Fridges are essential kitchen heroes, helping to keep our food fresh, save time, and prevent the risks of spoiled meals. But did you know that not everything should be chilled? While your milk might appreciate the cool temperatures, there are surprising foods that don’t belong in the fridge. Some of these items could even pose health risks when stored incorrectly. We’ve put together a list of foods you should avoid refrigerating—this knowledge could be a lifesaver!
Foods That Should Never Touch Your Fridge (And Why)
Potatoes
Cold temperatures can turn starch into sugar much faster than warmer ones, and that’s not great news for potato fans! Whether you prefer them boiled, mashed, or roasted, potatoes are best enjoyed at room temperature, so make sure not to refrigerate them. When storing your spuds, keep them in a cool, dry spot in your kitchen (but not too cold!) to help them last longer and prevent them from turning hard before you’re ready to cook.
Potatoes
Bananas
Bananas definitely don’t thrive in the chill of a fridge. In fact, the cold can speed up the process of turning them black! To get the best out of your bananas, buy them before they’re fully ripe and let them ripen naturally at room temperature in your kitchen. And here’s a bonus: bananas are excellent for your blood pressure, so go ahead and enjoy them!
Bananas
Whole Melons
Just like bananas, melons don’t do well in the cold, as refrigeration can speed up their rotting. When you buy a melon, store it in a cool, dry place—not too cold! Since melons are often a go-to for summer gatherings, it’s tempting to keep them chilled, but they actually last longer at room temperature. If you’re buying a whole melon, you’re likely preparing for a fun time with friends, so be sure to cut it up and enjoy it quickly before it dries out. It’s the perfect refreshing treat to savor in the garden!
Whole Melons
Basil
Basil is a must-have herb for any kitchen, adding a unique flavor to elevate your dishes. However, it’s important to keep it at a temperature of at least 40°F (4°C)—anything colder can cause black spots to appear and ruin its taste. To keep your basil fresh, store it in a bit of water and keep it in the shade, rather than in the fridge. This way, it’ll last much longer and continue to bring fresh flavor to your meals.
Basil
Onions
Onions thrive in warmer climates and, even more importantly, need proper air circulation to stay fresh. Whether they’re chopped, fried, or whole, treating them with care is essential. Interestingly, onions and potatoes don’t mix well—keeping them close together can speed up the onions’ aging process. To keep both fresh, store them in separate areas of your kitchen, and most importantly, keep them out of the fridge!
Onions
Coffee
Some folks might store their coffee in the fridge, but let’s be honest—that’s just not the way to go! Coffee needs proper air circulation and dry conditions to stay fresh, and a fridge only exposes it to cold, moist air and the smells of your other foods. Instead, keep it in an airtight container, away from sunlight. This will preserve its flavor and ensure your morning brew is as perfect as ever. Trust us, your hot cup of espresso will taste even better when you get it right!
Coffee
Garlic
If you’re aiming for your garlic to sprout early, the fridge is your go-to—though not for the right reasons! The cold can lead to mold forming on both the skin and inside the bulb, which is far from ideal. To keep your garlic fresh, store it somewhere dry and warm instead. While the fridge may hide the rotting process (since it happens inside the cloves), it’s not the best choice for long-term storage. Unless you’re trying to protect a vampire friend, it’s best to skip the fridge for garlic!
Garlic
Hot Sauces
Most hot sauces contain vinegar and preservatives that help prevent mold and bacteria growth, so while refrigerating them won’t speed up spoilage, it could actually dull their strength. You might think your taste buds are invincible, but it’s the fridge that’s working behind the scenes. Next time, try keeping your bottle of Tabasco on the kitchen counter instead and see how much bolder the flavor is—you’ll definitely notice the difference!
Hot Sauces
Bread
Storing bread in the fridge is a big no-no, as it actually causes the bread to stale faster, making it look and feel older than it really is. Perhaps this writer’s been living in a fridge all these years? Who knows! But the cold air accelerates the staling process, shortening its freshness. For the best results, keep your bread out of the fridge—except when it’s already made into a sandwich. Once it’s cut and filled with your favorite ingredients, the bread behaves a bit differently and can handle the chill a little better.
Bread
Oils
Fats solidify in cold temperatures, which is the last thing you want for your beloved olive oil. While it’s great to incorporate healthy fats into your diet, storing oil in the fridge can actually ruin its texture and quality. If you’ve accidentally chilled your olive oil, don’t worry—you can warm it up in the microwave for a few seconds to restore some of its original consistency. However, nothing beats simply keeping it out of the fridge to maintain its full potency!
