How Long Does Cooked Rice Last in the Fridge? (Safety Tips)
Published · 4 min read
Cooked rice lasts 3–4 days in the fridge if you cool it quickly and refrigerate it within 1 hour. Rice needs more care than most leftovers, because spores of the bacteria Bacillus cereus survive cooking and can multiply if rice sits warm.
Rice storage times
| Rice | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Plain cooked rice | 3–4 days | Up to 6 months |
| Fried rice, rice dishes | 3–4 days | 2–3 months |
| Uncooked white rice | Pantry, years | – |
| Uncooked brown rice | Pantry 6 months; fridge 12 months | – |
How to store cooked rice safely
- Cool it fast: spread it on a tray or in a shallow container. Don’t leave a full pot on the stove.
- Refrigerate within 1 hour of cooking.
- Freeze in portions, flattened in bags; it reheats in 2–3 minutes in the microwave.
Reheating
Reheat only once, until steaming hot throughout. Add a splash of water and cover it to keep it soft.
Day-old rice makes the best egg fried rice. More foods in the fridge storage chart.
Questions
How long does cooked rice last in the fridge?
Cooked rice keeps for 3–4 days in the fridge when cooled and refrigerated within 1 hour. Some food agencies, such as the UK’s NHS, advise eating it within 24 hours to be extra safe.
Can you reheat rice twice?
No. Reheat cooked rice only once, until it is steaming hot all the way through.
