How to Store Food in the Fridge: Simple Tips to Keep Ingredients Fresh Longer

How many times have you found a forgotten salad or a softened cucumber at the back of the fridge? Storing food correctly in the fridge helps keep ingredients fresh for longer, reduces food waste, and saves money. Small everyday habits can have a surprisingly big impact on how long your groceries last.

Every food has its place

Not all fridge shelves are the same temperature. When you put products in the right spot, they last noticeably longer.

Top shelves

Ready meals, yoghurt, cheese and cold cuts usually do best on the top shelves, where the temperature is more stable.

Middle shelves

Milk, cream and other perishables are best kept in the middle of the fridge.

Bottom shelf

The coldest spot is best for meat and fish. Always store them tightly wrapped.

Crisper drawer

Vegetables and fruit keep best in their own drawer, where humidity stays at the right level.

Not everything belongs in the fridge

Many people keep products in the fridge that would actually do better at room temperature — tomatoes, bananas, onions, garlic and potatoes, for example. They easily lose flavour or texture in the cold. Onions and potatoes are best stored in a dry, dark place, not in the fridge.

Give your food room to breathe

An overstuffed fridge doesn't cool properly. When air can circulate, the temperature stays even and food keeps better. Wipe up spills quickly, check dates regularly, and use older products first — a good trick is to move soon-to-expire items to the front, where you'll see them.

Store herbs the right way

Fresh herbs wilt easily, but stored correctly they last much longer. Trim the stem ends, place the herbs in a glass with a little water, cover loosely with a plastic bag, and keep in the fridge. Parsley and coriander, for example, often stay good for several extra days this way.

Make the most of storage containers

Airtight containers help keep food fresh and your fridge organised. Transparent containers make it easy to see what you have on hand. Pre-chopped vegetables also keep better in a closed container or bag, as it helps them retain moisture.

Check your fridge temperature

The recommended fridge temperature is around +2–6°C. A fridge that's too warm shortens shelf life quickly. If you haven't checked the temperature in a while, a small fridge thermometer can be a surprisingly useful tool.

Less waste, more good food

When food stays fresh for longer, everyday cooking gets easier and food waste goes down. A well-organised fridge also makes cooking more enjoyable — and helps you find what you need exactly when you need it.