Should common items like eggs, tomatoes, and potatoes be in the fridge? Experts weigh in - Liverpool Echo

Should common items like eggs, tomatoes, and potatoes be in the fridge? Experts weigh inSome foods' shelf life could be affectedCommentsWhat's OnRay Bonsall16:09, 04 Jun 2025The answer to

whether tomatoes should be stored in the fridge is suprising(Image: Getty images ) Some foods obviously belong in the fridge. Meat, dairy, and other easily perishable goods must be kept at

lower temperatures at all times to keep them safe to eat.

Other foods, however, are debatable. From ketchup to eggs, households have different opinions on which items should be kept in the fridge and which should go in the cupboard.

‌ Though a lot of food won’t become unsafe by being stored outside the fridge, experts say that keeping certain foods at warmer temperatures could affect their shelf life. On the flip side,

other commonly refrigerated foods could often do with being kept in cupboard conditions with the cold environment of the fridge being detrimental to their quality.

‌ As a result, experts from lovefoodhatewaste.com have shared which items should and should not be kept in the fridge.

Onions Though onions require a cool place, they also want to be kept dry. They are best stored whole, in a dark place, and ideally within a cloth bag.

However, chopped onions and spring onions are best kept in the fridge.

Article continues belowBread Experts say bread should not be kept in the fridge. Instead they recommend a fairly cool, dark, dry place such as a cupboard or bread bin.

For a far longer shelf life, bread can also be frozen, with slices being taken out to toast as and when needed.

Potatoes Though their previous advice stated that potatoes were best kept in the cupboard, lovefoodhatewaste has recently changed its stance saying the fridge is best, ideally under 5

degrees Celsius.

‌Eggs While eggs are fine to be stored in the cupboard, refrigerating them prolongs their shelf life.

Tomatoes A surprising item that experts say should be stored outside of the fridge is tomatoes. According to experts “refrigerating them affects their texture and flavour”.

If tomatoes go soft they can be used for cooking.

Article continues belowBananas While many fruits benefit from being stored in the fridge, bananas are apparently best stored in a cool place such as in a cupboard or on the side.

Pineapples Similar to onions, experts recommend storing pineapples in a cool dark place but moving to the fridge once cut up.

Storing food items correctly can help to preserve their quality and extend shelf life, which in turn could save you money or your food shop. A full list of storage advice can be found here.