Sauce can not only add to the flavour of many meals, however, it is important to remember there are health implications to where homeowners store the item.  

Many people own some sort of condiment in their homes and have a particular favourite that they enjoy. 

However, one of the oldest household debates is whether to store bottled sauces in the kitchen cupboard or fridge. 

Arguments on both sides are strong, leading to many passionate debates between family members and friends over the years.

To put an end to the debacle, Joshua Houston, a food storage expert at Household Quotes has warned against storing sauce bottles in your cupboard.

Where do you keep your ketchup? Fridge or cupboard? Have your say in our comments section.

Unsealed bottled 

Unopened sauce bottles can be stored in cupboards at room temperature; however, once they have been opened, they can’t. 

The bottle should be stored inside the refrigerator, and by reading the packaging of a sauce bottle closely, Brits will notice that it is recommended. But due to the small writing, many people miss this and assume it’s ok to store it in your cupboard when it actually could be dangerous.

Can bottled sauce go bad?

Bottled sauces go bad quicker when stored in cupboards than in a fridge. Room temperature can lead to mould growing inside the bottle, which is extremely hazardous to those who consume it. 

The sauce should be used within a month of it being opened, even if it’s stored in a fridge. 

To see if the sauce has gone off, remove the bottle lid and check the inside for any unusualities. Alternatively, if the taste is more sour than usual, then this is usually an indication that the sauce is past its best. 

Why should bottled sauce be refrigerated?

Bottled sauce should be refrigerated as it keeps it fresh for longer, it also aids in the prevention of mould buildup. 

Many people also prefer the taste of chilled sauce to that of room temperature, it helps preserve its ‘kick’. Not refrigerating could lead to members of the household becoming ill.

Houston said: “Bottled sauce is hugely important when it comes to some meals, ketchup with chips is a common sight across the country. No sauce can leave some dishes tasting dry.

“But ensure that you are storing your sauces properly, the last thing you want is to get ill from consuming something that has gone off. Refrigerating also allows you to get more for your money, as it gives you more time to finish the sauce before binning.”