Four chefs have weighed in on the age-old debate over whether ketchup should be stored in the fridge or cupboard once opened. The consensus: refrigerate for best quality, though cupboard storage is safe.
Chefs' verdict
Chefs Mike Reid, Jeremy Pang, and Nima Safaei, along with registered nutritionist Lily Keeling of Green Chef, unanimously agreed on one approach. Mike Reid said the sauce tastes "far better" when served chilled. "The cupboard's fine, but I'm a fridge man once it's open," he said.
"Heinz themselves tell you to refrigerate after opening, and they'd know. It's so loaded with vinegar and sugar it won't do you any harm sitting in the pantry, but the colour and that bright, tangy flavour hold far better cold. Open it, chill it," he added.
Expert opinions
Jeremy Pang echoed Reid's view: "Ketchup - you can get away with keeping it out of the fridge but there's something not quite right about that, especially that crusty congealed ketchup that gets stuck inside the lid. In general, with these thick liquids, keep them refrigerated please."
Nima Safaei, chef and owner of three Soho restaurants, added: "Although it's shelf-stable before opening thanks to its acidity, I always recommend refrigerating it once opened. By keeping it in the fridge, it helps preserve the fresh tomato flavour and vibrant colour for much longer. If you get through a bottle quickly, keeping it in a cool cupboard is unlikely to cause any issues, but refrigeration will always give you the best quality."
He also noted: "And don't forget to wipe the bottle clean after use - dried ketchup around the lid is the perfect place for bacteria and mould to develop."
Manufacturer and safety guidance
Heinz advises refrigerating ketchup after opening to maintain quality. A spokesperson told us: "We advise that once the ketchup has been opened this has to be stored in the fridge to prevent fermentation."
Olivia Lennon, at Heinz Tomato Ketchup, previously told the Daily Mail: "Although we're aware many Heinz Tomato Ketchup fans have been storing their ketchup in the cupboard, we do recommend refrigeration after opening. This is the best way to maintain the delicious tangy taste of our Heinz Tomato Ketchup that you know and love."
The Food Standards Agency advises consumers to follow label instructions. It states: "Refrigeration ensures that commercial sauces and condiments stay fresh for a longer period of time. Shelf-stable commercial ketchup, cocktail sauce, and chili sauce are safe when stored at room temperature after opening. Quality, not safety, is the reason the labels on these products suggest that they be refrigerated after opening."
Storage expert Vlatka Lake of Space Station says sealed condiments can last up to a year in a dark cupboard, but opened bottles should go in the fridge, where most will last up to six months.
