How long do onions last?
Quick answer
- In the fridge
- Up to 2 months
- In the freezer
- 10–12 months
- In the pantry
- About 1 month
Sources: USDA FoodKeeper · Last reviewed October 1, 2026
Whole onions keep about a month in a cool, dry, dark place and up to 2 months in the fridge — longer than most produce. Once cut, refrigerate in a sealed container for up to a week — they release strong odors that infect everything nearby. Sprouted onions are still usable; the inner layers stay good even when the outer skin or green shoot appears. Frozen chopped onions keep 10–12 months for cooked dishes. If you refrigerate whole onions, keep them dry — humidity softens them.
How to store onions
Keep whole onions in a mesh bag or open basket in a cool dry pantry, 4–10°C ideally. They need airflow; sealed containers trap moisture and rot them. Never store with potatoes — both speed each other's spoilage. Once peeled or cut, refrigerate in a sealed container, away from foods that absorb odors (eggs, butter, leftovers). Green onions and chives are different — those want a damp paper towel and a sealed bag in the fridge, like leafy herbs.
- Mesh bag or open basket in cool dry pantry
- Never with potatoes
- Cut onions: sealed container in fridge, up to a week
- Away from odor-absorbing foods
- Freeze chopped portions for cooking convenience
Signs it has gone bad
- Soft or mushy spots on the bulb
- Visible mold (white or black)
- Strong rotten or sulfurous smell beyond normal onion pungency
- Slime or wet patches on outer layers
Frequently asked questions
How long do onions last?
Whole onions keep about a month in a cool dry pantry and up to 2 months in the fridge. Cut onions keep up to a week refrigerated in a sealed container.
Should you refrigerate onions?
You can. Whole onions keep about a month in a cool, dry pantry and up to 2 months in the fridge, as long as they stay dry. Always refrigerate cut or peeled onions.
Can sprouted onions be eaten?
Yes — the inner layers are fine. Remove the green shoot if you don't want a slightly bitter taste, or use it as a chive substitute.