Per USDA FoodKeeper · 1 cup cooked (158 g)
On the counterCounter
2 hours
1 hour if above 90°F
In the fridgeFridge
4–6 days
airtight, at or below 40°F
In the freezerFreezer
6 months
safe indefinitely; quality drops
On the counterCounter
2 years
white rice, sealed; brown rice 1 year
In the fridgeFridge
Not needed
keep dry rice sealed instead
In the freezerFreezer
Not needed
optional; stops pantry pests
Quick answer
Yes. Cooked rice lasts 4–6 days in the fridge and 6 months in the freezer. After that, or sooner if stored badly, it spoils: watch for the signs below.
How to tell if cooked rice is bad
Smell
Sour or musty instead of neutral.
Texture
Slimy, sticky film or unusually hard, dried grains.
Colour
Yellow, grey or any green/black spots.
Mould
Any fuzzy growth — discard the whole container.
Cooked rice past the expiration date
Dry, unopened
FoodKeeper gives dry white rice 2 years in the pantry and brown rice 1 year — the oils in brown rice go rancid. Keep it sealed, cool and dry.
Cooked
There is no printed date; the clock starts when it cools. Count 4–6 days from the day you cooked it, not from the day you bought the rice.
How to keep cooked rice fresh longer
- Refrigerate within 1 hour in a shallow, airtight container.
- Keep the fridge at or below 40°F (4°C); the door shelf is warmest.
- Reheat only the portion you will eat; do not reheat more than once.
More about cooked rice
FAQ
How long does it take for cooked rice to go bad?
4–6 days in the fridge, per USDA FoodKeeper. At room temperature, 2 hours.
Can cooked rice expire?
FoodKeeper gives dry white rice 2 years in the pantry and brown rice 1 year — the oils in brown rice go rancid. Keep it sealed, cool and dry.
What happens if you eat bad cooked rice?
Spoiled perishable food can cause food poisoning: nausea, vomiting, cramps or diarrhoea. See a doctor if symptoms are severe or last more than a few days.
How do you keep cooked rice from going bad?
Refrigerate within 1 hour in a shallow, airtight container.
Numbers on this page come from USDA FoodKeeper and FSIS guidance. Last verified November 2026. How we verify our data · Report a wrong number