Food - Drink
Should Ketchup Be Stored In The Refrigerator?
By KATHERINE BECK
While there are many items that should never be kept in the refrigerator, such as cooking oils and raw potatoes, there are others that have to be chilled so they don't spoil. However, ketchup is in a gray area, and the condiment’s place in the refrigerator versus the cupboard is a debate that has no definitive answer.
Many ketchup brands like the famous Heinz Tomato Ketchup were first sold before refrigerators were even commonplace in homes. Today, Heinz itself claims that its ketchup is shelf-stable because of its acidity, but recommends keeping opened ketchup bottles refrigerated to maintain the best taste and quality.
However, others say that refrigerating the ketchup alters its flavor, so your choice depends on personal preference. If you like the taste of chilled ketchup and don't use it very often, refrigerate it, but if you like ketchup as-is and will use up the bottle fairly quickly, storing it in a cupboard is perfectly fine as well.