These times assume your refrigerator stays at 40°F or below, the USDA's limit for safe cold storage. Above that, bacteria multiply quickly, so a fridge thermometer is worth having if yours doesn't show its temperature.
How long onions and similar foods last
| Food | Fridge | Freezer | Pantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Onions (yellow, white, red) | 2 months from purchase | 10–12 months | 1 month from purchase |
| Green onions | 1 week from purchase | 10–12 months | 1 month from purchase |
"From purchase" times count from the day you buy it. Times for cooked food count from when it was cooked.
How long do whole onions last in the freezer?
Whole onions keep 10 to 12 months in the freezer at 0°F. Food kept frozen at 0°F stays safe indefinitely, so that time is about quality: after it, texture and flavor start to suffer. Wrap them airtight, or vacuum seal them, to prevent freezer burn, and thaw in the refrigerator.
How to store whole onions
- Keep the fridge at 40°F or below and the freezer at 0°F.
Check your fridge is at 40°F
Pecula Refrigerator Thermometer (2-Pack)
Dial thermometers for the fridge and freezer, marked with safe zones. Over 32,000 Amazon ratings.
Shallow, airtight leftover storage
Pyrex Simply Store Glass Containers (12-Pack)
Glass containers from 1 to 4 cups with lids that are freezer, microwave, and dishwasher safe.
How long can whole onions sit out?
1 month from purchase at room temperature, according to USDA.
Frequently asked questions
How long do whole onions last in the fridge?
2 months from the day you buy them, according to USDA FoodKeeper data. Keep your refrigerator at 40°F or below.
Can you freeze whole onions?
Yes. Whole onions keep 10 to 12 months in the freezer at 0°F for best quality. Frozen food stays safe indefinitely, but quality drops over time.
How long can whole onions sit out?
1 month from purchase at room temperature, according to USDA.
How long other foods last
- Mushrooms: 3 to 7 days in the fridge
- Carrots: 2 to 3 weeks in the fridge
- Celery: 1 to 2 weeks in the fridge
- Broccoli: 3 to 5 days in the fridge
See the full food storage chart for more than 600 foods. Shopping for a new fridge? Our guide to the best refrigerators and the refrigerator size chart can help, and how long refrigerators last covers when to replace an old one.
Sources
Storage times are from the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service's FoodKeeper data, version 128. Food safety rules are from FSIS guidance.
- USDA FSIS, FoodKeeper data (version 128) www.foodsafety.gov/keep-food-safe/foodkeeper-app
- USDA FSIS, Leftovers and Food Safety www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/leftovers-and-food-safety
- USDA FSIS, Refrigeration and Food Safety www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/refrigeration