How To Keep Your Food Fresh for Longer: 10 Ways

There’s nothing more annoying than buying fresh groceries, only to watch them go bad before you even get to use them. At Caraway , we've been there. And while food waste is frustrating (and expensive), it’s often fixable with a few simple changes to how you store things.

Interested in discovering more? Read on to learn 10 ways to help your food last longer—without overhauling your entire routine.

What Is the Science Behind Food Spoilage?

Spoilage usually comes down to four things: oxygen, moisture, bacteria, and time. When food sits out too long or gets stored the wrong way, those factors speed up the breakdown process .

That’s when you get wilted greens, sour milk, or fuzzy strawberries. Some foods are more sensitive than others—and your fridge, pantry, and containers? They play a bigger role than you think. The good news is that a few small changes can go a long way.

How To Keep Your Food Fresh

Ready to turn your kitchen into a fortress against food spoilage? Although there are a number of things that can help, here’s what we actually recommend to keep your ingredients fresher, your meals more nutrient-packed, and your clean eating habits on track.

1. Food Storage Containers With Lids

This one’s easy: air exposure is the enemy of freshness . Containers with tight-fitting lids slow down oxidation and moisture loss, keeping your food from drying out or absorbing weird smells from the fridge.

But, not all containers are created equal—plastic can break down over time, and not all lids seal properly. That’s where our Food Storage Set comes in.

These ceramic-coated glass containers are designed to lock in freshness with Air Release Technology. They're non-toxic, BPA-free, and come with sleek organizers to keep your cabinets (and leftovers) looking clean and tidy.

2. Proper Refrigeration

Your fridge is more than just cold storage—it needs to be consistently cold. Ideally, you’re keeping it below 40°F . Anything higher creates an environment where bacteria can grow faster than you’d like.

Avoid overcrowding (cold air needs room to circulate), and keep frequently used items up front so you’re not keeping the door open for long. Oh, and don’t store your milk in the door—it’s the warmest spot in the fridge. Keep it on a shelf near the back for maximum freshness.

3. Store Fruits and Vegetables Separately

Ethylene gas is a natural ripening agent that some fruits release (looking at you, apples and bananas). When stored next to sensitive veggies like leafy greens or cucumbers, that gas can speed up spoilage.

So, keep them apart. Fruits go in one drawer, vegetables in the other. Bonus tip: don’t wash produce until you’re ready to use it—moisture speeds up rot.

4. Pantry Storage Techniques

Just because something isn’t refrigerated doesn’t mean it doesn’t need attention. Keep pantry items like grains, nuts, and flour in airtight containers away from direct sunlight and heat. This slows oxidation and keeps out pests.

Rotate dry goods so older items get used first (first in, first out), and don’t keep food near the oven or dishwasher—those spots fluctuate in temperature, which can shorten shelf life.

5. Consider Freezing Food

Freezing isn’t just for leftovers—it’s one of the best tools you’ve got for extending freshness . Bread, herbs, berries, soups, and even cooked grains freeze beautifully. The key is using freezer-safe containers and cooling foods before freezing to avoid condensation (freezer burn’s best friend).

Label everything with a date so you don’t end up with mystery meals later, and freeze in smaller portions so you only defrost what you need. It’s better for food safety and your weekly meal planning.

6. Dairy Product Storage

Dairy is sensitive—and picky about temperature. Milk, yogurt, and cream should always be stored in the coldest part of your fridge (hint: not the door). Cheese? It needs to breathe a little. Wrap it in parchment or wax paper first, then place it in a reusable container. This keeps the texture right and helps prevent mold from taking over too soon.

Also, skip the open cartons on the counter routine. Even short exposures to room temp can speed up spoilage. Get what you need, and get it back in the fridge—fast.

7. Best Practices for Meat

Raw meat needs a little extra attention. Keep it on the bottom shelf of the fridge in a sealed container to avoid any drips or cross-contamination. Never store it in the door—that area is too warm and fluctuates every time you open it.

If you’re not cooking it within a couple of days, freeze it. And if you buy in bulk, divide large packs into smaller portions before freezing to make defrosting easier later. Always thaw in the fridge—not on the counter—to keep bacteria growth in check.

8. Clean Your Containers and Storage Areas

Even the best food storage routine falls short if your containers or shelves are harboring hidden bacteria. Crumbs, spills, and old residue can transfer odors and speed up spoilage. Wipe down your fridge shelves regularly, especially in drawers where produce tends to hang out.

Containers matter, too. If you’re reusing storage without a proper clean between uses, you’re basically inviting old bacteria into your fresh food. Stick to non-toxic, easy-to-clean options like our ceramic-coated Food Storage Set —and give them a quick rinse or wash before each refill.

9. Freshness Extenders

Some produce just needs a little help. Things like lettuce, herbs, and berries benefit from extra moisture control. Try lining containers with paper towels or breathable cloths to absorb excess moisture and reduce wilting.

For herbs, treat them like flowers—trim the ends and place them in a glass of water in the fridge (or on the counter, depending on the type). Cover loosely with a bag to prevent drying out. You’ll be surprised how much longer they stay fresh.

10. Vacuum Sealing

Vacuum sealing isn’t just for the meal-prep-obsessed—it’s a great way to reduce exposure to oxygen, which is one of the biggest spoilage culprits. It works especially well for meat, cheese, dried fruits, and leftovers you want to freeze.

No vacuum sealer? Try using a zip-top bag and manually pressing out as much air as possible before sealing. It’s not perfect, but it still makes a noticeable difference in how long food lasts.

The Bottom Line

Keeping your food fresh isn’t complicated—it just comes down to smart storage, the right tools, and a few small habits that make a big difference. Whether it’s giving your greens some breathing room, skipping plastic containers, or freezing leftovers the right way, these tips help you cut down on waste and get more out of every meal.

At Caraway , we design home goods that support exactly that kind of everyday effort—products that are easy to use, built to perform, and made with materials that keep your food (and home) cleaner. From our ceramic-coated Food Storage Set to our non-toxic cookware and cutting board essentials, everything we make is built to help you cook—and store—smarter.

If you’re ready to upgrade the way you eat, prep, and store, we’ve got you.

Sources:

Why Does Food Rot? | Wonderopolis

How Temperatures Affect Food | Food Safety and Inspection Service

Best Refrigerator Temperature to Keep Food Fresh | Consumer Reports

The science of freezing foods | UMN Extension