Wait… Is Wrapping Leftovers in Foil Trying to End Us?!

Be honest. After Thanksgiving dinner, are you Team Tupperware… or Team “Just slap some foil on it and hope for the best”?

According to a food expert chatted up by Reader’s Digest, that shiny aluminum security blanket might not be the culinary hero we thought it was.

Could it actually kill you? Probably not. But could it make your leftovers a little sketchy? Potentially, yes.

RELATED: Survey finds the top 10 hacks parents use to get kids to do stuff

The Problem With Foil (Besides Never Tearing Straight)

If your turkey, stuffing, or gravy boat is still warm when you wrap it in foil and toss it in the fridge, foil can trap that heat longer than plastic wrap or containers. And warm + damp = bacteria having the time of their lives.

The “danger zone” for food is between 4°C and 60°C (aka the bacteria party window). Foil can keep food in that zone longer, increasing the chance of food poisoning. Fun!

It also doesn’t create the tightest seal, meaning extra air gets in… and bacteria RSVP “yes”.

Don’t Spiral Yet

Before you dramatically throw out your entire fridge, relax. Even if you’ve used foil a million times, you’re probably fine — especially if you’re polishing off leftovers within 3 to 4 days like the Thanksgiving champion you are.

The Safer Bet?

✅ Let food cool first
✅ Use airtight containers or plastic wrap
✅ Label it if you’re feeling responsible (or pretending to be)

Foil isn’t a death wish… It’s just not the smartest roommate for your lukewarm turkey. So yes, keep the foil for baked potatoes and desperate last-minute wrapping. But maybe give your leftovers the Tupperware glow-up they deserve.