Onions Per USDA FoodKeeper
On the counterCounter
1 month
cool, dry place
In the fridgeFridge
2 months
at or below 40°F (4°C)
In the freezerFreezer
10–12 months
at 0°F; quality, not safety
Quick answer
Yes. Onions last 1 month in the pantry and 10–12 months in the freezer. After that, or sooner if stored badly, they spoil: watch for the signs below.
How to tell if onions are bad
Smell
Fermented, sour or musty odour.
Texture
Soft, mushy or leaking spots, or wrinkled skin with soft flesh.
Colour
Dark bruising that spreads, or browning inside.
Mould
White, grey or green fuzz — discard soft produce; cut firm produce generously.
Onions past the expiration date
Best-by and sell-by
FoodKeeper gives unopened onions 1 month in the pantry or 2 months in the fridge, counted from the day you buy it. "Best-by" and "sell-by" describe quality and stock rotation, not safety; only infant formula carries a federally required use-by date.
Past the date
Onions past their best-by date are usually safe if stored well; check smell, look and taste before using.
How to keep onions fresh longer
- Store unwashed; wash just before eating.
- Keep ethylene producers (apples, bananas, avocados) away from produce that over-ripens.
- Refrigerate once cut, in a covered container.
More about onions
FAQ
How long does it take for onions to go bad?
1 month in the pantry, per USDA FoodKeeper.
Can onions expire?
FoodKeeper gives unopened onions 1 month in the pantry or 2 months in the fridge, counted from the day you buy it. "Best-by" and "sell-by" describe quality and stock rotation, not safety; only infant formula carries a federally required use-by date.
What happens if you eat bad onions?
Usually an unpleasant taste rather than illness, but discard anything mouldy, rancid or smelling off.
How do you keep onions from going bad?
Store unwashed; wash just before eating.
Numbers on this page come from USDA FoodKeeper and FSIS guidance. Last verified November 2026. How we verify our data · Report a wrong number