Oils
Honey
Honey is known to last for centuries when stored in an airtight jar, and chances are, you’ve got a jar from 2002 sitting in your kitchen. In fact, this writer still has a jar from the 1990s that’s looking as good as new—why? Because we kept it out of the fridge! Storing honey in the fridge can cause it to crystallize and become tough, making it much harder to scoop and less enjoyable to use in your oatmeal or on sandwiches. Keep your honey at room temperature for the best texture and sweetness!
Honey
Pumpkin
If you only buy and store pumpkins in October, we totally understand—after all, they’re mainly associated with Halloween and the Pumpkin Spice Latte season at Starbucks. But if you’re thinking about enjoying them in other months, keep in mind that pumpkins can spoil just two or three days after being refrigerated, so it’s best to avoid putting them in the fridge. Instead, keep them in a cool spot in your kitchen and let them ripen naturally at their own pace for the best results!
Pumpkin
Apricots, Kiwi, Peaches, Mangoes
When it comes to fruits like melons and tomatoes, refrigeration can cause them to develop crystals, which accelerates the rotting process. The best place to store them is in your brand-new fruit bowl (which you’ll probably pick up after reading this list), alongside other fruits that haven’t been mentioned yet. Curious to know which fruits belong in the same category? Keep reading to find out!
Apricots, Kiwi, Peaches, Mangoes
Peanut Butter
Whether you prefer crunchy or smooth, we can all agree that peanut butter is at its best when it’s easy to spread. There’s nothing worse than reaching for your jar to make a PB&J, only to find yourself waiting for it to warm up so you can actually get the knife in! Storing peanut butter in the fridge hardens it, making it tough to spread. Instead, keep it in the cupboard to avoid this problem entirely. That way, your bread won’t have to face the battle of hard peanut butter and soft jelly!
Peanut Butter
Flour
This suggestion is more about convenience than necessity. While storing flour in the fridge won’t harm it, there’s no real advantage to doing so. So why take up precious fridge space? Save that space for milk or other items that actually need it. Since flour doesn’t need to be refrigerated, it’s better to keep your fridge more space-efficient and reserve it for things that truly benefit from the cold.
Flour
Pickles
A jar of pickles contains the same vinegar found in hot sauces, so storing them in the fridge can have the same effect—dulling their flavor. While it might seem tempting to refrigerate them to keep them “fresh,” you’re actually doing the opposite. The best place for pickles is in a cupboard in your kitchen, reserving refrigeration only for a short time if needed—like before chopping them for a salad or snack. To keep the smell under control, store them in an airtight jar.
Pickles
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce has become a kitchen essential, whether you’re enjoying sushi or Chinese food. Unless you’re on a low-sodium diet (which we all should aim for), your soy sauce is best kept in a cupboard. It contains natural antibacterial properties that work even better at room temperature, and refrigerating it can weaken these properties and alter the taste. Keep it stored properly, and you’ll notice a better flavor in your next sushi or dish.
Soy Sauce
Eggs
The great egg storage debate has been around as long as the fridge itself—some swear by keeping eggs in the fridge, while others argue they belong at room temperature. So, which is the right choice? Ultimately, it’s up to you! Room temperature storage can help preserve the taste and texture of your eggs, while refrigerating them will extend their shelf life. The decision is as personal as how you like to eat them (poached eggs for the win!).
Eggs
Avocados
Ask any millennial, and they’ll tell you the secret to buying the perfect avocado: get it just before it’s fully ripe. Years of practice, especially since those Buzzfeed articles in 2015, have perfected their timing. Keep your avocado on the kitchen counter while it ripens, and avoid refrigerating it until it’s ready. But once you cut it open, be prepared for a very short shelf life—it’s a race to eat it before it goes brown!
Avocados
Jerky/Biltong
It makes perfect sense—jerky is simply dried meat, so why store it in a place with moisture? The best jerky stays dry for extended periods, and your kitchen cupboard or counter is the ideal spot. Keep it at room temperature in a dry, airtight container, and you’ll be able to enjoy it over time without worrying about it going bad.
