For things like meal prepping, your freezer can be your best friend, saving you time and money. Even though it may be easy to toss some items in there and forget about them for a while, what you store in the freezer loses its quality over time. Here’s how long some you can keep some of your favorites in the freezer.

Whole Chicken: A Year

A whole chicken can be your freezer’s feathered friend for up to a year, ready to be transformed into delicious roasts, stews, or soups whenever you’re craving a poultry fix.

Chicken Pieces: Nine Months

If you prefer your chicken in bite-sized portions, it’s not that much different. Chicken pieces remain clucking fresh for around nine months, offering versatility for various recipes from stir-fries to casseroles.

Salmon: Three Months

For seafood aficionados, salmon stays fresh for approximately three months in the freezer, perfect for those spontaneous sushi nights or elegant fish dinners. Whether you’re grilling, baking, or pan-searing, frozen salmon provides a convenient and delicious option for incorporating healthy omega-3 fatty acids into your diet.

Cod or Flounder: Six Months

If cod or flounder are your catch of the day, rejoice! These fishy delights maintain their quality for up to six months, allowing you to reel in the flavors of the sea whenever the mood strikes.

Ground Beef, Lamb, or Pork: Three Months

Ground meats are freezer-friendly for about three months, so your favorite meatballs, burgers, or tacos are always within reach for a quick and satisfying meal.

Pork or Lamb Chops: Six Months

You can count on them to maintain their taste and texture for a generous six months in the freezer, ready to be seared to perfection. From grilling, broiling, or pan-frying frozen pork or lamb chops provide a convenient option for elevating weeknight dinners or entertaining guests with gourmet flair.

Beef Roasts: Six Months

Beef roasts make the perfect hearty meal, and luckily, they can withstand the icy embrace of the freezer for up to six months, promising tender and flavorful dinners for special occasions or lazy Sundays.

Fruits and Veggies: A Month

While fresh produce is best enjoyed promptly, you can extend the lifespan of fruits and veggies by freezing them for up to a month, so you always have nutritious ingredients on hand for smoothies, sauces, or sides.

Nuts: Six Months

Keep them crunchy and fresh by storing them in the freezer, where they’ll remain at their best for up to six months.

Bread: A Month

Freeze your surplus bread for up to a month, then toast slices to golden perfection whenever hunger strikes.

Soup: Two Months

Soups are the ultimate comfort food, and they freeze exceptionally well. Whether it’s a hearty stew or a soothing broth, your homemade soups will stay fresh and flavorful for up to two months in the freezer.

Casseroles: Two Months of Baked Bliss

Casseroles are a convenient way to combine various ingredients into one delicious dish. Freeze your favorite casseroles for up to two months, then simply reheat for a hassle-free meal that’s as comforting as it is convenient.