Storing food in the freezer is the best way to prolong its life. Stocking up on frozen foods will help you go longer between shopping trips. While you may trust frozen foods to last indefinitely, it's important to note that even the freezer won't preserve your meals forever. While many items are still safe to eat after years, the quality and flavor will have diminished significantly over this amount of time. Here are some general guidelines on the longevity of frozen foods: Bacon or lamb: 2 months. Oily fish or cooked shellfish: 3 months. Unblanched vegetables: 3 months. Beef, veal, chicken, turkey, venison, pork, rabbit, or cured meat: 3 months. Prepared soups and sauces: 3 months. Prepared meals, bread, and cakes: 6 months. Whitefish: 6 months. Fruit: 6 months. Unsalted butter: 6 months. Vacuum-sealed fish: 1 year. Blanched vegetables: 1 year. Salted butter: 1 year. Ice cream: 1 year.