Jerky/Biltong
Tomatoes
We get it—the idea of a cold tomato in your sandwich or salad is tempting. But refrigerating tomatoes can lead to a grainy, unpleasant texture. Tomato lovers beware: these juicy fruits should be stored at room temperature, not in the fridge. Keep them in a warm, dry spot to prevent crystal formation and premature rotting. If you prefer a chilled tomato in your salad, just pop it in the fridge for a few minutes before slicing.
Tomatoes
Salad
It might seem logical to store your salad in the fridge to keep it fresh longer, but that’s not always necessary. A salad can last for a few hours at room temperature, so there’s no need to refrigerate it just to prevent wilting. If you’ve already dressed it, however, its lifespan is already shortened—time to enjoy it! The dressing will speed up the breakdown of moisture in the veggies, so make sure you time it right before diving in.
Salad
Peppers
Here’s a myth we’re about to bust: fridges don’t make peppers crisper or spicier. You’ve probably thought they did, but that’s not the case! In fact, cold temperatures can actually reduce the spiciness of your favorite peppers. To maintain their full flavor, store them in a dry place, ideally in a bag. This applies to all types of bell peppers—red, green, orange, or yellow—so no matter your preference, the same advice applies.
Peppers
Ketchup
Here’s another common condiment debate: where should you store your ketchup? While most of us keep it in the fridge after opening, the vinegar in the sauce can actually react badly to cold air over time. To keep your ketchup tasting fresh longer and avoid that annoying runny, watered residue, it’s best to store it in the cupboard instead. The same advice applies to other condiments with a high vinegar content, so keep this in mind when stocking up on your favorites.
Ketchup
Pears
There are few things as refreshing as a nice cold fruit on a summer’s day. Sadly, if you want your fruit chilled, this is a pleasure you’ll have to reserve for other fruits. Pears don’t benefit from fridge treatment and should instead be kept on the kitchen counter or in a cupboard. The skin of pears is particularly delicate, and cold air can ruin their juicy and delicious crispiness. So, next time you stock up on this underrated fruit, keep them in your fruit bowl and enjoy their freshness for days after purchase.
Pears
Canned Tuna
Canned tuna is the quintessential pantry item for those who want to store food for a long time. An unopened tin can last for weeks, months, or even years. Can you think of anyone you know who doesn’t have a can of this staple in their cupboard? The truth is, the juices that coat and saturate the fish are preserved in an airtight tin for years. However, once opened, it’s a different story. While tuna can last a few days outside the fridge, the coldness of the fridge can ruin its taste and texture. So, make sure to keep your tuna out of the fridge!
Canned Tuna
Spices
Who doesn’t love a fancy spice rack on display? Whether you keep your spices out for everyone to see or hidden in a cupboard, just make sure you don’t store them in the fridge! Most ground spices can last for years when kept at room temperature (we all have that cinnamon from 2009). However, when stored in cold and damp environments, their flavor decreases, and they quickly lose their edge. After only a few days in the fridge, the vibrant smells will fade. Keep your spices in a dry, cool place to preserve their potency!
Spices
Cucumbers
This one might seem a little counterintuitive, especially since many people like their cucumbers chilled. However, the cool air can actually speed up the decaying process. The skin will be the first to go in the cold, causing their life span to shrink from weeks to just days. Next time, keep them at room temperature and notice how much longer they last. If you’re making a salad, don’t worry—cucumbers can be kept in the fridge for a few hours without a problem. Just avoid long-term refrigeration to preserve their freshness!
Cucumbers
Apples
Similar to pears, apples benefit most when they are stored at room temperature. While it might be tempting to store them in the fridge for that chilled, crunchy bite, it’s better to resist! The ideal place to keep an apple is in a fruit bowl on the kitchen counter. Storing them in the fridge can actually speed up the decay process, ruining their texture, smell, and flavor. So, when you buy apples, be sure to keep them warm and fresh in a dry, room-temperature spot—just like they come when you buy them in the store.
Apples
Carrots
Carrots are similar to cucumbers in their genetic makeup and how they react to the chilling process. Just like cucumbers, the cold air of a fridge can actually speed up the rotting process due to the high water content naturally found in these vegetables. To make your carrots last longer, it’s best to store them at room temperature, where they can better retain their moisture. If you prefer to eat your carrots chilled, there’s no harm in cooling them for a few hours before serving—just don’t store them in the fridge for extended periods!
