How long do potatoes last?
Quick answer
- In the fridge
- Raw: 1–2 weeks (not recommended) · Cooked: 3–4 days
- In the freezer
- Cooked or mashed: 10–12 months
- In the pantry
- 1–2 months
Sources: USDA FoodKeeper · Last reviewed October 1, 2026
Whole raw potatoes last 1–2 months in a cool dark pantry, far longer than in the fridge. Refrigeration is actually a bad idea — cold converts potato starch to sugar, which makes them taste sweet and brown quickly when cooked. Sprouted potatoes are still safe to eat after removing the sprouts and any green skin; deeply green or shriveled ones go in the bin. Cooked potatoes keep 3–4 days refrigerated. Freezing raw potatoes doesn't work; blanch and freeze cooked dishes instead.
How to store potatoes
Store potatoes in a paper bag or breathable basket in a cool dark dry place — root cellar, pantry, or kitchen cabinet away from heat. Aim for 7–10°C. Light triggers green-skin formation (solanine, mildly toxic); humidity rots them. Don't store potatoes near onions: each releases gases that speed up the other's spoilage. Check the stash weekly and remove any soft or sprouting ones before the rot spreads. Don't wash before storing; wash just before cooking.
- Cool dark dry pantry, 7–10°C
- Paper bag or breathable basket, not plastic
- Away from onions — speed up each other's spoilage
- Check weekly, remove soft or sprouted ones
- Don't refrigerate raw potatoes
Signs it has gone bad
- Soft or shriveled skin
- Deep green color through the flesh, not just skin
- Long sprouts more than 1cm
- Mold, slime, or strong rotten smell
Frequently asked questions
How long do potatoes last?
Whole raw potatoes last 1–2 months in a cool dark pantry. Cooked potatoes keep 3–4 days refrigerated.
Should you refrigerate potatoes?
No — cold converts starch to sugar, making potatoes taste sweet and brown quickly when cooked. Use a cool pantry instead.
Are sprouted potatoes safe to eat?
Yes, after removing the sprouts and any green skin. Deeply green or shriveled potatoes contain too much solanine — throw them out.