Consumer group Which? has urged shoppers to reconsider what they automatically put in the fridge, warning that some everyday items can deteriorate faster in cold, damp conditions. In a Facebook and TikTok video posted by @Which?, the experts said it is wrong to assume that food in the fridge always 'stays fresher for longer'.
Five foods better kept out of the fridge
The video listed five 'surprising things' that don't belong in the fridge. The advice covers a mix of everyday staples that many households store in the fridge.
In the clip, Which? says cucumbers are better kept out of the fridge because chilly temperatures can make the skin shrivel while the flesh turns soft. Instead, it is recommended to store cucumbers in a cupboard or in a bowl on the countertop.
Which? also warns that tomatoes can lose both texture and flavour when refrigerated, and argues they're best left at room temperature. The video goes on to highlight onions, bread and bananas as other items that can be stored more successfully elsewhere.
Onions, bread and bananas
Which? explains that onions are prone to going soft or mouldy when stored in a fridge because of the moisture. The advice is to keep whole onions somewhere cool and dry instead. However, cut or sliced onions can be refrigerated as long as they're sealed in a container, the advice said.
Bread is another item Which? recommends keeping out of the fridge. The experts say cold air can dry a loaf out, leaving it tasting stale quicker. Instead, they suggest using a bread bin, and freezing any extra bread you won't get through, slicing it first so it can be toasted straight from frozen.
"Some fruit is fine to keep in the fridge, like small berries and citrus fruits, but don't waste the space on keeping bananas in there," the advice continued. The advice is to keep them somewhere cool, such as a cupboard or a fruit bowl.
Viewers react
Replying to the video on Facebook, several commenters weighed in. Someone replied: "Cucumber in the fridge. Not leaving it out in this heat!" Another reply said: "Totally disagree I always keep bananas in the fridge the skin might go black but the fruit is great yellow and still firm."
A different viewer shared: "I've kept cucumbers, onions and tomatoes in the fridge for years without problems, although I do take tomatoes out a few hours before using." Meanwhile, a social media user said: "Would never keep bananas or onions in a fridge but always tomatoes and cucumbers."
