Lamb

Lamb refers to the meat of a sheep under one year of age. It is a form of red meat and is a popular choice for sunday roasts and it can be grilled, braised and cooked on the barbeque. Lamb is a source of protein and contains vitamin B12.

How to store

How to store raw lamb

All raw meat should be stored at the bottom of the fridge in a clean, sealed container to stop it touching or dripping onto other things.

Freezing lamb

Raw and cooked lamb can be frozen for between 3- 6 months (check packaging for any specific details). Freeze raw lamb right up to its use by date.

Storing cooked lamb

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, freezer for 3 - 6 months.

Lamb top tips

How to freeze and defrost

To freeze: Raw and cooked lamb can be frozen in a sealed bag or container. You can also freeze previously frozen meat if it’s been cooked.

To defrost: When you take food / drink out of the freezer, it’s important to defrost it safely. Don’t defrost at room temperature. Ideally, defrost fully in the fridge and use within 24 hours. Or, use a microwave on the defrost setting directly before cooking/ reheating.

Take a look at our How do I guide on freezing and defrosting meat.

Eating the whole food

Use / freeze bones and carcass meat after a roast to make stock.

Be fabulous with leftovers

Leftover fresh lamb

Lamb should be cooked, eaten or frozen right up to the use by date. After the use by date, the food is unsafe to eat, even if it has been stored correctly and looks and smells fine. Once raw lamb has been defrosted, cook within 24 hours. Once cooked, this will last for a couple of days in the fridge or it can be frozen again. Defrost and eat within 24 hours. Always make sure to check the on-pack instructions after purchasing.

Cut any leftover uncooked lamb into strips and use it in a stir fry.

Leftover cooked lamb

Any leftover cooked meat can be added to salads, sandwiches or wraps for lunch the next day

Buying tips

Buy the right pack size for your needs. Think about whether you’ll get through the whole pack before the use by date and how long you have to use the lamb once the pack has been opened. If you’re not going to eat all the portions in the pack in time, freeze some for later. Think about swapping fresh lamb for frozen. Frozen foods last a long time in the freezer, you can use as much as you need when you need to and they can often be a cheaper option.

Perfect portions

Use our portion calculator for a quick and simple way to check how much of this food to serve at mealtimes.

Use portion calculator

Valuing your Lamb beyond the price tag

Goodness in food

Your food is more than its shape, colour and price. Your food has an important role to play to help keep you healthy and with enough energy to live your life how you wish to.

A source of protein which the body needs for growth and repair of muscles and bones.
A good source of vitamin B12 which helps the body make red blood cells and keep the nervous system healthy.
Lamb is high in saturated fats which can increase the amount of cholesterol in the blood. This could increase your risk of developing heart disease.

Food story

By the time your food arrives in your home, it’s already been on quite a journey starting with how it’s made or grown and how your food reaches the supermarket.

So please help our food to finish its story in the most sustainable way, ensuring the planet’s resources that’s already used are put to good use. Take care of your food when it’s in your home and ensure every edible morsel is eaten - and that your food doesn’t end up in the bin!