Does one refrigerate ketchup after opening it, or not?

Question

Just wondering if it's ok to keep opened ketchup in a cupboard at room temperature. If not, why not? Thanks!

Answer 1

Because it is a very acidic product, ketchup does not spoil easily. Once opened, in order to maintain the product's quality more effectively, we do suggest that ketchup (and any other processed food) be refrigerated after opening because refrigeration retards spoilage.



From Heinz FAQ

Answer 2

Refrigerate Ketchup

Answer 3

Once you open any food product, bacteria and micro-organisms can enter the container. At room temperature, these critters can multiply quickly. Not all critters are unhealthy, but you will need an in-home bio lab to determine if you are safe. Refrigerating the foods slows the reproduction of the bacteria, making it last longer. The bacteria is there, but it just doesn't reproduce to dangerous levels at cooler temperatures. However, if left in the fridge long enough, any food may eventually spoil, or become unsafe to consume... be safe... fridge it!!

Answer 4

I have never bought that brand of natural peanut butter... But if there was oil on the top that you had to mix in than you put it in the fridge to stop the oil from separating again. If their was no oil on top than you don't have to refrigerate it because theirs not much oil to separate (just give it a stir before you use it) All normal peanut butters with sugar and hydrogenated oil (the unhealthy part) will always have those ingredients and similar calories. So... The only better choice would be the natural :)

Answer 5

I refrigerate my ketchup out of habit. Mustard too.

Both do not say refrigerate after opening.

You refrigerate to retain freshness and flavor.

Answer 6

It's really a matter of preference. For those yapping "it says so on the bottle", that's merely a precaution that companies use to cover themselves. The odds of room temperature ketchup spoiling are slim to nil if consumed within a reasonable period of time. The acidity level of ketchup is far too high for spoilage unless significantly contaminated by an outside source like someone dipping their dirty fingers into it at which point even refrigeration would be moot.



I don't understand the people who say "it tastes better". Don't know about them, but most of the food I put ketchup on is hot and it's much tastier not having something freezing cold on it!

Answer 7

It says to refrigerate after opening right on the bottle so I would do it unless you want moldy ketchup.

Answer 8

Well they keep the ketchup out at restaurants, there is a lot of vinegar in it so it should be fine. Just look on the bottle, if it doesn't say to refrigerate then you don't have to.

Answer 9

It really doesn't make a lot of difference. It will keep a little longer if you refrigerate it.

But it never stays around our house long enough to worry about that.

Answer 10

Best rule of thumb - if it says "Refrigerate after opening" on the label, then you should. Otherwise, it's probably a matter of preference.

Answer 11

It is false to assume that bacteria will not grow when refrigerated. Using that logic, my refrigerated meat would last forever!

Answer 12

I've always refrigerated it. I really don't know if it would go bad, or not. It might just turn very watery.

Answer 13

Yes, I do it all the time. I used to refrigerate it until I read that you don't have to.

Answer 14

yes, fridge it.... there is a ton of bacteria, fungus and mold zooming around the air. It is sterile before you open it, and once you open it, all the air bacter/fungus/mold has access to the goods and can turn it bad MUCH quicker than in the fridge... bact/mold/fungus love room temp and sugar... ketchup is a virtual bath for ick!

Answer 15

at room temp the chancces of spoilage r more because some acids r in it in cotact with air the grow up up ant spoil it

better to put it in fridge covereed if well capped u can place it at room temp also

Answer 16

you don't have to i just think it tastes a heck of a lot better when it's cold, same thing with mustard and mayo put it in the fridge.

Answer 17

you can put in the cabinet I do I hate cold ketchap after all when you go to restauarants there ketchap is out all day and night and it is fine

Answer 18

\No, but I do.

Answer 19

yes, you do

Answer 20

refridgerate it!

Answer 21

Please do, it tastes better and keeps better.