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The age-old debate of whether to store ketchup in the fridge or the cupboard hasfinally been settled by Heinz, revealing the best place for the red sauce to ensure it tastes its best when added to your chips. Heinz sparked a lively debate on social media by asking customers where they keep their ketchup - in the refrigerator or on a kitchen cabinet shelf.

Interestingly, the poll of roughly 2,500 voters was split, with Reddit users also divided on the topic. One user declared: " I'm firmly for the fridge myself, keen to see if I'm as weird as my friend seemed to think!". Another user chimed in: "Keep in fridge. End of debate. A third user said: "Literally says 'keep refrigerated' on the bottle..."

However, others disagreed: "Spoons says otherwise." Another user argued: "Cupboard, who wants cold sauce on their fry up?" One more added: "Cupboard next to the brown sauce."

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But according to its label, an opened ketchup bottle should be stored in the fridge and consumed within eight weeks.

Olivia Lennon, at Heinz Tomato, confirmed this to the Daily Mail, noting: "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.

"This is the best way to maintain the delicious tangy taste of our Heinz Tomato Ketchup that you know and love."

Nevertheless, Which? provides a somewhat different perspective on the matter, with a statement declaring: "What the experts say: It's not essential to keep ketchup in the fridge.

"Not only does it contain vinegar, but tomatoes are naturally acidic, and this helps to preserve the product in ambient (room temperature) conditions.

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

"This can be a fiercely debated topic, but ultimately it comes down to your personal preference, household environment (whether your kitchen tends to be cool or particularly warm, for instance) and the amount of storage space available.

"In 2017, Heinz released a statement declaring: 'Because of its natural acidity, Heinz Ketchup is shelf-stable. However, its stability after opening can be affected by storage conditions.

"We recommend that this product, like any processed food, be refrigerated after opening. Refrigeration will maintain the best product quality after opening."