The Surprising Foods You Do (And Don't) Need To Keep In The Fridge

If you're not keeping your expensive spices in the fridge, you might want to start now.

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There are two kinds of people when it comes to storing food: those who put everything they buy directly into the fridge or freezer and throw out any food that’s within a day of a sell-by date, and those who take a more relaxed view.

Is their ketchup out on the counter? You bet it is, perhaps sitting next to some hot sauce and a package of tortillas. It’s a scene that might make a germophobe cringe.

But who’s right? It depends on the food in question, experts say.

“Where to store food is exactly the kind of everyday issue where small misunderstandings can lead to real consequences,” said Darin Detwiler, professor of food policy and corporate social responsibility at Northeastern University.

Many people think that keeping food in the fridge will keep it fresh longer, but he said the purpose of refrigeration is more of a strategy to control risk. “That risk may be from microbes that make food unsafe, chemical reactions that can lead to rancidity or a loss in nutritional value,” he added.

Mary Anne Amalaradjou, associate professor of food microbiology at the University of Connecticut, said packaging instructions have two distinct purposes.

“The real distinction isn’t fridge vs. pantry, it’s safety vs. quality,” she said. “Some foods need refrigeration to prevent spoilage or risk, while others are refrigerated simply to stay fresher longer. The exact same label language may appear on foods that truly require refrigeration for safety, as well as on foods where refrigeration can help food last longer.”

To help sort the must-be-chilled from the pantry-is-fine options, we talked to food scientists and food safety experts for a rundown of storage recommendations for foods that many of us find confusing.

Surprising foods you should refrigerate:

Spices, especially ground ones: Many people keep them in cabinets near the stove so they’re within easy reach, but that’s a mistake, Detwiler said. “Heat, light and oxygen degrade volatile compounds. For long-term storage, refrigeration helps preserve potency.” Transferring your spice rack to the fridge means you’ll be able to........

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