Guide
What to keep ina dorm mini fridge
A mini fridge is small, so plan what goes in. Keep the foods that need cold, keep the rest on a shelf, and check the temperature.
Keep it cold enough
- Aim for 40°F (4°C) or colder. A cheap fridge thermometer shows you the real temperature.
- Don’t overpack it: cold air needs space to move around.
- The small freezer box in many mini fridges doesn’t stay as cold as a real freezer, so don’t count on it for long storage.
What to keep in it
- Milk, yogurt and cheese
- Hummus and opened salsa
- Ready-to-eat spinach and cut vegetables in a closed container
- Overnight oats and other meals you made ahead
- Leftovers, labeled with the date
What can stay on the shelf
- Unopened cans of beans, corn, peas and soup
- Rice cups, oats, tortillas and bread
- Peanut butter and granola
- Bananas
Leftovers
Put leftovers in the fridge within 2 hours. USDA says they keep for 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Write the date on the lid so you don’t have to guess.
More guides
Sources
Housing rules and product labels come first. Dorm Chef doesn’t give medical or diet advice.
