Cups & Temps

How long does raw ground turkey last?

Raw ground turkey keeps 1-2 days in the fridge at 40°F or below. Frozen, it keeps best quality 3-4 months and stays safe indefinitely at 0°F. Cook it to 165°F.

Counter2 hours2-hour rule for perishables
Fridge1–2 daysat 40°F or below
Freezer3–4 monthsbest quality

Storage times from USDA, FoodSafety.gov, FDA and university extension services. Checked .

When does it need to be eaten?

Pick the food and the day it went into the fridge or freezer. We count forward using USDA storage times.

Where

Pick a date to see the use-by day.

How long does raw ground turkey last in the fridge?

1–2 days at 40°F (4°C) or below.

Can you freeze raw ground turkey?

Yes. For best quality use it within 3–4 months. Best quality; safe indefinitely at 0°F.

  • Flatten in freezer bags for fast, even thawing.
  • Freeze in 1-pound portions you will use at once.

After thawing: If thawed in the fridge, cook within 1-2 days or refreeze uncooked; cook immediately after cold-water or microwave thawing.

How long can raw ground turkey sit out?

No more than 2 hours at room temperature, or 1 hour when it's above 90°F (USDA's 2-hour rule). After that, throw it out.

How to tell if raw ground turkey has gone bad

  • Sour or off odor
  • Slimy or sticky texture
  • Gray-green color

Bacteria that cause food poisoning don't always change the look or smell of food, so go by the storage times above. When in doubt, throw it out.

Questions people ask

Is ground turkey good after the sell-by date?

Use or freeze ground turkey within 1-2 days of purchase regardless of the sell-by date, and freeze it before that date if you can.

What temperature should ground turkey be cooked to?

165°F, as for all poultry.

How long can cooked ground turkey stay in the fridge?

Raw ground turkey keeps 1–2 days in the refrigerator at 40°F or below.

Can you freeze ground turkey?

Yes. Frozen at 0°F, raw ground turkey stays safe indefinitely; for best quality use it within 3–4 months.

Can you freeze cooked ground turkey?

Yes. Frozen at 0°F, raw ground turkey stays safe indefinitely; for best quality use it within 3–4 months.

How long does ground turkey last in freezer?

For best quality, 3–4 months in a 0°F freezer. Frozen food stays safe indefinitely; time only affects taste and texture.

How long does ground turkey last in the fridge?

Raw ground turkey keeps 1–2 days in the refrigerator at 40°F or below.

Sources