Cooked Rice
The answer
Cooked rice lasts 3–4 days in the fridge and 1–2 months in the freezer.
Caution Refrigerate rice within 2 hours of cooking. Bacillus cereus spores survive cooking and multiply fast at room temperature.
How long it keeps
Fridge (40°F) 3–4 days safe window
Freezer (0°F) 1–2 months best quality
Room temp 2 hours max then discard
Discard Discard rice left out more than 2 hours. Do not taste it to check — B. cereus toxins have no smell.
By state & packaging
State Fridge Freezer
Cooked, refrigerated promptly 3–4 days 1–2 months
Fried rice / rice dishes 3–4 days 1–2 months
Dry, uncooked white rice — —
Signs it has gone bad
✕ Hard, dry, or crusty grains with off smell
✕ Sour or funky odor
✕ Any mold or discoloration
FAQ
Is cooked rice still good after 5 days?
No. USDA guidance for cooked rice is 3–4 days refrigerated. At 5 days, discard it.
Why is leftover rice risky?
Uncooked rice can carry Bacillus cereus spores that survive cooking. If cooked rice sits at room temperature, the bacteria multiply and produce toxins that reheating does not destroy. Refrigerate within 2 hours and reheat to 165°F.