We’ve all been there. You open up a bottle of ketchup that’s been in the fridge for a while, and you’re not sure whether it’s still good to eat or not. Is it safe to eat? Will it make you sick? In this blog post, we will discuss the science behind ketchup shelf life. We will answer the question: does ketchup go bad? And we’ll provide some tips on how to keep your ketchup fresh for as long as possible!
Ketchup is made from tomatoes, vinegar, spices, and sugar. The acid in the vinegar prevents the growth of bacteria, and the sugar acts as a preservative. Tomatoes are a low-acid food, which means that they can support the growth of bacteria. However, the acidity of ketchup is high enough to prevent the growth of most bacteria.
Ketchup will start to spoil when the acidity level drops below pH four. The vinegar in ketchup prevents the growth of most bacteria, but it can’t stop all of them. Ketchup will start to spoil when the acidity level drops and bacteria start to grow. The good news is that you can prevent this by storing your ketchup in the fridge.
Ketchup can last for up to six months in the fridge. However, it’s best to consume it within a few months of opening the bottle. After six months, the quality of the ketchup will start to decline. The flavor will become muted, and the texture will change. If you’re not sure whether your ketchup is still good, it’s best to throw it out.
So, does ketchup go bad? Yes, eventually it will. But you can extend its shelf life by storing it in the fridge. And if you’re ever in doubt about whether your ketchup is still good, it’s best to err on the side of caution and throw it out.
Thanks for reading! We hope you found this blog post helpful. Do you have any tips on how to extend the shelf life of ketchup? Share them with us in the comments below!