About
What TossOrKeep does
TossOrKeep.co.uk is a free, UK-based food shelf-life reference tool. Type in any opened food — a jar of pesto, leftover curry, raw chicken, or a tub of cream cheese — and get a clear answer: how many days it is safe to use after opening, based on UK FSA and US FDA guidance.
The site is designed for home cooks in the UK and US who want a fast, reliable answer without wading through conflicting advice online.
Why we built it
UK households throw away an estimated £730 worth of food every year — much of it still safe to eat. The root cause is uncertainty: people are not sure if something is still good, so they bin it to be safe.
TossOrKeep gives people the confidence to make that call correctly. Every result page shows exactly how long to keep the item, what spoilage signs to watch for, and how the UK and US guidelines differ.
Our data sources
Shelf-life windows on TossOrKeep.co.uk are based on:
- UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) guidelines and manufacturer storage advice.
- US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and USDA FoodKeeper recommendations.
- NHS food safety guidance for common household foods.
- Manufacturer labelling and professional food-safety research literature.
All data is reviewed for reasonableness. Where UK and US guidance differs, both are shown clearly so users can choose the right mode for their location.
What the site is not
TossOrKeep is a planning reference tool, not a medical authority. Guidance is based on general storage expectations under normal refrigeration. It does not replace the manufacturer's label, professional food-safety inspection, or your own judgement. Always discard food if you see, smell, or feel signs of spoilage — regardless of the day count.
How the site is funded
TossOrKeep.co.uk is free to use. It is funded by Google AdSense advertising and affiliate links to relevant household storage products. These help cover server costs and content development. The core shelf-life guidance is never influenced by commercial relationships — food safety data is researched independently.
Advertising is displayed in accordance with our privacy policy. Users in the UK and EU are shown a consent choice before any personalised advertising is activated.
Contact us
Questions, corrections, or food suggestions: [email protected]
If you spot an error in our shelf-life data, please email us with a source and we will review and update promptly.