Health

David Céspedes, longevity expert explains why it’s better to leave bread out of the refrigerator

The health professional has shared a video on TikTok in which he indicates which foods to store in the refrigerator and which to leave out.

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Samuel Ruiz

Update: Mar 12th, 2026 12:19 EDT

When it comes to food, proper storage is essential. With just a few simple habits, you can extend the shelf life of many everyday items that would otherwise spoil much faster. Poor storage doesn’t just waste food — it can also encourage mold and other substances that aren’t great for your health.

That’s why David Céspedes, a longevity specialist and popular wellness creator on social media, shared a short TikTok video explaining which foods should be kept in the refrigerator and which ones are better off at room temperature.

@dr.davidcespedes
🥖¿Sabes realmente cómo conservar alimentos correctamente? Algunos productos duran más fuera de la nevera, mientras que otros necesitan frío para evitar moho o que se estropeen antes. Guardar mal la comida puede cambiar su textura, su sabor e incluso reducir su duración. Entender cómo conservar alimentos y cuándo ponerlos dentro o fuera de la nevera puede ayudarte a mantenerlos frescos por más tiempo. Si quieres aprender cómo conservar alimentos sin cometer errores, guarda este vídeo y sígueme para más consejos.
♬ sonido original - Dr. David Céspedes

Bread and olive oil

Céspedes starts with two staples: bread and olive oil. “Bread should stay out of the fridge — the cold dries it out and makes it hard,” he says. “Olive oil should also stay outside the fridge, but keep it away from direct sunlight because that can ruin it.”

Lemons

If you want lemons to last “for weeks,” he recommends storing them in the fridge. If you plan to use them quickly, leaving them on the counter is fine.

Cucumbers and chocolate

“Cucumbers should stay out of the fridge — the cold softens them and dulls the flavor,” he explains.“Chocolate should also stay out. Cold temperatures and humidity change its texture and taste.”

Tortillas and butter

For tortillas and butter, the rules shift again: “Tortillas should go in the fridge once opened — it keeps them fresh longer and prevents mold,” he says.“Butter belongs in the fridge to extend its shelf life, though keeping it out is fine if you’ll finish it in a day or two.”

What Viewers Are Saying

The video has racked up hundreds of thousands of views, more than 30,000 likes, and around 200 comments — and users definitely had opinions.

Some pushed back:

“Chocolate goes in the fridge because it melts.”
“Didn’t you say bread keeps better in the freezer?”
“I put a lemon in the fridge and it dried out completely.”
“Chocolate has to go in the fridge — eating it cold is divine.”

Others simply chimed in with their own habits, turning the comments section into a lively debate about the “right” way to store everyday foods.