Why does ketchup not need refrigeration?!


Question: Not all ketchup needs to be refrigerated. Certain brands do. Mainly cheaper brands.


It wasn't until within the last year that Heinz ketchup even said on the label anything about refrigeration.

Think about it.. what restaurant do you know puts all their bottles of ketchup in the fridge? I've worked at several and none did.. it wasn't against the health code either.

I've eaten warm ketchup (Heinz) for over 25 years.. I've never been sick from it. Guess those germs are just being picky... (not)

Refrigerating ketchup will keep the flavor at its peak, or so they say. Unrefrigerated ketchup is totally safe to eat but, air will dilute the flavor after several weeks.


To answer the question, my guess is the vinegar in it makes it safe to not refrigerate.

Answers: Not all ketchup needs to be refrigerated. Certain brands do. Mainly cheaper brands.


It wasn't until within the last year that Heinz ketchup even said on the label anything about refrigeration.

Think about it.. what restaurant do you know puts all their bottles of ketchup in the fridge? I've worked at several and none did.. it wasn't against the health code either.

I've eaten warm ketchup (Heinz) for over 25 years.. I've never been sick from it. Guess those germs are just being picky... (not)

Refrigerating ketchup will keep the flavor at its peak, or so they say. Unrefrigerated ketchup is totally safe to eat but, air will dilute the flavor after several weeks.


To answer the question, my guess is the vinegar in it makes it safe to not refrigerate.
I have always stuck it in the fridge at night at restaurants i worked at.I just didnt approve of them pouring them all together..UGH!!to make bottles look full.Thats nasty.
I have two bottles at all times in fridge.Never buy heinz ..not a kerry fan and its always HUNTS! Report It

Other Answers (19)

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  • chowens4's Avatar by chowens4
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    • It doesn't? I always refrigerate mine!
    sugar is a natural preservative and did u know ketchup is jam packed with sugar!!!
    ketchup need to be in the fridge to keep it fresh
    it does as far as i know...
    Only if it hasn't been opened yet because the seal is vacuum sealed. or the cap is air sealed.
    Why is the Sky blue??? Why is the Sun so hot??? Why is water wet???
    why doesn't a tomato need refrigeration?
    Seriously... If you aren't throwin ur ketsup it the fridge ur not right. Before its opened it is sterile, and no germs can get in. after u open it... jesus christ man refrigerate that :(
    I always refrigerate it. I left one out of frige and it went bad!
    It is fairly acid, which discourages the growth of microorganisms, and probably contains preservatives as well.
    It DOES need refrigeration after it is opened. But it has vinegar in it, which is a preservative. That delays it from spoiling... but not forever. It is highly recommended that you refrigerate it after it is open.
    I always refrigerate mine after it is opened. Before hand with the seals and the vinegars it will keep.
    Probably because it contains vinegar, which is a preservative. It is probably also full of artificial preservatives.
    It does need refrigeration. It says so on the bottle.
    Not use, but I always but mine in the refrigerate. I enjoy eating it cold with hot fies
    ...it actually does.

    it can survive overnight out of the fridge just fine, but after a while the vinegar spoils the rest of the ketchup and thats no good.

    after a while, stuff starts to grow in it.

    keep your ketchup in the fridge.
    mine is always in the fridge. its more fresh
    ketchup needs refridgeration after it is opened.

    Perhaps you are lucky enough so far to have missed getting any negative effects so far but I would not gamble with that.
    That small percentage of the USDA's "allowable insect matter" keeps it fresh on the shelf!


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