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Ketchup is one of those staple condiments found in kitchens across the United States. It's the glue to your favorite burgers and hot dogs and the ultimate dipping sauce for crispy French fries. Heck, ketchup is even a key ingredient in Ree Drummond's favorite meatloaf recipe. But have you ever found yourself wondering: Does ketchup need to be refrigerated?
Well, you're not alone! The age-old question has caused a condiment conundrum among Americans for some time now. Think about it: you may be used to keeping some pantry ingredients (like mustard, ranch, or BBQ sauce) in the fridge after their opened, but have you ever noticed that many restaurants keep their ketchup out on the tables? What exactly is the deal with refrigerating ketchup and what's the best way to store it?
Kraft Heinz has officially weighed in on the matter! In a recent social media post from Heinz U.K., the company stated, "FYI: Ketchup. goes. in. the. fridge!!!"
Gaining more than 5.5 million views, the statement has brought this household debate back to the forefront.
In fact, Heinz later posed a question to the public asking for their opinion on whether ketchup should be stored in the fridge or the pantry. Most people seem to agree with Heinz— out of 13,178 votes, 63.2% voted for the fridge. So why then does ketchup sit out at room temperature in many restaurants?
According to Heinz, ketchup is shelf-stable due to its natural acidity, but they recommend storing it in the refrigerator once it's opened to "maintain product quality." In fact, you'll see bottle labels clearly marked, "For best results, refrigerate after opening."
The flavor and texture of ketchup will ultimately last longer if kept in the fridge. However, since restaurants have a lot more turnover than say your kitchen table, their ketchup is often used up quicker and therefore doesn't need to have such a long shelf life.
So, there you have it—unless you're a busy restaurant, it's best to stash that ketchup in the fridge, especially after your next backyard BBQ!
