how long is rice good in the fridge

Cooked rice is usually safe in the fridge for 3–4 days if stored properly, though some sources extend that to up to 6 days if your fridge is very cold and the rice was cooled quickly.

Quick scoop

• White rice (plain) : 3–4 days in the fridge; up to 6 days if your fridge is ≤40°F (≤4°C) and it was cooled within 1–2 hours of cooking.

• Brown rice : Slightly shorter shelf life, around 3–4 days , because the extra oils can go rancid faster.

• Flavored or saucy rice (fried rice, risotto, etc.) : Treat like plain rice—3–4 days max , since sauces and proteins can spoil sooner.

When to toss it

Throw rice out if you notice any of these:

• Sour, “off,” or musty smell.

• Slimy, sticky, or very dry, hard texture.

• Visible mold or discoloration.

Storage tips

• Cool rice to room temperature within 1–2 hours of cooking, then refrigerate in an airtight container.

• If you won’t eat it within 4 days, freeze it; frozen rice keeps well for 3–6 months.

Forum‑style mini‑takeaways

• Many home cooks say they safely eat rice up to 5–6 days if it smells and looks fine, but food‑safety agencies lean conservative at 3–4 days.

• A common forum refrain: “If you’re unsure, toss it —rice‑related food‑poisoning (from Bacillus cereus) is not worth the risk.”

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.