10 Things You Should ALWAYS Refrigerate

10 Things You Should ALWAYS Refrigerate

These items spoil quickly or lose quality if not kept cold:

1. Milk & Dairy Products
   Including cheese, yogurt, cream, and butter (though butter can be left out for a day or two).
2. Eggs (in the U.S. and similar countries)
   Washed eggs must be refrigerated to prevent bacterial growth.
3. Cooked Leftovers
   Store within 2 hours of cooking to prevent spoilage and foodborne illness.
4. Fresh Meat, Poultry & Seafood
   Keep tightly sealed and cold; use or freeze quickly.
5. Cut Fruits & Vegetables
   Sliced produce (like melon, cucumber, or carrots) should be kept cold to stay fresh.
6. Condiments with Fresh Ingredients
   Like mayonnaise, pesto, or fresh salsa.
7. Opened Wine (especially white & rosé)
   Slows oxidation and keeps flavor longer.
8. Tofu & Plant-Based Milks (after opening)
   Spoil quickly at room temperature once opened.
9. Leafy Greens & Fresh Herbs
   Keeps them from wilting or spoiling early.
10. Fresh Berries (short term)
    They mold fast at room temp—store in a breathable container.

10 Things You Should NEVER Refrigerate**

These items can lose flavor, texture, or ripening ability in the fridge:

1. Tomatoes
   Refrigeration ruins their flavor and texture—store at room temp.
2. Potatoes
   Cold temps turn starch to sugar, altering taste and texture.
3. Onions
   Fridge humidity makes them mushy and moldy—store in a cool, dry place.
4. Garlic
   Refrigeration causes sprouting and rubbery texture.
5. Bread
   It goes stale faster in the fridge—freeze if you won’t eat it soon.
6. Honey
   Cold temps cause crystallization—store in the pantry.
7. Bananas
   The peel turns black and the ripening process halts in the fridge.
8. Avocados (unripe)
   They won’t ripen properly in cold—only refrigerate when fully ripe.
9. Coffee (beans or ground)
   Condensation and cold dull flavor—store in airtight containers at room temp.
10. Hot Sauce
    High vinegar and salt content keep it shelf-stable.