To fridge or not to fridge? Heinz settles the ketchup debate for good: 'There was only ever one answer'

Some debates never seem to have a clear winner, but when the maker of the product itself steps in, it is hard to argue. For years, people have been divided over the proper way to store ketchup: fridge or cupboard. The answer has always been right in front of us, but now Heinz has officially settled it once and for all. Heinz, the world-renowned ketchup brand, has made its stance clear, and those who keep their ketchup in the cupboard might not like it. The debate had been raging online for quite some time, with Heinz even running a social media poll asking people where they kept their ketchup. Over 2,500 people from Britain responded, and the results were nearly split down the middle. But Heinz had the final word, as reported by Mirror.

"There was only ever one correct answer, and we're happy to share with Heinz Tomato Ketchup lovers that our ketchup has to be in the fridge," Heinz representative Olivia Lennon said, per the outlet. While many people insist that ketchup tastes better at room temperature, Heinz says refrigeration is the way to go. "Although we're aware many Heinz Tomato Ketchup fans have been storing their ketchup in the cupboard, we do recommend refrigeration after opening. This is the best way to maintain the delicious tangy taste of our Heinz Tomato Ketchup that you know and love." The back of the Heinz bottle also states the same, "For Best Results, Refrigerate After Opening."

The company (@HeinzUK) previously made its stance clear in a 2023 post on X (formerly Twitter), writing, "FYI: Ketchup. goes. in. the. fridge!!!" The reason we see the ketchup on store shelves and not in the fridge section is because of its acidity, which allows it to remain shelf-stable. But once the seal is broken and the ketchup is exposed to air, it is at risk of losing its freshness, taste and color if not kept chilled. Despite Heinz’s official recommendation, many still believe ketchup is fine in the cupboard. Some argue that people leave bottles out on tables all day, so why shouldn’t they do the same at home? This discussion even made its way onto Reddit, as posted by u/cervezamonkey, where many shared their thoughts.

u/KratosGBR said, "Keep in Fridge. End of debate." u/GamerHumphrey added, "Restart of debate. Cupboard. End of new debate." u/yousmellandidont wrote, "Literally says, 'keep refrigerated' on the bottle..." u/farlos75 quipped, "In the cupboard. Why would you put cold sauce on hot food? It doesn't make sense!" u/Rasty_lv suggested, "Unopened? Cupboard. Once opened? Fridge. Check your ketchup bottle. There are small letters, 'Once opened, store in the fridge within x months...' So anyone who stores opened ketchup in the cupboard is wrong."

u/Breaking-Dad- explained, "I heard this on the radio, don’t know if it is true but it makes sense. Glass bottles in the cupboard are fine, but plastic bottles are slightly porous. So, it needs to be in the fridge or it will go off (very slowly). That’s why it says to keep it in the fridge. It was a cupboard item when I was a kid but no longer." u/Beanruz said, "I mean it's simple. What does it say on the bottle/tub/packaging? That's the answer. There is no debate on this to be had?"