# Things you put in the refrigerator/freezer that don't need refrigeration **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [November 1, 2013, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-put-in-the-refrigerator-freezer-that-dont-need-refrigeration/672860 "2013-11-01T17:47:41Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![johnpost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f17d59/32.png) [@johnpost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/johnpost)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2013, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-put-in-the-refrigerator-freezer-that-dont-need-refrigeration/672860/41 "2013-11-01T23:23:38Z")
my ice cubes are free range ice cubes, reverting to their natural state. chewy candy often is better starting frozen. ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2013, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-put-in-the-refrigerator-freezer-that-dont-need-refrigeration/672860/42 "2013-11-01T23:54:58Z")
I know you’re not supposed to store potatoes in the fridge, but mine spoil before I have a chance to use them otherwise, and there are very few things nastier than a rotten potato. If you slice a cold onion, you won’t “cry”, either. ---
**Author:** ![SeaDragonTattoo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/df705f/32.png) [@SeaDragonTattoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SeaDragonTattoo)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2013, 11:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-put-in-the-refrigerator-freezer-that-dont-need-refrigeration/672860/43 "2013-11-01T23:57:01Z")
One of my bottom fridge drawers is dedicated to candy. Doesn’t matter what kind, it all goes in there. I also put bread in the fridge, it lasts weeks that way rather than days. A bunch of condiment stuff that doesn’t really need to be refrigerated stays in there anyway, since I don’t have a pantry and only so much space in the single cabinet that I do use as a pantry. The fridge is bigger. ---
**Author:** ![california\_jobcase](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9d8465/32.png) [@california\_jobcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/california_jobcase)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2013, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-put-in-the-refrigerator-freezer-that-dont-need-refrigeration/672860/44 "2013-11-02T00:24:40Z")
I keep cooking oil in the refrigerator since I seldom use it and it would rancid before I’d use even half a bottle. I would just buy smaller bottles of it, but they don’t sell little bottles of soybean oil around here. ---
**Author:** ![AncientHumanoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ancienthumanoid/32/278_2.png) [@AncientHumanoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AncientHumanoid)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2013, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-put-in-the-refrigerator-freezer-that-dont-need-refrigeration/672860/45 "2013-11-02T00:27:51Z")
My shoes. I always get cold feet. ---
**Author:** ![VunderBob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/839c29/32.png) [@VunderBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VunderBob)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2013, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-put-in-the-refrigerator-freezer-that-dont-need-refrigeration/672860/46 "2013-11-02T00:34:04Z")
I keep my flour and Bisquik in the freezer to keep the flour weevils out. ---
**Author:** ![theR](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/977dab/32.png) [@theR](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/theR)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2013, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-put-in-the-refrigerator-freezer-that-dont-need-refrigeration/672860/47 "2013-11-02T01:05:53Z")
> [@Filbert](#): > > Not in this country. They’re sold at room temperature in England, and I store them in the cupboard too. It might slightly reduce the shelf life in theory, but they never last long enough for it to make a difference. > > I hardly ever have spare fridge space, so I really try and avoid keeping unnecessary items in there. But in the USA they should be put in the fridge because the majority of chickens, about two thirds, are not vaccinated against salmonella. The refrigeration helps slow the growth of salmonella, particularly after a few weeks of storage. [http://www.forbes.com/sites/nadiaarumugam/2012/10/25/why-american-eggs-would-be-illegal-in-a-british-supermarket-and-vice-versa/3/](http://www.forbes.com/sites/nadiaarumugam/2012/10/25/why-american-eggs-would-be-illegal-in-a-british-supermarket-and-vice-versa/3/) ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2013, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-put-in-the-refrigerator-freezer-that-dont-need-refrigeration/672860/48 "2013-11-02T01:21:51Z")
Pretty much everything above, although I never thought about putting the cans of tuna in there - BRILLIANT! Also a slew of cooking sauces, including Worcestershire and Tamari/Soy and Better Than Bouillon which probably have ample sodium to make them shelf stable, but CYA “refrigerate after opening” labels on them anyway. My homemade ranch dressing mix powder, which doesn’t need to be refrigerated until it’s mixed into something to make ranch dressing with, but it stays less clumpy in the fridge. ---
**Author:** ![Biggirl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biggirl/32/3294_2.png) [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2013, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-put-in-the-refrigerator-freezer-that-dont-need-refrigeration/672860/49 "2013-11-02T01:24:20Z")
I keep a ready to eat loaf of bread on top of the refrifgerator. If that loaf is almost done there’s a loaf defrosting inside the fridge. There can be up to three loaves of different kinds of bread in the freezers. ---
**Author:** ![Suburban\_Plankton](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/suburban_plankton/32/219_2.png) [@Suburban\_Plankton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Suburban_Plankton)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2013, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-put-in-the-refrigerator-freezer-that-dont-need-refrigeration/672860/50 "2013-11-02T01:32:12Z")
> [@Quimby](#): > > I put Ketchup Mustard and Mayo in the fridge after opening. You have to. Okay maybe not mustard _but ketchup is full of sugar_ that will go bad and Mayo goes bad at the drop of a hat (not that I care because I HATE Mayo :)). _\_ I don’t believe sugar particularly needs to be refrigerated… We keep ketchup and mustard in the cupboard, because they taste better at room temperature. ---
**Author:** ![etv78](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/d78d45/32.png) [@etv78](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/etv78)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2013, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-put-in-the-refrigerator-freezer-that-dont-need-refrigeration/672860/51 "2013-11-02T01:34:44Z")
Condiments and fruit ---
