How long does Ketchup last?
Ketchup lasts 6 months in the fridge. Spoilage signs to check, storage tips, and cited food-safety sources.
Quick answer
Can I still eat it?
Use this as a conservative screen before you rely on the storage window. If anything seems unsafe, discard it.
Ketchup is within the fridge window if it stayed cold/dry as required and shows no discard signs.
Sealed / unopened: 1 year (pantry)
Signs Ketchup has gone bad
- Brown discoloration.
- Mold around the cap.
- Fizzy or fermented smell.
- Watery separation that won't restir.
Discard immediately if
- Any visible mold
- Container is bulging or hisses when opened
- Off odor or significant texture change
Why guidance varies
Vinegar, salt, sugar, and acidity content vary widely by brand and formulation — natural and reduced-sugar versions spoil 2–3× faster than traditional ones.
Get a heads-up before it expires. Search the full database instead.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Ketchup last?
In the fridge: 6 months. In the pantry: 1 month. Sealed / unopened: 1 year (pantry). Refrigerate after opening for best quality. Pantry storage is safe but quality drops faster.
How can you tell if Ketchup has gone bad?
Signs that Ketchup has gone bad: Brown discoloration; Mold around the cap; Fizzy or fermented smell; Watery separation that won't restir.
What does the date label on Ketchup mean?
Ketchup usually carries a "Best By" date. A quality marker — the product is at peak quality before this date, but it’s safe to eat afterward if stored correctly. See our date-labels guide for the full breakdown.
Sources for this answer
- A USDA FSIS FoodKeeper data — Storage windows and refrigeration guidance for this category.
- A FDA — Are You Storing Food Safely? — Date-label interpretation and food-safety baseline.