Condiments
How long does Ketchup last?
High confidence
Quality concern
How long does Ketchup last? fridge 6 months, pantry 1 month. Plus spoilage signs, sources, and an unopened-vs-opened note.
Fridge
6 months
Pantry
1 month
Freezer
Not recommended
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.
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Sources for this answer
- A USDA FoodKeeper — Storage windows and refrigeration guidance for this category.
- A FDA — Are You Storing Food Safely? — Date-label interpretation and food-safety baseline.