Baby Food
How long does opened ready-to-feed or concentrate formula last in the fridge?
An opened can of liquid concentrate or ready-to-feed formula keeps 2 days in the fridge — cover it the moment it’s open and pour off whatever is left after that.
How long does it keep?
| Fridge, opened | 2 days |
|---|
Can it sit out?
Unopened, liquid formula is shelf-stable. Once opened, treat it as perishable — the FSIS 2-hour rule applies.
Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).
How to tell if liquid formula has gone bad
- A metallic or sour edge to the smell
- Separation that stays separated after a hard shake
- Specks or curd clinging to the side of the container
- Rust or a dark stain around the cut edge of the can
When in doubt, throw it out.
Pour an opened can into a clean lidded container — formula sitting in an open tin picks up both fridge smells and metal.
Quick answers
How long does opened ready-to-feed or concentrate formula last in the fridge?
An opened can of liquid concentrate or ready-to-feed formula keeps 2 days in the fridge — cover it the moment it’s open and pour off whatever is left after that.
How long can liquid formula sit out?
Sitting out isn’t the safety question for unopened liquid formula — once opened, the FSIS 2-hour rule applies. Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).