Nowadays, using a refrigerator and freezer makes our lives easier, but not all foods can withstand being stored in the cold. Proper storage techniques not only preserve the nutritional and taste qualities of food but also significantly reduce food waste.
Foods that should not be stored in the refrigerator
These days, we tend to put everything in the refrigerator. However, some foods don’t tolerate cold storage well and retain their nutritional and flavor qualities better at room temperature. Discover which products should be kept away from the refrigerator, categorized by type:
Eggs, chocolate and honey
- Eggs : Contrary to popular belief (and their designated spot in the refrigerator door), eggs do not need to be refrigerated. Their shells are porous and tend to absorb odors when refrigerated. They can be kept for approximately 21 days at room temperature.
- Chocolate doesn’t react well to cold temperatures. When placed in the refrigerator, a white film forms on its surface; this is the fat contained in the chocolate being released, and the chocolate loses its flavor.
- Honey : One might be tempted to put honey in the refrigerator, next to the fruit jams. However, due to its composition, honey prefers to be kept at room temperature. In the cold, it will crystallize and become more difficult to spread.
Tubers and herbs
- Potatoes and sweet potatoes : when refrigerated, the starch they contain changes, resulting in a change in texture. Once cooked, they become grainy. Store them away from light, in a cool, dry place.
- Onions, shallots, and garlic do not tolerate being stored in the refrigerator because the humidity causes them to soften or even mold. Like potatoes, store them in a cool, dry place away from light.
- Fresh herbs don’t like being refrigerated, where they wilt quickly. For better preservation, place the stems in a glass of water, just as you would a bouquet of flowers.
Fruits and vegetables susceptible
- Tomatoes, courgettes and aubergines : these vegetables do not like temperature changes and tend to soften and become mealy when stored in the refrigerator.
- Strawberries lose their flavor in the refrigerator. Ideally, keep them at room temperature and eat them quickly.
- Exotic fruits (mango, pineapple, avocado, lychee, banana) don’t ripen properly when refrigerated and will therefore be less flavorful. It’s best to leave them at room temperature.
Food storage chart
| Food | Ideal place for conservation |
|---|---|
| Eggs | Room temperature (duration: 21 days max) |
| Potatoes | Cool, dry and dark place |
| Garlic, onions | Dry, well-ventilated place, away from light |
| Tomatoes | Room temperature, wastebasket |
| Fresh herbs | In a glass of water, like a bouquet |
| Exotic fruits | Fruit basket, room temperature |
The refrigerator remains a valuable tool for preserving many foods, but when you’re putting away your next groceries, remember those products that prefer room temperature. Also, don’t forget to regularly check expiration dates and discard expired food to limit bacterial growth.
DDM, DLC, DLUO: Understanding dates to consume your food
Understanding expiration dates is essential for ensuring food safety and reducing waste. Every packaged product has a label indicating its shelf life, but this information can sometimes be confusing. Let’s unravel the meaning of these different dates to help you consume your food safely.
What does the DDM (or DLUO) mean on a food product?
The Minimum Durability Date (MDD) replaced the old Best Before Date (BBD) in 2015, while retaining the same characteristics.
It is recognizable by the phrase “Best before…” on the product packaging. This date is purely indicative and indicates how long the food retains its optimal organoleptic and nutritional qualities.
After this date, the product may lose some of its flavor, texture, or vitamin content, but it is not dangerous to your health. Consuming a product after its “best before” date is therefore possible, provided you check its appearance, smell, and taste before eating it.
To combat food waste, a decree from November 2022 now allows manufacturers to supplement this information to inform consumers that the product remains safe to consume after this date.
What does the “use-by” date mean on a food product?
The Use By Date (UBD) is quite different and is recognized by the phrase “Use by…” followed by a specific date .
Unlike the best before date, the use-by date is mandatory and concerns perishable goods that may pose a health risk after a short period.
These products, often high in water content, promote the growth of potentially pathogenic microorganisms. Consuming food after its expiration date can lead to food poisoning, as microbial activity may have developed invisibly, without any apparent spoilage. It is therefore strongly advised against consuming a product past its expiration date, even if it appears to be in good condition.
DDM vs DLC: when do we see the “use by” date?
The phrase “use by” (DLC) applies to fresh and perishable products that generally require refrigeration: fresh meats, fish, dairy products such as yogurts, non-sterilized prepared dishes, or fresh deli meats.
Conversely, the “best before” date (BBD) applies to more stable products such as pasta, rice, canned goods, biscuits, chocolate, or cereals. For these products, the date simply indicates optimal quality, but they remain edible well beyond that date, sometimes for several months depending on the type of food.
Examples of foods with a use-by date (which must be strictly observed): fresh meat, fresh fish, deli meats, fresh dairy products, refrigerated prepared meals
Examples of foods with a “best before” date: canned goods, pasta, rice, biscuits, chocolate, coffee, tea, spices, flour
For optimal management of your diet, organize your refrigerator and cupboards to prioritize the consumption of products whose expiration date is approaching.
For further advice, our team of dietitians can assist you with a personalized nutritional assessment and follow-up.
