Heinz explained whether ketchup actually belongs in fridge or cupboard

I hate ketchup. Sorry, the taste, the smell - just isn't for me.

I'm also that weirdo who has no sauce on their hot dog. A bit of aioli maybe...

Clearly though, I am in the minority as ketchup can reportedly be found in 97 percent of 125 million households in the US.

But are you supposed to keep it in the fridge, or not?

While I like to store anything ketchup-related in the bin, a lot of people keep it well away from fridges, as is the case in supermarkets.

The debate is still well and truly alive on X, with one person writing: "I’m a cupboard ketchup keeper, never fear Sir. Many of us agree."

Another penned: "Who wants cold ketchup on hot chips???"

Heinz recommends to keep your ketchup in the fridge (Tiffany Hagler-Geard/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Fans of refrigeration, however, said: "Fridge all day long, goes sharp and tastes worse if left in the cupboard. Take it out before you use it, won’t be cold."

Someone else added: "It’s not like the bottle has instructions on it or anything, Oh wait it does."

A third penned: "Every single jam, sauce, picked food or condiment should be stored in the cupboard before opening and in the fridge after opening. The only exceptions are honey and syrup."

Settling the debate, Heinz representative Olivia Lennon told the Daily Mail: "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.

"Although we're aware many Heinz Tomato Ketchup fans have been storing their ketchup in the cupboard, we do recommend refrigeration after opening."

The spokesperson insisted that 'this is the best way to maintain the delicious tangy taste of our Heinz Tomato Ketchup that you know and love'.

If you take a look at the back of a ketchup bottle, it should also say 'For Best Results, Refrigerate After Opening'.

Additionally, the brand went on X in 2023 to confirm its allegiance to the fridge: "Ketchup. goes. in. the. fridge!!!"

Or are you a ketchup in the cupboard person? (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Martin Bucknavage, a food safety specialist at Penn State University, also told The Guardian: "I’m shocked there’s a controversy. If you want to maximise the quality of your ketchup, you keep it in the fridge."

That being said, there remains a bit of confusion because some dieticians reckon there's nothing wrong with keeping it out.

Dr Sarah Schenker said to Which?: "Sometimes people keep ketchup in the fridge, simply because they prefer a chilled taste, but otherwise it doesn't need to be refrigerated."

This debate is now another reason why I don't like ketchup.