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Ketchup has been among the most popular condiments for well over a century. But what if you need to store some long term? Can you freeze ketchup without affecting its taste or texture?
I’ll admit it: I love ketchup. And I also love to buy it in bulk because it can be much cheaper that way. But sometimes the pantry gets a bit too full to store everything. That’s when I turn to the freezer.
You might be wondering whether ketchup actually freezes well, and the answer is “yes!” You just need to follow a few easy steps.
In this article, I’ll walk through how to freeze and thaw ketchup so it retains its original consistency and flavor without it becoming watery.
Jump to:
- How to freeze ketchup
- How to thaw frozen ketchup
- Other ways to store ketchup
- FAQ
- More food storage answers
How to freeze ketchup
Ketchup is a popular condiment on everything from burgers and french fries to hot dogs and meat sauces.
With so many uses, it can be tempting to buy — or make — ketchup in bulk and simply freeze it for later. And it’s easy to do! Here are a couple of different options.
Option 1: In portions
A great way to freeze ketchup is in smaller portions. That way you only need to defrost what you intend to use.
Step 1 – First, add the ketchup to an ice cube tray or silicone molds.
Step 2 – Place them in the freezer on a level surface and freeze for 2 hours.
Step 3 – Remove the frozen ketchup cubes from the trays and put them in a resealable freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. Remove as much air from the bags as possible.
Step 4 – Date the bag. That’s it!
Ketchup can keep indefinitely in the freezer.
Option 2: In a plastic bottle
If you’ve bought plastic ketchup bottles, you can simply place those right in the freezer in their original packaging. There’s no need to transfer them to another container. This is the easiest way to freeze ketchup, but the disadvantage is that you need to thaw the entire bottle when you’re ready to use some of it.
🚨 Note: Do not freeze ketchup in glass bottles. Ketchup has a high water content. That will expand during the freezing process and could cause the bottle to break or explode.
How to thaw frozen ketchup
Defrosting ketchup is very easy. For best results, simply move some of the frozen ketchup cubes to a bowl and let them thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours.
You could also transfer a few cubes to an airtight plastic bag and thaw in a bowl of warm water.
If you froze a complete plastic bottle, transfer it to the fridge and let it defrost gradually for a few hours.
💡 Tip: If your thawed ketchup develops a watery consistency, mix the defrosted ketchup thoroughly with a spoon or whisk to help it regain its original texture.
Other ways to store ketchup
Unless you don’t plan to use your ketchup for a long time, you may be able to skip the freezer altogether.
If you bought it rather than made your own ketchup, the bottle will come with an expiration date, but in general, this tomato condiment has a fairly long shelf life.
An unopened bottle of ketchup can keep for up to a year in a cool, dry place like a pantry. And even after it’s opened, a bottle of ketchup can last for up to 6 months in the fridge.
FAQ
How long can you leave ketchup out?
Opened bottles of ketchup can keep for up to a month at room temperature. But if it might take you longer to consume it, it’s a good idea to store it in the fridge.
Can ketchup go bad?
The shelf life of ketchup is pretty long, but it can go bad. Some telltale signs are mold in the bottle or a sour or off smell. If you notice either of these, it’s best to throw the ketchup away.
Is it possible to freeze homemade ketchup?
Yes, like with store-bought varieties, you can freeze homemade ketchup as cubes in a freezer bag or simply pour it into a large freezer-safe container and place it in the freezer. It can keep for up to 6 months.
Do you need to refrigerate homemade ketchup?
Homemade ketchup should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can stay good for up to 3 weeks.
More food storage answers
Get more answers to your food storage questions. Tap the posts below.
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