Does ketchup need to be refrigerated after opening?

Question

The bottle does not give any clues...!

Answer 1

Heinz says: 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.

I've never met sour ketchup, so I don't know what it tastes/looks like when it goes bad. Growing up, we kept a HUGE bottle of mustard on top of our fridge, not in it, and it never went bad. But Heinz says you could/should.

Answer 2

Yes and no. No if you like it at room temperature and go through ketchup quite quickly (a month or so). Yes if you buy in bulk or don't use it very often. It is really just a preference. Just remember "When in doubt, throw it out". A sour smell or odd color is never good.

Answer 3

Yes

Answer 4

yes you should refrigerate it after you open it. same goes for mayo and must and definitely any salad dressing. if you have left it out for more than an hour or two i would go ahead and throw it away.

Answer 5

No, you don't have to refrigerate it. But it taste better when its cold.

Answer 6

If the bottle does not say "Refrigerate after opening" then you can leave it in the cabinet.

ST

Answer 7

Yes, unless you want it to grow baby ketchups.

Answer 8

YES IT DOES otherwise it gets spoiled, ive tried it before don't eat it after 2 days. UGGG!!!

Answer 9

it can be left out quite awhile but lasts better if you refrigerate it

Answer 10

you should. but it should be ok if you dont just dont use it for more than a couple of weeks....the resteraunts leave it out but it keep the big bottles in the fridge. they have to refill like ever couple of days so its not really out that long there either