How Long Does Lettuce Last?
Storage method
Lettuce — iceberg, romaine — refrigerator, from date of purchase
1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator
- Refrigerator at or below 40 °F (4 °C)
- Applies from date of purchase · iceberg, romaine
Pick a valid date to calculate the recommended use-by window.
Source: USDA FSIS FoodKeeper (v128, snapshot 2026-07-24) · About this data · Report an issue
FoodStorageCheck — official USDA FoodKeeper guidance · foodstoragecheck.com
All official guidance for lettuce
Every storage entry the USDA FoodKeeper dataset lists for this food, exactly as published (v128, snapshot 2026-07-24). “No official duration listed” means the source does not provide a number for that combination — not that the food lasts forever.
Lettuce — iceberg, romaine
| Where | Condition | Official time |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | from date of purchase | 1 to 2 weeks |
| Freezer | general guideline | Not recommended |
Lettuce — leaf, spinach
| Where | Condition | Official time |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | from date of purchase | 3 to 7 days |
| Freezer | general guideline | Not recommended |
Common questions about lettuce
- How long does lettuce last in the refrigerator?
- 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator, counted from the date of purchase, per the USDA FSIS FoodKeeper dataset. Times assume a refrigerator at or below 40 °F (4 °C).
- Can you freeze lettuce?
- The USDA FoodKeeper dataset lists this storage method as not recommended for lettuce.
Two reminders that apply here
Keep the fridge at 40 °F (4 °C) or below.Refrigerator times in this dataset assume a refrigerator held at or below 40 °F. An appliance thermometer is the reliable way to check.
The two-hour rule.Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours (1 hour above 90 °F / 32 °C) should be discarded, per FoodSafety.gov. Storage windows assume food was refrigerated promptly.