Aussie brand MasterFoods ‘finally’ ends age-old tomato sauce myth

It’s the age-old debate that has divided households across Australia for decades – but now MasterFoods has revealed the answer.

An Australian brand has finally ended the age-old debate about where to store a popular condiment found in most homes.

Deciding whether to store open bottles of tomato sauce in the fridge or pantry has divided households across Australia for decades.

But MasterFoods, the manufacturer of one of the most popular brand’s of tomato sauce in the country, has decided to “finally” weigh in on the matter.

But be warned, for one side of the argument, the answer is definitely not good news.

An age old tomato sauce debate has finally been settled. Picture: Supplied

Ross Mail, head of Research & Development for MasterFoods, said there’s only one place in our homes that the iconic red bottles of sauce belong.

“I started working on the recipes for MasterFoods products over 15 years ago, and like to pride myself on knowing a thing or two about sauce,” he told news.com.au

“As Australia’s favourite tomato sauce, we can finally settle the debate. MasterFoods will always recommend keeping it in the fridge.

“This helps to keep its quality so that it tastes and looks fresher for longer. The colder temperature will also help slow down the ageing process, keeping it brighter red in colour and a strong tomato flavour.”

It’s not all bad news for those who prefer it in the cupboard, Mr Mail said, explaining that culprits who keep their ketchup in the pantry are unlikely to suffer any harmful consequences.

“Technically tomato sauce is shelf stable, given its ingredients include salt and sugar which are natural preservatives,” he said.

“After it’s sealed at the factory, it can be stored in the cupboard until it’s open.

“However, once you’ve cracked open a new bottle and exposed it to air it will age more quickly – turning dark brown and not being as tomatoey – and could spoil over time if it’s not stored in the fridge. Always check the best before date.”

‘Finally’: Aussie brand ends tomato sauce lie. Picture: Supplied

The Aussie food manufacturer, which launched in 1945, also revealed some new data from its 2024 study that exposed sauce storage preferences are dependent on age and gender.

Young Aussies are firm believers in keeping their tomato sauce in the fridge, with 58 per cent of Gen Z and Millennials opting to serve it chilled, MasterFoods said.

However, nearly half of Baby Boomers prefer it from the cupboard, the research found.

It’s not the first time a cult-sauce manufacturer has weighed in on the fierce debate.

Heinz, who makes the globally popular Tomato Ketchup, revealed the “correct” way to store its bottles in June 2023.

“FYI: Ketchup. goes. in. the. fridge!!!” a post shared to the brand’s official X page read.

Originally published as Aussie brand MasterFoods ‘finally’ ends age-old tomato sauce myth