Does Ketchup Expire?
Ketchup lasts a long time due to its acidity and sugar content. Unopened ketchup keeps for 1-2 years past the printed date. Opened ketchup lasts 6-12 months in the refrigerator or about 1 month at room temperature. Quality declines before safety becomes a concern.
Key Takeaways
- Ketchup is preserved by natural acids from tomatoes and added [vinegar](/does-vinegar-expire), plus high sugar content that inhibits bacterial growth.
- Ketchup packets last longer than bottled ketchup due to sealed, oxygen-free packaging.
- Organic or reduced-sugar ketchup may have shorter shelf lives than conventional varieties.
Explanation
Ketchup is preserved by natural acids from tomatoes and added vinegar, plus high sugar content that inhibits bacterial growth. These factors give ketchup excellent shelf stability, though it will eventually degrade in quality.
Signs of declining ketchup quality include darkening color (from bright red to brownish), separation of liquid, thickening texture, and dulled flavor. These changes happen gradually and the ketchup often remains safe even when quality has diminished.
Refrigeration after opening is recommended but not strictly required for safety in the short term. Restaurants often keep ketchup at room temperature but rotate bottles frequently. For home use, refrigeration maintains better quality.
Things to Know
- Ketchup packets last longer than bottled ketchup due to sealed, oxygen-free packaging.
- Organic or reduced-sugar ketchup may have shorter shelf lives than conventional varieties.
- The watery liquid that sometimes separates is harmless; shake or stir to recombine.