This Is Where You Should Be Storing Your Ketchup, According to Heinz (2024)

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This Is Where You Should Be Storing Your Ketchup, According to Heinz? ›

In case you're wondering, Heinz previously spoke out about this, using a poll on X to call out that ketchup should go in the refrigerator. The company did say that its product is shelf-stable because of its acidity but refrigerating it can maintain product quality.

Unless you're a busy diner going through and refilling ketchup bottles every day or two, you should store your ketchup in the fridge. This is because, just like pickles, the flavor and texture declines after you open the bottle or jar and the ketchup is exposed to air.

The guidelines at FoodSafety.gov state that shelf-stable products like mustard, mayo, barbecue sauce, ketchup, soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, Worcestershire sauce and salsa will benefit from being stored in the fridge. "Refrigeration ensures that commercial sauces and condiments stay fresh for a longer period of time."

Food safety experts say that while ketchup is shelf-stable, it generally tastes better when kept cold. “I'm shocked there's a controversy,” said Martin Bucknavage, a food safety specialist at Penn State University. “If you want to maximize the quality of your ketchup, you keep it in the fridge.”

A spokesperson from the company responsible for everything from sauce, to soup and baked beans told TODAY food: “The sweet spot to tap on the Heinz bottle is the 57 on the neck.” “All you need to do is apply a firm tap where the bottle narrows, and the ketchup will come out easier.”

Heinz's American brand has previously said that its ketchup is shelf-stable because of its acidity (vinegar is the second-listed ingredient after tomatoes, which are themselves acidic) but nevertheless has advised users to keep it refrigerated after opening to “maintain product quality.” And the bottles bear the ...

If you use ketchup often, do as restaurants and diners do — just leave it out. Ketchup can be kept unrefrigerated for up to one month, but if you don't think you'll finish the bottle in that timeframe, it's best to keep it in the refrigerator.

But the product is shelf stable and can be stored in the fridge or pantry without any adverse reactions. However, the truthful answer lies in the speed at which you go can finish the bottle. For those who can make a bottle last a while, storing in the cool temperature of the fridge is best.

If you don't have a wine fridge or cool cellar, store all ripe tomatoes that you can't eat within the first day in the refrigerator. If you're storing tomatoes in the refrigerator, it may be better to locate them on a top shelf near the door, which is often warmer than the bottom and back of the fridge.

Prepared ketchup (Heinz, etc), will last about 1 year AFTER its "best by" date if you open it and keep it in the fridge. If it is unopened and in the pantry (un-refrigerated), it will last about 2 years past the "best by" date.

What is the Heinz 57 slogan? ›

Heinz invented the slogan '57 varieties. ' At the time, Heinz sold more than 60 foods. Heinz has been linked to the number 57 for more than a century. The company's “57 varieties” slogan was a key part of its early strategy to attract consumers.

The reason for "57" is unclear. Heinz said he chose "5" because it was his lucky number and the number "7" was his wife's lucky number. However, Heinz also said the number "7" was selected specifically because of the "psychological influence of that figure and of its enduring significance to people of all ages".

In 1973, a tomato shortage hit Heinz hard, and the company decided its glass bottle business would take priority over bulk accounts. Needless to say, McDonald's' executives weren't happy with this and abruptly ended the exclusive agreement.

Yes, ketchup can go bad. If unopened, commercial ketchup “can last for up to a year in your pantry,” says Okegbe, but once opened and refrigerated, it should ideally be consumed within six months. If left in the pantry once opened, use up the ketchup within a month to be safe.

Tomato sauce

Technically the 'pantry' advocates are correct, however, there's a catch. According to news.com.au, thanks to its high acidity and processing, tomato sauce (alongside other sauces like BBQ sauce and mustard) doesn't require refrigeration after opening.

What About Condiment Packets? Those leftover ketchup and mustard packets at the bottom of your take-out bag don't need to be refrigerated. Once you open them, though, use them up or throw them away. Salad dressing packets are good in the fridge for a few days.