Ketchup is one of the most popular condiments used in the UK. From dipping chips in it, to slathering it across bacon sandwiches, and more, many children and adults like the red sauce – but there can often be debate about where to store it once it’s been opened.
A divisive issue, many people are adamant ketchup belongs in the kitchen cupboard, with others firmly believing it should go in the fridge to make it last longer. There are also people who much prefer it at room temperature, as opposed to being chilled.
Now, once expert appears to have settled the debate once and for all. A new social media video from consumer champion site Which? has broken down exactly where you should keep your ketchup – and why.
In the clip, a Which? expert explains: “You can keep it [in the fridge] if you want. After all, it even says ‘refrigerate once opened’ on the bottle. But tomatoes are naturally acidic, and the sauce contains vinegar, which helps preserve it in ambient conditions. So it’s up to you, really.”
However, there is a caveat to this advice, with the expert adding: “If it takes you a while to get through a bottle, you might get a longer shelf life from it if you keep it in the fridge”.
This guidance is echoed in the Instagram post’s caption, which reads: “The debate over where to store your ketchup is one that constantly simmers across social media: fridge or cupboard?
“The @whichuk answer? Cupboard. There’s no need to keep ketchup in the fridge – unless you prefer the taste of it chilled. Not only does it contain vinegar, but tomatoes are naturally acidic, and this helps to preserve the product in ambient conditions.”
The video goes on to explain that brown sauce can also be kept in the cupboard, due to a similarly high vinegar content, while mayonnaise and salad cream should always be kept refrigerated.