**Author:** ![Doug\_K](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b5ac83/32.png) [@Doug\_K](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doug_K)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2013, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-put-in-the-refrigerator-freezer-that-dont-need-refrigeration/672860/52 "2013-11-02T01:41:35Z")
> [@Kevbo](#): > > Spare batteries live in my 'fridge. Not a good idea. Per [Energizer](http://data.energizer.com/PDFs/non-rechargeable_FAQ.pdf) (PDF) > [@](#): > > 1. Is it a good idea to store batteries in a refrigerator or freezer?  > No, storage in a refrigerator or freezer is not required or recommended for batteries produced today. Cold temperature storage can in fact harm batteries if condensation results in corroded contacts or label or seal damage due to extreme temperature storage. To maximize performance and shelf life, store batteries at normal room temperatures (68°F to 78°F or 20°C to 25°C) with moderated humidity levels (35 to 65% RH). ---
**Author:** ![SCAdian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scadian/32/3292_2.png) [@SCAdian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SCAdian)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2013, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-put-in-the-refrigerator-freezer-that-dont-need-refrigeration/672860/53 "2013-11-02T02:05:37Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > Does anyone here remember when you sprinkled clothes with water then put them in the fridge or freezer before ironing? (I do not iron anymore, but did this many years ago.) No, but now and then on the boat someone’s uniform would get soaked and then put in the freeze box… 8) ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2013, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-put-in-the-refrigerator-freezer-that-dont-need-refrigeration/672860/54 "2013-11-02T02:05:59Z")
Nail polish. (And I put bottled water in the fridge because it tastes better when it’s cold) ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2013, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-put-in-the-refrigerator-freezer-that-dont-need-refrigeration/672860/55 "2013-11-02T03:04:50Z")
> [@Suburban\_Plankton](#): > > _\_ > > I don’t believe sugar particularly needs to be refrigerated… > > We keep ketchup and mustard in the cupboard, because they taste better at room temperature. My ketchup bottle label says: “For best results, refrigerate after opening.” I’m not even sure what that means. ---
**Author:** ![Leiko](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c5a1d2/32.png) [@Leiko](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leiko)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2013, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-put-in-the-refrigerator-freezer-that-dont-need-refrigeration/672860/56 "2013-11-02T03:07:51Z")
Possibly the texture that they want you to experience is better cold? Certainly I’ve noticed refrigerated ketchup to be smoother than room temperature. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2013, 3:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-put-in-the-refrigerator-freezer-that-dont-need-refrigeration/672860/57 "2013-11-02T03:35:29Z")
> [@WhyNot](#): > > My homemade ranch dressing mix powder, which doesn’t need to be refrigerated until it’s mixed into something to make ranch dressing with, but it stays less clumpy in the fridge. I’d sure like your recipe for homemade ranch dressing powder. ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2013, 7:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-put-in-the-refrigerator-freezer-that-dont-need-refrigeration/672860/58 "2013-11-02T07:48:28Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > Does anyone here remember when you sprinkled clothes with water then put them in the fridge or freezer before ironing? (I do not iron anymore, but did this many years ago.) Yes, when I was a kid there were always clothes rolled up in the refrigerator, mostly my father’s dress shirts. Insulin Film (in case I feel nostalgic about my old film camera) Bottled water Condiments (ketchup, mustard, relish, various sauces, etc. Jams, preserves, etc. (opened) Bread crumbs Canned fruit Beer, which I don’t drink, but keep on hand anyway Poppers, same as “beer” NOT onions, except cut ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2013, 1:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-put-in-the-refrigerator-freezer-that-dont-need-refrigeration/672860/59 "2013-11-02T13:16:23Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > I’d sure like your recipe for homemade ranch dressing powder. Why, of course! This is just a launching pad…fiddle with it to your heart’s content; you really can’t mess it up, it seems. 1 cup buttermilk powder 2 tablespoon dried parsley 1 tablespoon dried dill weed 2 teaspoons onion powder 2 teaspoons dried onion flakes 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon seasoned salt 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper Just mix it all up. If you’re in a humid environment, your [buttermilk powder](https://www.mysupermarket.com/landingpages/product.aspx?productid=4785&skipregister=true&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Search_US&utm_campaign=Google&utm_content=CPC48303&banner=248303)(it’s in the baking aisle, usually on the high shelf you don’t look at) may already be a bit clumpy. If so, just toss everything into a food processor or blender and give it a quick whirl. Store in an airtight container and use as needed. To make the dressing or a dip, I like to use 1 cup plain greek yogurt 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/2 cup Hellmann’s lowfat mayonnaise (yes, it has to be Hellmann’s in my house - it’s the only one that tastes right!) A couple of spoonfuls of the ranch mix - sorry, I don’t measure. Enough milk to make it as thin or thick as you like. As a variation, sometimes I add some lemon juice and honey and thin it out fairly thin with milk - it’s almost, but not quite, Sweet Tomatoes’ ranch dressing. I’m still missing something I can’t put my finger on. Tarragon, perhaps? Still experimenting. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/son_of_a_rich/32/5439_2.png) [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2013, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-put-in-the-refrigerator-freezer-that-dont-need-refrigeration/672860/60 "2013-11-02T14:35:15Z")
I keep all potato and snack chips in the freezer. Not to preserve them (they’re never around that long) but because they’re just much better eaten cold. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-put-in-the-refrigerator-freezer-that-dont-need-refrigeration/672860.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-put-in-the-refrigerator-freezer-that-dont-need-refrigeration/672860.md?page=4)