How Long Leftover Gravy Lasts and How to Tell if It's Still Good to Eat

Whether you plan to serve family-favorite casseroles and gratins or want to try a few brand-new recipes alongside your roast turkey this year, there's one accompaniment that no Thanksgiving dinner would be complete without: gravy. It tops everything from mashed potatoes to turkey, and because it is so often made in a big batch, you'll likely have plenty left at the end of the meal to enjoy with your other leftovers. But before that gravy boat makes the rounds in the following days, it's essential to know how long gravy lasts in the fridge. We asked a food safety expert for insights.

Signs Gravy Has Gone Bad

First and foremost, it's important to note that gravy does expire, and that goes for homemade concoctions in addition to store-bought varieties.

"If you purchase a jar of gravy from the grocer, you can follow the 'Best If Used By' or 'Use By' date stamped on the label or package to consume the gravy at its best quality (color, consistency, taste)," says Tamika Sims, Ph.D., the senior director of Food Technology Communications at the International Food Information Council. "However, for both store-bought gravy and gravy made (with or without meat and poultry) at home, there are some signs of spoilage that should be adhered to for good food safety measures."

Start assessing the state of your gravy by looking at visual cues such as texture and color. Abnormally soft, slimy, moldy, or discolored gravy means it's spoiled. Even if you remove the slime or mold, Sims explains that leftover microbes can still potentially cause a foodborne illness.

Canned Gravy

Let's say you have canned gravy that hasn't been opened. If the can itself is swollen, then its contents are likely spoiled and should be tossed. That's not the only reason cans might appear abnormal, though, so investigating the gravy itself according to the signs above will be helpful. If you simply cannot tell if your canned gravy is spoiled, contact the company for more information. "Lastly, if you are still unsure, it is best to disregard the food and toss it in the trash," Sims adds. "Do not try to repurpose it for anyone's (including a pet's) consumption."

How Long Gravy Lasts

Not all gravy is the same: Factors such as storage methods and meat or vegetable content can dictate how long gravy lasts in the fridge. Per the USDA, regular meat-based gravy can be stored in a refrigerator for three to four days or in the freezer for four to six months. If the gravy is prepared with only vegetables, you can treat it as you would a soup or stew, storing it in a refrigerator for three to four days.

How to Store It Properly

Gravy should be stored in an air-tight container or jar or in a covered dish with plastic wrap; when sealed in this manner and refrigerated, it should last at least three days.

If Added to Meat or Poultry

Storing store-bought gravy based on the directions on the label can eliminate guesswork, but if you add the gravy to a meat or poultry dish, "you will need to treat it like the homemade gravy that would be prepped using meat and poultry," says Sims. This means when properly stored (see above), it should last three to four days in the refrigerator.

Stay Proactive

Using your discretion is also a smart move when it comes to deciding when it's time to throw away any food. "It should be safe to consume a food beyond its date label if it has been properly stored," she says. "However, consumers should regularly evaluate their pantry and refrigerator, monitor any changes in texture and smell, and use their best judgment."