Tomato sauce – should it be stored in the pantry or in the refrigerator? This seemingly small question often sparks heated debates, even leading to family “tongue wars”. The renowned tomato sauce manufacturer, Heinz, has declared that there is only one correct answer to this dilemma.
This has been a long-standing debate, and on Reddit, you will find just how hot this topic is.
Supporters of refrigeration argue that one should adhere to the label’s recommendation of refrigerating the sauce after opening. They believe that the lower temperature helps the sauce stay fresh for a longer period.
A Reddit user commented that it should definitely be refrigerated. Even though tomato sauce has acidity, it also contains enough sugar content to promote bacterial growth.
On the other hand, supporters of storing in the pantry argue that tomato sauce already contains high levels of preservatives, meaning that regardless of storage conditions, the sauce is unlikely to spoil.
“Aren’t open bottles of tomato sauce in restaurants stored in the pantry? They are not refrigerated,” a pantry supporter rebutted the refrigerator advocates on Reddit.
There are also discussions on social media platform X. Some say, “Put it where you want, mine is stored in the pantry.” While others say, “In the pantry, because I don’t want cold tomato sauce on my fries.”
However, some believe that whether to store in the refrigerator depends on how quickly you use it.
In June 28, 2023, Heinz conducted a survey on X platform, with a total of 13,178 people voting. The results showed that 63.2% of people believe tomato sauce should be stored in the refrigerator, while 36.8% think it should be placed in the pantry.
According to a report by the UK’s Daily Mail, Heinz representative Olivia Lennon stated, “There is only one correct answer, and we are delighted to share with Heinz tomato sauce lovers across the UK that our tomato sauce must be refrigerated.”
“Although we are aware that many fans of Heinz tomato sauce have been storing it in the pantry, we recommend refrigeration after opening. This is the best way to preserve the familiar and beloved taste of Heinz tomato sauce,” Lennon said.
However, before opening, tomato sauce can be stored in the pantry.
In fact, it’s not just tomato sauce; there are differing opinions on whether many other items should be refrigerated, including soy sauce, ketchup, mustard, olive oil, fish sauce, and hot sauce. For these products, despite labels recommending refrigeration after opening, many people also store them in pantries away from sunlight.
The “Love Food Hate Waste” campaign has released food storage guidelines on its website. According to the site, fresh eggs are best stored in the refrigerator; bananas and pineapples should be placed in a fruit bowl, but for most other fresh fruits and vegetables, refrigeration can extend their shelf life. However, they advise that these items should be brought back to room temperature before cooking or consuming to enhance taste.
Potatoes and onions should be stored in a cool, dark place, such as a vegetable basket, preferably in a cloth bag. Meanwhile, scallions should be kept in the refrigerator.
“Storing your food in the right place can help it stay fresh longer – and save you money,” The Guardian quoted advice from Helen White, a consultant for “Love Food Hate Waste”. “If you keep bread in the fridge, it will go stale faster; it needs to be in the pantry or a bread storage box. If you put apples in a fruit bowl, they will wrinkle faster. Store apples in the refrigerator – you’ll be surprised by their shelf life.”