Goomba38
Yup, those packets should be refrigerated too but even so one should presume that they actually have a much shorter shelf life than bottled condiments because determining their packaging date is not possibe for the consumer.. Even unopened and refrigerated the shelf life of bottled ketchup is only one year after packaging. You really shouldn't be stocking up on those condiment packets you've swiped.
And stocking up on those large bottles of ketchup when they're on sale is not very wise, they're typically on sale because they are nigh onto a year since packaging. Check date codes carefully... and if you do stock up on *any* condiments refrigerate... that's a major use for my second fridge, especailly salad dressings and jams and jellies, I consider those condiments too. Btw, did yoose know that granulated sugar has a 2 year shelf life, sugar does deteriorate.
Food products, especially condiments, are one thing where stocking up not only can but will result in diminishing returns, you probably won't become ill but after a relatively short period of time you will not recieve the quality you paid for. And always refrigerate mustards and never buy more than you can consume within one year.. there is no bargain in mustards that have lost their piquancy. Of course if you're the mild yellow type that's not really mustard, that's mustard tinged tumeric.
Sheldon
