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How long does ketchup (opened) last?
Updated 2026-05-13 · USDA FoodKeeper & FDA guidelines
Pantry / counter
1 month
1 month opened at room temp (acidic — surprisingly stable)
After opening
6 months
6 months refrigerated
The short answer
Ketchup (opened) lasts as long as you store it correctly — which can mean anywhere from a few days on the counter to a year in the freezer. The numbers above represent best quality per USDA and FDA guidelines, not absolute safety limits.
Why these numbers vary
Opened ketchup bottle. Storage life depends on temperature consistency, humidity, packaging, and how fresh it was when you got it. Refrigerators that swing between 38°F and 45°F shave days off these numbers; vacuum-sealing or freezing extends them.
How to tell if ketchup (opened) is bad
- Mold around cap
- Watery separation
- Darker color
- Off smell
Storage tips
- Refrigeration preserves color/flavor longest
- Squeeze bottles last longer than wide-mouth
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Frequently asked questions
How long does ketchup (opened) last in the pantry / counter?
Ketchup (opened) lasts 1 month in the pantry / counter. 1 month opened at room temp (acidic — surprisingly stable)
How long does ketchup (opened) last in the after opening?
Ketchup (opened) lasts 6 months in the after opening. 6 months refrigerated
How can you tell if ketchup (opened) is bad?
Watch for: Mold around cap; Watery separation; Darker color.