The 3 (unexpected) foods you should not even keep in the refrigerator

They may lose quality and even spoil themselves faster – the alert was issued by food security experts. Check here which common foods should be kept in the refrigerator.

11/09/2026
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Adespite the fact that some products may seem more attractive when served at a cooler temperature – who, during the summer, does not like to have fresh fruit or other sweets at home? – keeping them in the refrigerator may in some cases have the exact opposite effect.

Food security experts advance Martha Stewart blog that not all grocery shopping should end up in the fridge. In fact, keeping food at a low temperature does not always translate into a higher degree of freshness.

Although some foods may look more tasty if they are fresh, putting them in the fridge may not even be the best option.

If on the one hand this household appliance is a great ally in refrigeration, on the other, can cause certain snacks to end up losing taste, texture and even quality.

These are the foods you should avoid putting in the refrigerator

Chocolate

“Keeping chocolate in the fridge causes it to expose to moisture, causing the sugar to rise to the surface. This process, known as “blooming”, creates a white layer in chocolate, as described by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health experts.

Nevertheless, the exception to this rule, they say, is when you live in a warm environment where chocolate can melt. In the face of these circumstances or extreme heat, “you can store it in the refrigerator inside an airtight container,” points Ziata.

Potatoes

“Integer potatoes, not yet peeled, should not be refrigerated,” Smith explains and explains that something similar also happens to onions: “Cold temperatures convert starches from potatoes into sugars, causing them to develop unwanted sweetness and an altered texture when cooked.”

“Unhulled potatoes should be stored in a pantry or place that is dark, cold and well ventilated,” adds Smith.

Bread

Ann Ziata, chef and cooking teacher says that “cold temperatures will cause this product to lose moisture and dry”. On the other hand, it may even get too moist and moldy.

Ideally, these experts suggest that you store bread that will be consumed quickly in a fresh and dry place, such as the pantry or on a bench.

Alternatively, if you really want to keep this food longer, the ideal is to choose to freeze it.

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