Making food ahead of time at home can save drivers thousands of dollars every year. Not only that, it’s healthier and it allows you to eat the food that you love instead of settling for the quickest option on the road, or the same burger you’ve been eating for years. One problem that many drivers have is knowing just how long they can store pre-cooked or even raw ingredients in the fridge or freezer.

We’ve put together this quick guide to help you with some general rules of thumb when it comes to storing pre-cooked, homemade meals.

CategoryFoodFridgeFreezer
SaladsEgg, chicken, ham, tuna & macaroni salads3 to 5 DaysDoes Not Freeze Well
Hot DogsOpened Package1 Week1 to 2 Months
Unopened Package2 Weeks1 to 2 Months
Lunch MeatOpenened Package or Deli Sliced3 to 5 Days1 to 2 Months
Unopened Package2 Weeks1 to 2 Months
 BaconBacon1 to 2 Days1 Month
 Sausage Raw from Chicken, turkey, pork or beef 1 to 2 Days1 to 2 Months
 Ground Meet Ground beef, turkey, veal, pork, lamb, or any mixture of them 1 to 2 Days  3 to 4 Months
 Fresh Meat Steaks, Chops and Roasts of beef, Pork, Lamb or Veal 3 to 5 Days 4 to 6 Months
 Fresh Poultry Chicken and Turkey (whole or pieces) 1 to 2 Days 9 Months
 Soups and Stews Any Variety 3 to 4 Days 2 to 3 Months
 Leftovers Cooked meat, pasta, rice, sauces and so on 3 to 4 Days up to 6 Months