Condiments, Sauces & Canned Goods
How long does ketchup last in the fridge after opening?
Opened ketchup holds 6 months in the fridge, where an unopened bottle keeps 1 year in the pantry — the cold also keeps it red instead of brick.
How long does it keep?
| Pantry, from purchase | 1 year |
|---|---|
| Fridge, opened | 6 months |
Can it sit out?
Unopened, ketchup is shelf-stable. Once opened, treat it as perishable — the FSIS 2-hour rule applies.
Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).
How to tell if ketchup has gone bad
- A darkened, brownish red instead of bright tomato
- A watery ring that separates out on the plate
- Mold or crust built up around the nozzle and cap
- A sharp, fermented smell on the first squeeze
When in doubt, throw it out.
Store the squeeze bottle nozzle-down in the fridge door and you’ll skip the watery first squirt.
Quick answers
How long does ketchup last in the fridge after opening?
Opened ketchup holds 6 months in the fridge, where an unopened bottle keeps 1 year in the pantry — the cold also keeps it red instead of brick.
How long can ketchup sit out?
Sitting out isn’t the safety question for unopened ketchup — once opened, the FSIS 2-hour rule applies. Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).