Common foods you should never store in the fridge
By Paulette Mboga, July 8, 2026Many people believe the refrigerator is the best place to keep all food fresh.
While this is true for many items, some foods actually lose their taste, texture, or quality when stored in the fridge. In some cases, refrigeration can even make them spoil faster or change the way they cook.
Knowing which foods should stay at room temperature can help you reduce waste, save money, and enjoy better-tasting meals. Here are five common foods that are better kept out of the refrigerator.
1. Potatoes
Potatoes should be stored in a cool, dark, and dry place instead of the refrigerator. Cold temperatures cause the starch inside potatoes to turn into sugar more quickly. This can give them a sweeter taste and change their texture when cooked.
Potatoes stored in the fridge may also brown more easily during frying or roasting. A basket, paper bag, or pantry shelf is usually a much better storage spot. Keep them away from onions because the gases released by onions can make potatoes spoil faster.
2. Tomatoes
Tomatoes taste best when they are kept at room temperature. The cold air inside a refrigerator slows down the ripening process and can make tomatoes lose their natural flavour. It can also make their texture soft, grainy, or watery. If you have bought tomatoes that are still slightly green, leave them on the kitchen counter until they ripen.
Once they become very ripe and you cannot eat them immediately, you can refrigerate them for a short time to slow further ripening, but allow them to return to room temperature before eating for better flavour.
3. Onions
Whole onions should not be stored in the refrigerator because they absorb moisture from the cold environment.
This can make them become soft, mouldy, or spoil more quickly. Instead, keep onions in a dry, cool place with good air circulation. A wire basket or open container works well. However, once an onion has been peeled or cut, it should be placed in a sealed container and refrigerated to keep it fresh and safe to eat.
4. Garlic
Garlic also stays fresher when stored outside the refrigerator. Cold and damp conditions can cause garlic bulbs to sprout early or become rubbery. Store garlic in a dry place where air can circulate freely. A mesh bag or open basket is ideal. Properly stored garlic can last for several weeks while keeping its strong flavour. Only refrigerate garlic after it has been peeled or chopped, and keep it in a tightly sealed container.
5. Bananas
Bananas do not do well in the refrigerator while they are still ripening. Cold temperatures slow the ripening process and can turn the peel black even though the fruit inside is still fresh. This often makes people think the banana has spoiled when it has not. Keep bananas on the kitchen counter until they are fully ripe. If they become too ripe to eat immediately, you can refrigerate them to help preserve the fruit inside for a little longer. The peel may darken, but the banana will usually remain good to eat.
Storing food correctly helps it stay fresh for longer and keeps its natural taste and texture. While refrigerators are important for many foods, they are not the right place for everything. By keeping potatoes, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and bananas in the proper conditions, you can enjoy better-quality food, reduce waste, and make the most of your groceries.