8 Everyday Ingredients You’re Probably Storing All Wrong

We all have good intentions when it comes to keeping our kitchens organized—but some of the most common habits might actually be working against us. From tossing potatoes in the fridge to lining your spice rack above the stove, these everyday mistakes could be spoiling your ingredients faster than you realize. The good news? A few simple changes can help your food stay fresher, last longer, and taste noticeably better.

Let’s take a look at 8 everyday ingredients you might be storing all wrong—and how to fix it.

1. Potatoes

Wrong: In the fridge
Right: In a cool, dark, well-ventilated cupboard
Fridge temperatures convert potato starch to sugar, making them oddly sweet and gritty. Keep them in a breathable bag or basket, away from onions.

2. Tomatoes

Wrong: In the fridge
Right: On the countertop
Cold temperatures dull their flavor and make the texture mealy. Let them ripen naturally at room temp for peak taste.

3. Honey

Wrong: In the fridge
Right: In the pantry, tightly sealed
Refrigeration makes honey crystallize faster. It’s shelf-stable for years in a dark, dry cupboard—no cold needed.

4. Bread

Wrong: In the fridge
Right: In a bread box or tightly wrapped on the counter
Bread stales faster in the fridge. If you won’t eat it in a few days, freeze it instead—then toast slices as needed.

5. Onions

Wrong: In plastic bags or next to potatoes
Right: In a dry, open basket away from potatoes
Trapped moisture makes onions rot, and potatoes release gases that spoil them faster. Give them breathing room.

6. Coffee Beans

Wrong: In the freezer
Right: In an airtight container in a dark cupboard
Freezing introduces moisture and dulls the flavor over time. Room temp is best if you go through coffee within a few weeks.

7. Peanut Butter

Wrong: Refrigerated (for most types)
Right: In the pantry, tightly sealed
Unless it’s natural peanut butter with no preservatives, it doesn’t need the fridge. Keep the oil from separating by stirring and storing upright.

8. Spices

Wrong: Over the stove
Right: In a cool, dry cabinet
Heat and humidity kill flavor fast. Instead of stashing spices over your oven, tuck them into a drawer or low cupboard.