Homemade coleslaw lasts 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator when it is promptly chilled and kept at or below 40 °F (4 °C). That coleslaw-specific range is attributed to the USDA FSIS FoodKeeper dataset by FoodStorageCheck, which identifies dataset version 128 and a snapshot dated July 24, 2026; the USDA record was not directly surfaced on an official USDA page. Treat the range as a guideline, not a guarantee if the slaw’s storage history is uncertain.
What the 3-to-5-day window assumes
The reported FoodKeeper range applies to refrigerated storage. Keep the refrigerator at or below 40 °F (4 °C); USDA and FDA recommend checking the temperature with a refrigerator thermometer. A built-in display may not reflect the temperature where food is stored.
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USDA recommends covering leftovers, wrapping them in airtight packaging, or placing them in sealed storage containers. Covering helps with storage, but it does not extend the recommended time window.
When to discard coleslaw left out
Refrigerate perishable food within 2 hours, or within 1 hour when the surrounding temperature is above 90 °F (32 °C). Discard coleslaw left at room temperature longer than those limits. USDA explains that bacteria grow most rapidly between 40 °F and 140 °F.
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If you do not know how long the slaw was unrefrigerated or whether it stayed cold, do not assume the usual refrigerated window makes it safe.
Can smell or appearance tell you if it is safe?
No. Disease-causing bacteria may not change food’s taste, smell, or appearance, according to USDA. Use the storage time and temperature history rather than tasting or smelling the slaw to judge its safety.
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Does mayonnaise-based or vinegar-based coleslaw last longer?
Official coleslaw-specific guidance establishing different refrigerated safety durations for mayonnaise-based and vinegar-based recipes was not found. Do not assume one style lasts longer; follow the same time-and-temperature precautions for either.
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Sources and guidance
- FoodStorageCheck’s report of the USDA FSIS FoodKeeper dataset attributes the 3-to-5-day coleslaw entry to dataset version 128, with a snapshot dated July 24, 2026. This is a secondary report, not a directly verified USDA webpage.
- USDA FSIS: Leftovers and Food Safety
- USDA FSIS: Danger Zone (40°F–140°F)
- FDA: Are You Storing Food Safely?
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