How long do onions last? Smart freshness data from Shelfie
Whole onions last for months in the right conditions; cut onions are a different matter. Here is the complete storage guide.
Onions shelf life at a glance
Fridge
Cut or cooked: 7–10 days sealed. Whole onions: not recommended (absorbs fridge odors)
Freezer
Diced or sliced: up to 12 months without blanching
Pantry
Whole dry onions: 2–3 months cool, dark, and dry. Do not store with potatoes
Fresh vs expired onions
Signs it is still good
Papery dry outer skin
Hard, firm all the way through
No sprouting or soft spots
Signs it has turned
Soft, mushy spots
Significant sprouting (less flavor, still safe)
Mold on surface or visible rot
Pro tip
Sprouted onions are still safe to eat — they have lost some sweetness but are perfectly fine. The green sprout itself is edible too.
How to extend your onions's life
Store whole onions in a mesh bag or open container — never in plastic (traps moisture)
Keep away from potatoes — they exchange gasses that accelerate spoilage for both
Freeze diced onions raw — no blanching needed, ready to add straight to cooked dishes
Rescue recipes for near-expiry onions
Shelfie surfaces these automatically when your onions is about to expire.
French onion soup for a large quantity of near-expiry onions
Caramelized onions for pizza, pasta, or sandwiches
Pickled onions for those about to sprout
Onion jam or chutney for very mature onions
Never guess when your onions expires again
Shelfie tracks freshness automatically. Scan once — get daily alerts, rescue recipes, and grocery restocks when you need them.
