The Definitive Guide to Storing Staple Condiments

Stop playing the guessing game with your condiments. Some things are better kept in the fridge, and some are fine in the pantry. Here’s your definitive guide to storing condiments the right way:

Always refrigerate

Cooking dinner shouldn't be complicated

Anything with eggs or other fresh ingredients can turn rancid and make you sick if they’re not kept chilled. Most are fine stored in the pantry until they’re opened—but as soon as you’ve popped the lid, stick these bad boys in the fridge.

  • Mayonnaise
  • Salad dressings
  • Salsa
  • Sauerkraut

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It depends on often you’ll use it

If you’re using these condiments every day, it’s totally fine to store them on the counter or in the pantry. If you don’t use them that often, though, keep them in the fridge to preserve freshness.

  • Ketchup
  • Mustard
  • Barbecue sauce

It doesn’t really matter

Listen, everything’s going to stay fresher for longer when it’s kept cool. But vinegar-based condiments, oils, and sauces have such a long shelf-life outside of the fridge, you’ll probably be finished with them long before they go bad.

  • Hot sauce
  • Soy sauce
  • Worcestershire sauce

Don’t refrigerate

Some things are fine on the counter, and refrigeration will probably harden them and make them more difficult to use.

  • Honey
  • Peanut butter
    *Unless refrigeration is suggested on the packaging

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