"How Long Does It Take to Digest Food": The time it takes to digest food varies depending on several factors, including the type of food consumed, individual metabolism, and overall health. On average, it takes about 24 to 72 hours for food to pass through the digestive system. The process begins in the mouth, where food is broken down by chewing and mixed with saliva, and continues in the stomach and small intestine, where further breakdown and absorption occur. The remaining waste is then eliminated through the large intestine.