Since pantry sizes and configurations vary so widely, there is no one correct method to organize one. A tiny pantry might be made out of a few kitchen cabinet shelves, or you could have a walk-in pantry with enough space to store more than just dry items. But, there are some items you should never keep in the pantry, no matter how much room you have.
Some foodstuffs keep much better in the refrigerator, and some commonplace goods might be dangerous if left neglected in the pantry. It should go without saying that perishable goods need to be refrigerated, but there are some items that, despite being assumed to be shelf stable, may surprise you.
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Things You Should Never Store In The Pantry
Nuts
It’s okay to store cashews in the pantry if you frequently devour a bag in a matter of seconds. However, because nuts contain good fats, they spoil quickly, so it’s best to store them in the refrigerator (or freezer) as soon as you open the container.
If you’re not sure if the nuts in your cupboard right now are safe to consume, look for a softer texture or a rancid scent. In addition to nuts, store seeds, and dried fruit in the refrigerator rather than the cupboard to preserve their freshness for longer.
Choose Certain Oils
It’s acceptable to have a bottle of normal olive oil kept in the pantry. Certain specialist cooking oils, though, must be refrigerated. If left at room temperature, any oil infused with fresh ingredients—like garlic and herbs—will start to grow bacteria. Not only should truffle oil and, if desired, coconut oil be refrigerated to extend its shelf life, but so should nut or seed-based oils (such as walnut or sesame).
Cured Meats
It appears that keeping packages of cured meats in the pantry is normal because of how they’re arranged in the food store’s unrefrigerated sections and the fact that they’re frequently included in gift baskets.
To stop the spread of bacteria, they must be chilled as soon as they are opened. Harder cured meats, like salami, will keep longer than thin meats, like prosciutto, which will eventually go bad and need to be refrigerated.
Open Jars, Bottles, or Cans
Everything that has been opened from chopped tomatoes to black beans needs to be consumed right away or put in the refrigerator right away.
Pickled vegetables or jam jars that are open should be refrigerated, as should any sauces you have dipped into. To preserve freshness, keep all of your condiments—including ketchup, mayo, and your beloved bottle of ranch—in the refrigerator.
Bread, such as tortillas
Any kind of bread will ultimately develop mold, just as vegetables that is kept in the pantry and will probably be forgotten. If you haven’t already, get a bread box to extend the shelf life of food. Keep it on the counter, maybe next to a toaster, to help you remember to eat it.
Pet Food
This one might be a little contentious, especially if you want to close the pantry door to prevent them from begging for dinner and you store an opened bag of dry dog food in an airtight container. But even with a lidded bin, bugs can still get inside, and the kibble scent can linger on human food in a small, enclosed space.
Cleaning Supplies
It’s definitely a good idea to keep cleaning supplies away from food items in the pantry, just as you should probably avoid pet food mixing with your munchies.
In addition to the possibility of spills or leaks, commercial cleaners have the ability to produce fumes and contaminate the air within the home. Even if you decide to use cleaners that are more natural, try setting up a spot somewhere else, like a utility or cleaning closet, to securely store cleaning supplies out of reach of small children and food
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