'Fridge or cupboard' ketchup debate settled once and for all

Ketchup is one of the UK's favourite condiments, with it often drizzled over everything from chips to traditional fry-ups, and enjoyed by kids and grown-ups alike. Where it should be stored once opened, however, is a divisive issue.

Some people swear it belongs in the cupboard, while others are certain it lasts longer if kept in the fridge. There are also people who prefer it at room temperature, while others like it cooler.

The controversy may have been put to rest by one specialist, who has given a definitive answer in a new video on consumer advocacy site Which?'s social media feed. In the footage, a Which? expert sheds light on the optimal ketchup storage method, stating: "You can keep it [in the fridge] if you want. After all, it even says 'refrigerate once opened' on the bottle. But tomatoes are naturally acidic, and the sauce contains vinegar, which helps preserve it in ambient conditions. So it's up to you, really."

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There is, however, a caveat to this suggestion, as the expert further explains: "If it takes you a while to get through a bottle, you might get a longer shelf life from it if you keep it in the fridge". This guidance is echoed in the Instagram post's caption, which reads: "The debate over where to store your ketchup is one that constantly simmers across social media: fridge or cupboard?

"The @whichuk answer? Cupboard. There's no need to keep ketchup in the fridge – unless you prefer the taste of it chilled. Not only does it contain vinegar, but tomatoes are naturally acidic, and this helps to preserve the product in ambient conditions."

The video goes on to explain that brown sauce can also be kept in the cupboard, due to a similarly high vinegar content, while mayonnaise and salad cream should always be kept refrigerated.