This New Food Storage Line From IKEA Helps You Eliminate Food Waste

1. Cucumbers

I have never left cucumbers outside the fridge, but it turns out that this can cause them to become too watery. Instead, find an airtight containerand store them in your pantry or countertop. Then toss them in this colorful Greek Salad!

2. Bell Peppers

Stashing bell peppers in the fridge can actually make them lose their crunch (who knew?). For peak crispness, keep them at room temperature and enjoy within one to two days. If you're not planning to eat them that quickly, pop them in the fridge to help prevent them from going soft too soon.

3. Basil

Store your basil as you would a fresh bouquet of flowers, in a jar with water. Cold temps can cause basil leaves to turn black, so it’s better off out of the fridge.

4. Butter (And Peanut Butter!)

According to the USDA, butter is best used within a day or two at room temperature to preserve its flavor. When I lived in San Francisco, I could leave it out on the counter year-round without worrying about it melting. Now that I’m in a hotter climate, I keep it out most of the year — just not during the peak of summer. Peanut butter also does well at room temperature, staying smooth and spreadable for up to three months (after which you'll need to refrigerate it).

5. Tomatoes

I grew tomatoes in my garden for the first time last year, and nothing beats the taste of one plucked straight from the vine. To keep that juicy , sun-ripened flavor going, store your tomatoes at room temperature on the counter — not in the fridge. Cold temps can dull their flavor and texture. Try making a simple Tomato Confit recipe to drizzle over bread or pasta, yum!

6. Avocados

A friend and I were debating whether avocados belong in the fridge — turns out, they don’t. At least, not until they’re ripe. I eat one almost every day, so I go through them fast, but once they ripen, I pop them in the fridge to slow down the over-ripening. If you’re craving Avocado Toast, stash them in a paper bag to speed things up, or just let them ripen naturally in an open container on the counter.

7. Fresh Bread

If you want to get the most flavor (and life) out of your fresh bread, skip the fridge. Refrigeration actually speeds up staling. Instead, store it in a bread box or basket — somewhere that blocks light but still lets it breathe. Planning to eat it the same day? Leaving it uncovered at room temperature works just fine. Otherwise, a paper bag or the freezer are your best options.

8. Potatoes (Sweet or Otherwise)

I like to keep my potatoes and onions tucked away in the pantry where it’s cool and dark. Storing them in a paper bag at room temperature helps preserve their texture and flavor. The fridge might seem like a good idea, but it can actually do more harm than good — the moisture makes potatoes overly sweet and kind of gritty, and the humidity can cause them to mold more quickly.

9. Onions & Garlic

Onions, shallots, and garlic can become moldy when exposed to the high humidity of the refrigerator. Store them in a relatively cool, dry place in your pantry or a cabinet that’s not exposed to light. Your onions will remain fresh and ready to use whenever you need them for recipes like this Spring Veggie Galette that I make every year!

Staub Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven

A true kitchen staple, this heirloom-worthy piece is perfect for slow-cooking meats, roasting vegetables, and simmering hearty stews and soups. It also comes in gorgeous colors!

John Boos Maple Wood Reversible Cutting Board

Chop meats, fruits, veggies, and more on this solid maple wood cutting board (you can use both sides). It's designed with a beeswax finish that seals the cutting board and helps prevent moisture and bacteria from seeping in.

Cuisinart Chef's Classic Stainless Steel Cookware Set

Treat yourself to this 17-piece stainless steel set for all your cooking needs. The handles stay cool on the stovetop!

Nordic Ware Naturals 3 Piece Baking Set

Bakers gonna bake with this trio of baking pans.

Farberware 15-Piece High Carbon Stainless Steel Knife Block Set

Every home chef needs a good set of knives. This 15-Piece stainless steel knife block set is affordable and ultra-sharp for easy slicing and dicing. If you really want to splurge, the ZWILLING Twin Signature 19-Piece German Knife Set with Block is 60 percent off.

Basic Essentials Cooking Utensil Set with Utensil Crock

Keep your most-used utensils within reach in this farmhouse-style tub of tools.

Lexi Home Cast Iron Frying Pan Set

Saute sear, fry, bake, and stir fry with these pre-seasoned cast-iron pans in three different sizes. The perfect gift for newlyweds, birthdays, and home chefs!

Cuisinart Air Fryer + Convection Toaster Oven

Start prepping healthier fried foods with this 8-in-1 oven that you can use to bake, grill, broil and even warm leftovers.

Cuisinart Culinary Collection 12-Piece Non-Stick Cookware Set

This ceramic collection is your go-to for all non-stick cooking. Choose from four colors: teal, black, sapphire, and Wayfair's exclusive white set.

Stainless Steel 14-Piece Nested Mixing Bowl Set

Nested bowls come in handy for all your kitchen prep and are easy to store. These also have a rolled rim for pouring ingredients and are dishwasher safe!

Trader Joe’s fan account @traderjoesobsessed first circulated the rumor that the Mini Canvas Tote Bags are set to return to Trader Joe’s this spring.

“Rumor has it that the pastel mini canvas bags will be here in April. Usually, they do release these on a Wednesday. How excited are you for these colors? I can’t wait to customize them!” the caption reads.

Another source, @zuncola, hinted that the totes could hit stores as early as April 8 or 9.

It appears there will be four different colorways in this season’s Mini Canvas Tote Bag drop: pink, blue, green, and purple. But they’re not your ordinary pinks, blues, greens, and purples – per the rumors, they’ll come in pastel hues that all look stunning. From carrying your quick grocery hauls to toting each and every picnic essential you’ll need this spring, these bags get it all done in sheer style.

In the past, the Trader Joe’s Mini Canvas Tote Bags have been a limited-time item that garnered plenty of attention from shoppers, even sparking a massivefrenzy inside stores with customers racing to snag their own tote. Some TJ’s locations have also placed a buying limit for bags like these, typically 1 per customer. Based on the reception of the rumors for this year, you’ll likely want to plan when and how you’re going to get your hands on one.

Tons of Trader Joe’s fanatics sounded off in the comments of @traderjoesobsessed’s post about the rumors of the Mini Canvas Tote Bags’ return:

“Stoppppp no way!! 😱😱” one person wrote.

‘Yes! These will make great bags for Easter gifts,” another said.

“Looks like I need to buy camping gear cause I'll be in that line before sunrise 🤩,” one more fan commented.

In previous years, the Mini Canvas Tote Bags went for $2.99 too $3.99, and we expect this pastel-filled drop to cost about the same.

Though there’s no official release date for the mini totes, they’re speculated to hit shelves sometime in April 2025, possibly the 8th or 9th. Stay tuned here for more updates!