Carrots
Cereal
It doesn’t matter if it’s a healthy cereal or a sugary treat for the kids – you should never store it in the fridge. Once a box is opened, simply roll the plastic bag and tie it shut to keep the air out. There’s no need to chill it. Storing cereal in the fridge can cause it to absorb moisture, which not only ruins its crunch but also lets it take on the odors of other foods in the fridge. For a cool cereal experience, just rely on the milk instead! Keep your cereal in a dry, cool place to preserve its freshness and flavor.
Cereal
Butternut Squash
The humidity in your fridge can actually speed up the spoiling process of your favorite butternut squash, even if it’s whole and hasn’t been cut yet. It’s best to keep this vegetable as far away from the fridge as possible! Store your squash in a dry place to prevent the moisture from accelerating its decay. Just remember, though, that direct sunlight can also cause damage, so it’s better to keep it indoors in a cool, dry area to maintain its freshness for longer.
Butternut Squash
Tropical Fruits
Tropical fruits like mangoes, passion fruits, coconuts, and pineapples all thrive in hot climates, which is why they are designed to retain their texture and moisture in warm temperatures. Storing them in the fridge isn’t ideal because they’re not accustomed to the cold. Instead, keep them on your kitchen counter at room temperature. To prevent pests, wrap them in protective materials, such as mesh or paper, to keep flies away while still allowing them to ripen naturally.
Tropical Fruits
Butter
Similar to peanut butter, butter has properties that make it undesirable to store in a cold environment. When kept in the fridge, it can become hard and develop a wax-like texture, making it difficult to spread. The cold can also impact the flavor and potentially cause it to absorb odors from other foods. To avoid these issues, store your butter at room temperature, and only refrigerate it when a recipe specifically calls for it. This way, you won’t have to struggle with a hardened surface when spreading it on toast or using it in cooking.
Butter
Yogurt
Of course, we all know that yogurt tastes much better when it’s chilled compared to a warm version. However, when it comes to low-fat Greek yogurt, refrigeration doesn’t actually extend its shelf life – it’s simply for taste and texture. Greek yogurt, especially the kind with live probiotics, contains good bacteria that help prevent spoilage. This makes it less dependent on being refrigerated for preservation. Fun fact: aside from being a great source of protein, it’s also beneficial for your blood pressure and digestion. So, while chilling it is a taste preference, it’s not essential for yogurt’s longevity.
Yogurt
Cheese
Like other dairy items on this list, cheese is best kept at room temperature rather than in the fridge. This applies specifically to good quality cheese, not the processed varieties like the rubbery cheese sticks often favored by kids! Cheese needs to be kept dry to maintain its texture and flavor, and the cold, moist environment of a fridge can accelerate the rotting process. To keep your cheese at its best, store it in a dry, room temperature environment, away from moisture. Keeping it warm and comfortable will help preserve its taste and prevent it from spoiling too quickly.
Cheese
Citrus
We know what you’re thinking: orange juice tastes great ice cold and straight from the fridge. However, oranges and other citrus fruits should never be kept in the refrigerator. The reasons for this are similar to tropical fruits. Oranges, like many other citrus fruits, are grown in hot climates, and the warmth of your kitchen actually helps them ripen naturally. Storing them in a fridge can prevent this natural ripening process, leaving them hard, dry, and potentially bitter. To keep them at their best, store them at room temperature in your kitchen where they can continue to ripen and maintain their natural sweetness.
Citrus
Chocolate
Have you ever wondered why chocolate is never stored in the fridge at your local supermarket? It’s because the cooling effect has a terrible consequence on the delicious product we all love! Chocolate should definitely not be kept in the fridge. The process of making chocolate involves heating and cooling different cocoa beans with powder and milk. Any additional cooling can ruin the delicate cocoa crystals and sheen, leading to a chalky texture or “bloom” (a white coating that forms on the surface). To maintain its smooth texture and flavor, keep chocolate at room temperature in a cool, dry place. And yes, that includes white chocolate – but we all know that isn’t really chocolate anyway!
Chocolate
Jam/Jelly
Jam and jelly bought from the store are usually packed with preservatives, making refrigeration unnecessary for long-term freshness. Although cold jam can be tempting to pair with warm toast, the fridge actually does more harm than good. The moisture from the fridge can seep into your toast, making it soggy. Instead, leave your jam and jelly at room temperature to maintain their perfect consistency. When you spread them on warm toast, they’ll remain moist in all the right places, without compromising the crispiness of your bread. Enjoy your jam without any soggy toast!
Jam/Jelly