When it’s time to get the ingredients together for an outdoor gathering, there’s no question about what condiment is a must-have: ketchup. The real question is: Where is the ketchup stored when the party is over: refrigerator or pantry? When it comes to condiments, some can sit in the pantry, while others are clearly marked “refrigerate after opening.” Heinz bottle labels in the U.S. clearly state, “For Best Results, Refrigerate After Opening.” Because of its natural acidity, ketchup is shelf-stable. That explains why the product is not found in the refrigerated section of your grocery store. However, Heinz maintains that consumers should refrigerate their ketchup once it has been opened to maintain product quality. People on social media were quick to ask one question: "How can restaurants leave ketchup sitting on their tables all the time?" As Heinz explained, “The turnover rate at a restaurant is much quicker than what takes place in a home kitchen, so it doesn’t actually end up sitting out long enough to decline in quality.” So, the next time you use ketchup, you won't have that lingering question about where to store it when you're finished.
