How long does ketchup last?

Answer 1

Answer

You should call the manufacturer listed on the packet.. to be certain...but refrigerating the packets do extend their shelf life..
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:Better Answer with Source:(Heinz Products, but others can, but vary, be compared to be about the same)
Product -- Shelf Life
(for a single serving)

• Ketchup -- 7 months
• Chopped onions -- 7 months
• Mayonnaise -- 8 months
• Fat-free mayonnaise -- 8 months
• Relish -- 9 months
• Mild taco sauce -- 9 months
• Hot taco sauce -- 4 months
• Yellow mustard -- 9 months
• BBQ sauce -- 9 months
• Steak sauce -- 9 months
• Tartar sauce -- 8 months
• Horseradish sauce -- 8 months
• Cocktail sauce -- 9 months
• Tabasco sauce -- 8 months

My Source: http://www.wisn.com/food/9536721/detail.html


Also, because of the preservatives used, refrigeration is NOT needed unless specifically stated on the package, which is about 2% of condiments.

Answer 2

Read the label carefully and it should instruct if necessary. There are several preservatives in major brands so that refrigeration is not necessary. In most you do not, otherwise thousands of restaurants and hot dog dives would be in big trouble for leaving it out all week, and consistently refilling the same bottles over and over and over.

Answer 3

if you examine the label carefully, nowhere on it does it say refrigeration is required. restaurants leave bottles out on their tables. i do not refrigerate mine. i think it is a preference.

More information Actually, I have seen labels on catsup/ketchup/katsup that indicate it should be refrigerated after opening. That seems to have been added in recent years. It more than likely is to maintain flavor and color rather than for food safety concerns. My mother never refrigerated catsup and neither did I, until the labels changed.

Catsup has high fructose corn syrup. That means it's potentially a breeding ground for bacteria under the right circumstances. Most likely the acidic content from the vinegar in it will stave off any bacterial growth, so why take the chance ?

Answer 4

if you want it to be, it doesnt have to...

Answer 5

I refrigerate mine. I notice that ketchup is now labeled to refrigerate after opening.

I didn't used to and neither did my mother. But it keeps better if you do.