Does Ketchup Belong in the Refrigerator Or The Pantry?

Refrigerator vs Pantry

We've filled the kitchen with 4th July goods for this week's celebrations, but now we're facing the ultimate dilemma - where do we store the ketchup? 

Does it go in the pantry, alongside the maple syrup and honey? Or is it best stored in the refrigerator with the mayonnaise and eggs? It's a tough - almost impossible - decision.

Well, in 2017 Kraft Heinz Ketchup told the Today show that “because of its natural acidity, Heinz Ketchup is shelf-stable. However, its stability after opening can be affected by storage conditions. We recommend that this product, like any processed food, be refrigerated after opening. Refrigeration will maintain the best product quality after opening.”

Well, we hope pantry fans aren't too dissapointed! Perphaps we need a second opinion?

A Scientific Explanation

According to science, putting your ketchup in the refrigerator really is the better option.

The official governmental food safety provider, FoodSafety.gov states that the majority of sauces, such as ketchup, mustard, mayo, barbecue, soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and even salsa, should be stored in the refrigerator because their ingredients stay fresher for a longer period of time.

However, the ingredients in an average bottle of ketchup allow it to remain unspoiled even when stored outside of the refrigerator. Ketchup is highly acidic, thanks to its to main ingredients - vinegar and tomatoes. It also contains a substantial amount of salt and sugar, which act as natural preservatives. The ketchup is also already cooked, so there's no raw ingredients to potentially give you an upset stomach. 

So, even though it's better if it's put in the refrigerator, the sauce's natural acidity makes it shelf-friendly!

Each To Their Own

We've got a scientific answer, but it's clear personal preferance is the real winner here.

Back in 2018, during an interview with Tinder, singing-sensation, J.Lo (Jennifer Lopez) even gave her opinion on the subject, stating that she had rejected someone's dating profile because it read "If you store ketchup in the refrigerator, it's not going to work out."

Ketchup preferences really are important, hey?

Hungry for more?  Try The Best Ways To Make Homemade Ketchup