Let’s talk about items that don’t belong in your pantry!

There’s no one-size-fits-all way to organize a pantry—every household has unique dietary needs. Pantry sizes and layouts also vary widely. If yours isn’t as expansive as Kim Kardashian’s, you probably don’t have space to stockpile an entire grocery store—and that’s perfectly okay!

Whether you’re working with a few cabinet shelves or a walk-in pantry brimming with dry goods, some items simply don’t belong in this space. Perishable goods are better suited to the refrigerator, but even certain foods you’d assume are shelf-stable might surprise you. And then there are the debatable ones we still recommend keeping far from the pantry.

Decluttering your pantry is a great place to start organizing. It helps you take stock of what you already have, avoid overbuying, and even “shop your kitchen” before heading to the store. With that in mind, here are the items that don’t belong in your pantry:

1. Nuts

If you’re the kind of person who finishes off a bag of walnuts, cashews, or pistachios in the blink of an eye (like my mother and husband), it’s better to grab a handful and then leave the bag in the pantry.

However, the healthy fats in your delicious nuts will cause them to go bad shortly after opening the bag, so if you don’t want to eat rancid nuts, store them in the fridge (or freezer) immediately after opening a package.

The reason why they’re part of the items that don’t belong in your pantry is that they usually get bad sooner than expected. If you open the bag and forget about it, you’ll notice a softer texture and a moldy smell.

Seeds and dried fruit are the same, so keep them in the fridge in an airtight container, such as this one, to keep them tasty and fresh for as long as possible!

2. Peanut butter and maple syrup (especially organic)

Even though you might think these delicious foods are safe wherever you put them, they’re actually part of the items that don’t belong in your pantry.

If the syrup isn’t refrigerated after opening, it can quickly develop undesirable mold or yeast. The stabilizers added to processed peanut butter brands make them safe to keep in the cupboard even though they contain nuts.

However, natural or organic peanut butter will separate the oil and start to go bad at room temperature because it only contains salt and peanuts. Keep your food safe! It will help you enjoy it for longer and save money at the same time!

3. Cured meats

Since cured meats are often found in gift baskets or in unrefrigerated sections of the grocery store, you might think storing them in the pantry isn’t a big deal. But think again!

Open packages of cured meats are definitely items that don’t belong in your pantry. These can easily harbor and spread bacteria, making refrigeration essential. Make sure to store them in the fridge and consume them within 48 hours of opening.

While hard-cured meats like salami have a longer shelf life, delicate cured meats like prosciutto can spoil quickly, so add them to sandwiches, quesadillas, and pizzas to enjoy something fresh and tasty and prevent food waste.

4. Pet food

This one might spark debate, especially if you store an opened bag of dry dog food in an airtight container and enjoy keeping the pantry door closed without your pup begging for an extra meal.

However, even with a sealed container, pests can still sneak in, and the smell of kibble can linger, mixing with your human food. That’s why it’s best to store pet food in another area, like near the backdoor or in a mudroom. After all, pet food is one of the items that don’t belong in your pantry anyway, isn’t it?

5. Pantry-safe produce

As we all know, plenty of root veggies, like garlic, potatoes, and onions, are best stored in a dark place with decent ventilation. While the pantry can work for these, it’s important to keep them in airy, open baskets and always separate onions from potatoes (so you can keep them fresh for longer).

However, certain fruits, like bananas and avocados, should also be kept at room temperature so you can consume them before they go bad. But once ripened, they last longer in the fridge. The real issue comes when you forget about them tucked away in the pantry, and they start to rot. It’s going to be a mess to clean, and the smell is as terrible as you imagine it to be.

That’s why fruits and veggies are among the items that don’t belong in your pantry! It’s better to keep a fruit basket on the kitchen counter to use them while they’re fresh and juicy. Or, if you’re up for a DIY project and you have a garden, you can build a root cellar to have your own market at home.

6. Select oils

A bottle of regular extra virgin olive oil will thrive in our pantry, but this rule isn’t available for select ones. According to experts, many specialty cooking oils should be placed in the fridge to maintain their freshness and aroma.

For example, oil that’s infused with delicious and fresh ingredients, such as herbs, garlic, or chili, will eventually grow bacteria if you leave it at room temperature for too long.

Just like nuts and seeds or seed-based oils, like sesame or walnut, your select oils are better kept in the fridge. Don’t forget that coconut oil and truffle oil are also part of the items that don’t belong in your pantry, so put them in the fridge to prolong their shelf life.

7. Bread

Bread and tortillas are other items that don’t belong in your pantry. First things first, you know it’s usually out of sight, out of mind, which means you’re more likely to forget about these items.

And if you don’t consume them soon enough, any type of bread or tortilla will eventually grow mold. If you have a breadbox, put it in there, or if not, check out this one. It will keep your food fresher for longer and will help prevent food waste.

Another thing you can do is store your tortillas and bread in the fridge and make sure you consume them within 3 to 4 days.

8. Whole grain flour

Unless you’re an avid baker, baking supplies often end up scattered on a high pantry shelf. For most items, this works just fine—especially if you transfer ingredients like sugar or baking soda into airtight containers to keep them fresh between baking sessions.

However, there’s one big exception: whole-grain flour. Since it contains natural oils, it’s more likely to spoil if stored in the pantry and forgotten to use. So, no wonder it makes it one of the items that don’t belong in your pantry! To enjoy your baking supply for as long as possible, you should keep whole-grain flour in the refrigerator to preserve its freshness.

Do you know any other items that don’t belong in your pantry? Leave a comment down below and join the conversation! Remember, this article is just a guideline—always do what works best for you and your household! If you find this article helpful and would like to check out something else from The American House, here’s a good post for you: 10 Shocking Dust-Causing Habits Wreaking Havoc in Your Home