Opened ketchup lasts 6 months in the fridge. Unopened, it keeps 1 year in the pantry.
Shelf life at a glance
Bars show the longest recommended time for each place. Scale runs from 1 hour to 2 years.
- 1Use within days
- 2Keeps a week or two
- 3Keeps for months
- 4Keeps a long time
Based on the longest fridge or pantry time.
About 90 more days in the fridge.
About 60 more days in the fridge.
It's inside the safe window but near the end. Eat it today or freeze it now.
Past the recommended fridge time. Even if it looks and smells fine, throw it out.
Past the recommended fridge time. Even if it looks and smells fine, throw it out.
Counted from the day it was cooked, opened or bought. Assumes a fridge at 4 °C (40 °F) or colder.
Ketchup storage times by method
| Method | Duration | Temperature | Container | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator (opened) | 6 months | ≤ 40°F / 4°C | Airtight | at or below 40°F (4°C) |
| Pantry / counter (unopened) | 1 year | 68–72°F | Airtight | cool, dry place |
Where to store ketchup
The door is the warmest part of the fridge, fine for condiments and drinks that resist spoilage.
Ketchup shelf life, answered
How long does ketchup last in the fridge?
6 months at 4°C (40°F) or colder (opened). Keep it sealed so it does not pick up moisture or odours.
How long does ketchup last in the freezer?
Not listed. FoodKeeper gives no freezer time for ketchup.
How long does ketchup last at room temperature?
It is not meant to be kept at room temperature. Refrigerate it.
How long does ketchup last after opening?
6 months in the fridge once opened. The printed date stops applying the moment you break the seal.
How long does unopened ketchup last?
1 year in the pantry, if the seal is intact and it is stored as the label says.
How long is ketchup good for past the expiration date?
FoodKeeper gives unopened ketchup 1 year in the pantry, counted from the day you buy it. "Best-by" and "sell-by" describe quality and stock rotation, not safety; only infant formula carries a federally required use-by date.
How can you tell if ketchup is bad?
Fermented, yeasty or sour beyond the product's usual tang. Separation that does not stir back, or a slimy layer. Darkening or a change in colour at the top of the jar.
Signs ketchup has gone bad
Smell
Fermented, yeasty or sour beyond the product's usual tang.
Texture
Separation that does not stir back, or a slimy layer.
Colour
Darkening or a change in colour at the top of the jar.
Mould
Any fuzz on the surface or lid — discard the jar.
Can you freeze ketchup?
- 1Step 1
Most condiments keep well in the fridge and do not need freezing.
- 2Step 2
If freezing, use ice-cube trays or small containers and label them.
- 3Step 3
Thaw in the fridge and stir well; emulsions may separate.
Ketchup left out overnight
Opened ketchup belongs in the fridge. Overnight at room temperature speeds spoilage; if it smells, looks or tastes off, discard it.
Best-by and use-by dates on ketchup
Unopened
FoodKeeper gives unopened ketchup 1 year in the pantry, counted from the day you buy it. "Best-by" and "sell-by" describe quality and stock rotation, not safety; only infant formula carries a federally required use-by date.
Opened
Once opened, the printed date no longer applies. Count 6 months in the fridge from the day you open it.
How to store ketchup
- Refrigeration ensures that commercial sauces and condiments stay fresh for a longer period of time. Shelf-stable commercial ketchup, cocktail sauce, and chili sauce are safe when stored at room temperature after opening. Quality, not safety, is the reason the labels on these products suggest that they be refrigerated after opening.
- Refrigerate after opening unless the label says otherwise.
- Use a clean utensil each time; crumbs and double-dipping shorten shelf life.
- Wipe the rim and close the lid tightly.
Ketchup vs similar foods
- Honey 2 years
- Mustard 1 year
- Jam and jelly 6–12 months
- Ketchup 6 months
- Mayonnaise 2 months
- Jarred salsa 1 month
- Soy sauce 1 month
Same scale as the timeline above: 1 hour to 2 years.
Check any food in seconds: when your leftovers expire, and whether something left out is still safe.
Similar foods
All condiments & sauces → Does it go bad? hub → Leftover calculator →Freezer time calculator →Left-out checker →