Heinz settles ketchup debate as nearly half of Brits store condiment incorrectly

31 August 2023 , 14:20

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Where do you keep your ketchup? (Image: Getty Images)

Ketchup is one of the UK's favourite condiments, and it's clear to see why. It just seems to go well with everything, accompanying chips, chicken, hot dogs, and so much more, perfectly. But there's an ongoing feud between, well, everyone, about where the sauce should be stored - and people just cannot seem to agree.

Should it be kept in the cupboard or the fridge? It's a debate that rages on, and even celebrities such as Cardi B and Victoria Beckham have shared their opinions on the topic. But now a definitive answer has been given from Heinz - but not everyone will be happy about it.

This comes after a study of 2,000 people discovered that four in 10 (41%) of Brits have been storing their Heinz Tomato Ketchup in the cupboard rather than the fridge. But it turns out that the 41% are wrong, and you're actually supposed to store it in the fridge. And they even did a cheeky post about it on X, formerly Twitter, which has resurfaced.

In a statement that caused a huge stir, Heinz tweeted: "FYI: Ketchup. goes. in. the. fridge!!!" And ketchup lovers were left mortified at this revelation, with one fan replying: "Mmmm… A nice piping hot steak bake. Let me smother it with a condiment the same temperature as my milk." "Never, ever has it ever gone in my fridge, nor anybody else's", a warm ketchup lover fumed.

Taking a different view, a third person applauded: "Yes Heinz! Can you tell my boyfriend to do so? He keeps it on the countertop and it tastes [disgusted face emoji]". Many also pointed out that the label specifically requests that you keep the condiment refrigerated after it's been opened, so it shouldn't come as too much of a surprise.

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Heinz Tomato Ketchup spokesperson Olivia Lennon said: "There was only ever one correct answer, and we're happy to share with Heinz Tomato Ketchup lovers across the UK that our ketchup has to be in the fridge. 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."

Many people who store the condiment in the cupboard pointed out that Heinz Tomato Ketchup is kept on the shelf, not the fridge, at the supermarket, but there's a scientific reason behind this. Ketchup has natural acidity, which means it's shelf-stable. Once opened, however, storage conditions can negatively affect the product, meaning it's best to pop your bottle straight into the fridge after your first squeeze.

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Danielle Kate Wroe