How long do onions last?
Quick answer
Onions (yellow, white, red, etc.) keep 2 months in the refrigerator and 10-12 months in the freezer.
- Yellow, white, red, etc. 2 months in the refrigerator · 10-12 months in the freezer
- Spring or green 1 week in the refrigerator · 10-12 months in the freezer
Fridge
From purchase
2months
Freezer
Can be frozen: yes
10-12months
Pantry
1month
Mine has been in the fridge for
Refreeze after thawing in the fridge?
- United States
- Yes
- United Kingdom
- Only after cooking
How long do onions last in the refrigerator?
- Yellow, white, red, etc.2 monthsFrom purchase
- Spring or green1 weekFrom purchase
- UK advice2 daysAfter cooking
Refrigerators should be set to maintain a temperature of 40 °F or below.
Your fridge should be set between 0 and 5°C.
How long do onions last in the freezer?
- Yellow, white, red, etc.10-12 months
- Spring or green10-12 months
- UK advice3 months
Freezer times are for quality; frozen food stays safe.
Food stored constantly at 0 °F will always be safe. Only the quality suffers with lengthy freezer storage.
Your freezer should be around -18°C
A freezer acts as a pause button - food in a freezer won’t go bad and most bacteria cannot grow in it.
Can you freeze onions?
Yes.
How to thaw onions safely
- In the refrigerator
- In cold water, cook it right after thawing
- In the microwave, cook it right after thawing
- Cook it from frozen
There are three safe ways to thaw food: in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave.
Check the water frequently to be sure it stays cold. Change the water every 30 minutes. After thawing, cook immediately.
It is safe to cook foods from the frozen state. The cooking will take approximately 50% longer than the recommended time for fully thawed or fresh meat and poultry.
You should defrost your food in the fridge so that it doesn’t get too warm
It’s also important to use food within 24 hours after it’s been fully defrosted
Can you refreeze onions?
- In the United StatesYes
- In the United KingdomOnly after cooking
Food thawed in the refrigerator can be refrozen without cooking, although there may be some loss of quality.
Foods thawed by the cold water method should be cooked before refreezing.
After cooking raw foods which were previously frozen, it is safe to freeze the cooked foods.
You can freeze food again once cooked, but you’ll only be able to reheat it once after that
Can onions be stored at room temperature?
- Yellow, white, red, etc.1 month
- Spring or green1 month
All forms at a glance
| Form | Fridge | Freezer | Pantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yellow, white, red, etc. | 2 months | 10-12 months | 1 month |
| Spring or green | 1 week | 10-12 months | 1 month |
| UK advice | 2 days | 3 months | - |
What the official sources say
“Onions, yellow, white, red, etc. 1 month 2 months 10-12 months”
“Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.”
Frequently asked questions
How long do onions last in the refrigerator?
Yellow, white, red, etc.: 2 months; Spring or green: 1 week; UK advice: 2 days.
How long do onions last in the freezer?
Yellow, white, red, etc.: 10-12 months; Spring or green: 10-12 months; UK advice: 3 months. Freezer times are for quality; frozen food stays safe.
Can you freeze onions?
Yes.
Can you refreeze onions?
In the United States: Yes; In the United Kingdom: Only after cooking.
Sources
We always show the most cautious time among official sources. Last verified: October 1, 2026.
- FoodSafety.gov Cold Food Storage Chart US
- Food Standards Agency - consumer food hygiene guidance GB
- Love Food Hate Waste (WRAP) GB
- National Center for Home Food Preservation US
- North Dakota State University Extension US
- Virginia Cooperative Extension (Virginia Tech) US
- Worcestershire County Council GB
- USDA FSIS FoodKeeper data US
- USDA FSIS Safe Food Handling and Preparation US