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How long does cooked rice last?
Cooked rice can grow a heat-resistant bacterium, so cool and chill it fast.
in the fridge
4–6 days
Cool within an hour and refrigerate; reheat until steaming.
Cooked rice storage times compared
| Storage | Keeps for | |
|---|---|---|
| ❄️ Fridge | 4–6 days | |
| 🧊 Freezer | about 6 months |
Times assume a fridge at or below 4°C / 40°F and a freezer at -18°C / 0°F.
🛒 Store it better
Keep cooked rice fresher for longer with the right glass meal-prep containers.
Shop glass meal-prep containers →How to tell if cooked rice has gone bad
- Sour or off smell
- Slimy or sticky clumps
- Mold
Storage tips
- Cool rice quickly and refrigerate within one hour to limit Bacillus cereus.
- Reheat only once, until piping hot.
Frequently asked questions
- Is leftover rice dangerous?
- Only if left warm too long — cool it fast, chill it, and reheat thoroughly.