Leftovers are one of the easiest ways to stretch a grocery budget. They are only a good deal if they are handled safely, so here is what Health Canada recommends.
Cool and store them quickly
- Keep food out of the "danger zone" between 4°C (40°F) and 60°C (140°F), where harmful bacteria grow quickly.
- Throw away cooked food that has been left out at room temperature for more than two hours.
- Put hot leftovers in shallow containers so they cool quickly, and refrigerate them once the steaming stops.
- Use clean containers or leak-proof bags, and keep different leftovers separate.
- Write the date on each container so nothing is stored too long.
How long do they keep?
Health Canada's current guidance is to eat refrigerated leftovers within two to three days, or freeze them for later. Some provincial fact sheets allow up to four days. When in doubt, follow the shorter time, and remember the rule: when in doubt, throw it out.
Thawing and reheating
- Thaw frozen leftovers in the refrigerator or the microwave, and cook or eat them right away after thawing.
- Reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).
- Throw away uneaten leftovers after they have been reheated.
Ways to use them up
- Soup or stew: a good home for leftover vegetables and meat.
- Fried rice or stir-fry: works well with cooked rice and bits of protein.
- Wraps and sandwiches: use leftover roasted chicken or beef.
- Pasta bake: combine leftover pasta, sauce, and cheese.
- Lunch tomorrow: Canada's Food Guide suggests cooking enough for more than one meal and using the leftovers the next day.
The bottom line
A few simple habits turn leftovers into free meals instead of waste. Cool them fast, date them, keep them for only a short time, and reheat them properly. ShoppedOut can help you shop for the next planned meal at the lowest total price nearby.
Sources
- Health Canada, "Food safety tips for leftovers": https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/general-food-safety-tips/food-safety-tips-leftovers.html
- Government of Nunavut, "Leftovers factsheet": https://www.gov.nu.ca/sites/default/files/documents/2025-10/Leftovers_Factsheet.pdf
- Health Canada, Canada's Food Guide, "Plan what you eat": https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-guide/explore/healthy-eating-recommendations/cook-more-often/plan-what-you-eat.html