if not cooking within 1–3 days
- Squeeze air out of freezer bags
- Thaw overnight in the fridge
Signs it has gone bad
- Sour, ammonia, or off smell
- Sticky or slimy surface
- Grey or greenish tint
- Visible mold or unusual texture
Signs it has gone bad
How long does raw Turkey last in the fridge?
Raw Turkey lasts 1–3 days at or below 4°C. Cook or freeze it the day you bring it home if you can't cook within that window.
Can you freeze Turkey?
Yes — best within a day of purchase. Whole cuts last 6–12 months in the freezer; ground varieties shorter. Thaw in the fridge.
Is Turkey bad if the color changed?
Not necessarily — surface browning is oxidation, not spoilage. Smell and texture are reliable signals; sour or ammonia smell means throw it out.