Does it need to be refrigerated?
Short answer: Most opened condiments, like ketchup, mustard, soy sauce and bottled dressing, are safe in the pantry; the fridge keeps them tasting fresh longer. Butter, eggs, natural peanut butter, jam, pickles and jarred olives belong in the fridge. Potatoes, onions, tomatoes, bananas, honey and oils keep fine out of it.
Condiments and sauces
| Food | Where to keep it | How long |
|---|---|---|
| Ketchup | Pantry or fridge | 6 months in the fridge after opening Safe at room temperature after opening. The fridge keeps it tasting fresh longer. |
| Mustard | Pantry or fridge | 1 year in the fridge after opening Safe at room temperature after opening. The fridge keeps quality. |
| Mayonnaise (store-bought) | Fridge after opening | 2 months after opening USDA says shelf-stable mayo is safe at room temperature; the label says refrigerate for quality. |
| Soy sauce or teriyaki sauce | Pantry or fridge | 1 month in the fridge after opening Safe at room temperature after opening. |
| Salsa (jarred) and taco sauce | Pantry or fridge | 1 month in the fridge after opening Shelf-stable jarred salsa is safe at room temperature after opening. |
| Barbecue sauce (bottled) | Pantry or fridge | 4 months in the fridge after opening Safe at room temperature after opening. |
| Salad dressing (bottled) | Pantry or fridge | 1–3 months in the fridge after opening Shelf-stable bottled dressing is safe at room temperature after opening. |
| Worcestershire sauce | Pantry | 1 year Safe at room temperature after opening. |
| Hot sauce | Pantry | 6 months Stays fresher longer in the fridge. |
| Horseradish (jarred) | Fridge | 3–4 months after opening |
| Pickles | Fridge after opening | 1–3 months after opening |
| Olives (jarred) | Fridge after opening | 2 weeks after opening |
Spreads, sweeteners and oils
| Food | Where to keep it | How long |
|---|---|---|
| Butter | Fridge | 1–2 months Fine at room temperature for 1–2 days. |
| Peanut butter (regular) | Pantry | 2–3 months after opening Or 3–4 months in the fridge. |
| Peanut butter (natural) | Fridge | 3–4 months after opening |
| Jam, jelly and preserves | Fridge after opening | 6–12 months after opening |
| Honey | Pantry | 2 years |
| Chocolate hazelnut spread | Pantry | Until the package date Don't refrigerate it, for best quality. |
| Chocolate syrup | Fridge after opening | 6 months after opening Pantry storage isn't recommended once opened. |
| Olive or vegetable oil | Pantry | 3–5 months after opening Or 4 months in the fridge. |
| Coconut oil | Pantry | 3 years The fridge makes it hard to use. |
| Vinegar | Pantry | 2 years |
| Coffee beans | Pantry | 3–5 months after opening |
Fresh produce
| Food | Where to keep it | How long |
|---|---|---|
| Potatoes | Pantry (cool and dark) | 1–2 months The fridge can darken them when cooked and make them taste sweet. |
| Onions | Pantry or fridge | 1 month in the pantry, 2 months in the fridge |
| Garlic | Pantry | 1 month for whole bulbs Separated cloves go in the fridge: 3–14 days. |
| Tomatoes | Counter | Until ripe, then about 7 days USDA recommends the pantry; the fridge may affect flavor. |
| Bananas | Counter | Until ripe Ripe bananas last 3 days in the fridge; the skin turns black. |
| Avocados | Counter until ripe | Ripe: 3–4 days in the fridge |
| Apples | Pantry or fridge | 3 weeks in the pantry, 4–6 weeks in the fridge |
| Lemons, limes and oranges | Pantry or fridge | 10 days in the pantry, 10–21 days in the fridge |
| Melons | Counter until ripe | Then about 7 days Cut melon goes in the fridge: 2–4 days. |
Dairy, eggs and bread
| Food | Where to keep it | How long |
|---|---|---|
| Eggs | Fridge | 3–5 weeks In the U.S., keep shell eggs at 40°F (4°C) or colder. |
| Hard cheese (cheddar, Swiss) | Fridge | 3–4 weeks after opening |
| Bread (store-bought) | Pantry | 14–18 days Or 2–3 weeks in the fridge. Freeze for 3–5 months. |
| Flour tortillas | Fridge after opening | 3 months after opening |
Fridge at 40°F (4°C) or colder. "Pantry or fridge" means USDA FoodKeeper says the opened product is safe at room temperature, and the fridge keeps its quality longer. Homemade sauces and dressings always go in the fridge.
Common questions
Does ketchup need to be refrigerated after opening?
Not for safety. USDA FoodKeeper says shelf-stable ketchup is safe at room temperature after opening. Refrigerating it keeps the quality, for up to 6 months.
Does butter need to be refrigerated?
Keep butter in the fridge, where it lasts 1–2 months. It's fine at room temperature for 1–2 days.
Does peanut butter need to be refrigerated?
Regular peanut butter keeps 2–3 months in the pantry after opening. Natural peanut butter goes in the fridge, where it keeps 3–4 months after opening.
Do eggs need to be refrigerated?
In the U.S., yes. Keep shell eggs in the fridge at 40°F (4°C) or colder, where they keep 3–5 weeks.
Should potatoes go in the fridge?
No. Keep whole potatoes in a cool, dark pantry for 1–2 months. The fridge can make them darken when cooked and taste sweet.
Should you refrigerate tomatoes?
Keep them on the counter until ripe, then use them within about 7 days. USDA recommends pantry storage because refrigeration may affect flavor.
How long food lasts
Source: USDA FoodKeeper data. This page is general information, not medical advice. When in doubt, throw it out.