Potatoes in the Fridge: New Study Says Cold Storage Keeps Them Fresh 2026

Storing potatoes in the fridge, rather than the pantry, may keep them fresh and sprout-free for up to three times longer, according to a UK study that challenges traditional kitchen wisdom.

For generations, home cooks have been told to keep potatoes in a cool, dark place—but never the refrigerator. The new research suggests that advice may be outdated.

What the Study Found

The British study, conducted between 2020 and 2022, simulated domestic storage conditions. Researchers stored two common UK potato varieties at 5°C (41°F) and 18°C (64°F) for fifteen days.

They monitored levels of reducing sugars and asparagine—a naturally occurring amino acid that can form acrylamide, a potential carcinogen, when potatoes are cooked at high temperatures.

Crucially, cold storage did not significantly increase either reducing sugars or asparagine. In some samples, the cold also delayed sprouting considerably.

Why It Matters

The finding that asparagine does not rise is key. Asparagine is the precursor to acrylamide, which forms during frying, roasting, or baking at high heat. Higher acrylamide levels are a food safety concern.

If fridge storage doesn't raise asparagine, it may reduce acrylamide risk while extending shelf life. That could mean less food waste and safer cooking.

Traditional Advice vs. New Evidence

Many households still follow the old rule: keep potatoes in a cool, dark pantry. But the study suggests that refrigeration could be a better option, especially in warm climates or homes where pantry temperatures fluctuate.

However, the research focused on two varieties and a 15-day period. Longer storage and other varieties need further study.

How to Store Potatoes for Maximum Freshness

• Refrigerate at 5°C (41°F): This temperature slowed sprouting and kept sugar levels stable in the study.
• Avoid direct light: Light causes greening, which can produce solanine, a toxic compound.
• Keep them dry: Moisture promotes mold and rot, so pat potatoes dry before storing.
• Don't wash before storing: Excess moisture can lead to spoilage.
• Use breathable bags: Plastic bags trap moisture; paper or mesh bags allow air circulation.

Comparison of Storage Methods

Note: Shelf life varies by variety and initial condition. The study observed up to triple the time before sprouting in some samples. The background to this story is set out in Fridge Contents: Beansprouts, Nonya Paste and Kefir. A related thread runs through Green Sprouts on Onions Are Safe to Eat, Scientists Confirm. Earlier coverage in Internxt: Open Source Cloud Storage Keeps Your Files Secure shows how the argument developed.

What This Means for Your Kitchen

If you have space in your fridge, moving potatoes from the pantry to a crisper drawer could help them last longer and stay sprout-free. This is especially useful for small households that buy in bulk. A closer look at the same subject appears in Safest Way to Defrost Chicken: Food Safety Questions Answered. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Mini Fridge Trend: From Ozempic to Eye Creams. The same theme surfaces in Health: latest articles, which takes a different angle.

But keep in mind that potatoes should be stored loose or in a breathable container, not sealed in plastic, to avoid moisture buildup. Context on how this played out before sits in Eclipse Eye Damage: How to Tell If You Burned Your Retina. A companion piece, Potatoes in the Fridge: New Study Says Cold Storage Keeps Them Fresh, approaches the same subject from another angle.

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