How long does lettuce last?
Leafy salad green.
Lettuce shelf life chart
All times are best-quality guidelines based on USDA FoodKeeper and FDA storage data. Actual shelf life depends on temperature stability, packaging, and how the food was handled.
| Storage | Time |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator (40°F / 4°C) | 10 days |
Can you freeze lettuce?
Freezing lettuce is generally not recommended. Texture, flavor, and structure change significantly when frozen, and the resulting product is often unappetizing. Refer to the storage chart above for fridge and pantry options.
What to do if…
What if my lettuce is past the printed date?
What if it smells weird but looks fine?
Can expired lettuce make you sick?
Yes — but the printed date isn't the trigger. Foodborne illness comes from bacterial growth (Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, Staphylococcus) or fungal toxins, which depend on storage temperature and time, not the calendar date on the package.
Symptoms of food poisoning typically appear within 6–48 hours and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever. Severe cases — especially in young children, elderly, pregnant, or immunocompromised people — warrant medical attention. The safest practice: when in doubt, throw it out.
Frequently asked questions
How long does lettuce last in the fridge?
How can I tell if lettuce has gone bad?
Can I eat lettuce past the "best by" date?
Related shelf-life guides
Signs lettuce has gone bad
- •Wilted or limp leaves
- •Brown/black spots
- •Slimy texture
- •Sour smell
Storage tips
- ✓Paper towel absorbs excess moisture
- ✓Don't pre-wash full heads
- ✓Revive wilted: ice water bath 30 min
More vegetables
Disclaimer: Times shown are USDA/FDA-recommended best quality periods, not absolute safety guarantees. Storage conditions, packaging, and food handling all affect actual shelf life. When in doubt, throw it out.