How long do Onions (yellow, white, red, etc.) last in the fridge?

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Onions (yellow, white, red, etc.) keep about 2 months in the fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below, counting from the day you bought them. Frozen, they keep about 10–12 months.

2 months

That's the longest window published for Onions (yellow, white, red, etc.) — sealed in the fridge is its best case.

Source: USDA FoodKeeper v128 · Category: Vegetables

How long Onions (yellow, white, red, etc.) keep

SituationKeeps for
Unopened · pantry1 month
Unopened · fridge2 months
Freezer10–12 months

Only situations with a published figure are listed. A blank isn't “forever” — it means no reliable number is published for it.

Storage

How to tell if Onions (yellow, white, red, etc.) has gone bad

USDA FoodKeeper v128 publishes no spoilage note for Onions (yellow, white, red, etc.) specifically, so these are the general signs for vegetables — never taste something to test it. When in doubt, throw it out.

Air and warmth are what shorten an opened item's life — the right container buys back the days the packaging gives up once the seal's broken.

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FAQ

How long do Onions (yellow, white, red, etc.) last in the fridge?

About 2 months at 40°F (4°C) or below, according to USDA FoodKeeper v128. That window runs from the day you bought it — FoodKeeper publishes no separate after-opening figure for this one.

Do Onions (yellow, white, red, etc.) need to be refrigerated?

Onions (yellow, white, red, etc.) are shelf-stable at room temperature: cool, dry pantry, or refrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below to keep it longer. Refrigerating it mainly preserves quality rather than safety.

How can you tell if Onions (yellow, white, red, etc.) are bad?

Look for: Sliminess or a wet film; Mould or dark mushy spots; Limp, shrivelled, or yellowing leaves; An off or sour smell. Those are the general signs for vegetables — USDA FoodKeeper v128 publishes no spoilage note for Onions (yellow, white, red, etc.) specifically. Never taste something to test it — when in doubt, throw it out.

Can you freeze Onions (yellow, white, red, etc.)?

Yes — USDA FoodKeeper v128 gives about 10–12 months in the freezer at 0°F (−18°C). Frozen food stays safe indefinitely; that window is about quality, not safety.

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