Produce

How long do onions last in the pantry?

1 month
Pantry, from purchase — USDA FoodKeeper guidance for onions (yellow, white, red, etc.)

Whole onions keep 1 month in a dark, dry pantry and 2 months if you give them fridge space — either way, keep them away from the potatoes.

How long does it keep?

Pantry, from purchase 1 month
Fridge, from purchase 2 months
Freezer, from purchase 10–12 months

Can you freeze onions? FREEZES, BUT…

Can it sit out?

Onions is shelf-stable, so sitting out at room temperature isn’t the safety question — storage time is.

The 2-hour rule, in full →

How to tell if onions has gone bad

  • Soft or squelchy spots under the papery skin
  • Black powdery mold between the layers
  • Wet, translucent inner rings
  • A sharp rotten smell rising off the bin

When in doubt, throw it out.

Onions and potatoes stored together age each other — the onion gives off moisture and gas that sprouts the potatoes early.

Quick answers

How long do onions last in the pantry?

Whole onions keep 1 month in a dark, dry pantry and 2 months if you give them fridge space — either way, keep them away from the potatoes.

Can you freeze onions?

Chopped onions keep 10–12 months and go into the pan straight from the bag — but the raw crunch is gone for good.

How long can onions sit out?

Sitting out at room temperature isn’t the safety question for onions — storage time is.