You've been storing your soy sauce all wrong! Experts reveal the common mistake that makes the condiment lose flavour

Daily Mail​

16-05-2025

It's a popular condiment that most people will have in their kitchen.
However, it turns out that countless UK households might be storing their soy sauce incorrectly.
While many people are likely to keep their soy sauce in the cupboard with other kitchen essentials, an expert from Cookology has warned that this could spoil the sauce.
The experts said, 'Condiments tend to reside in cupboards; however, most should be stored in the fridge once opened.
'Soy sauce is often [seen as] a cupboard staple. Surprisingly, it should be stored in the fridge to keep its flavour once opened.'
The experts added that while soy sauce should belong in the fridge for flavour retention, mayonnaise and pesto should also be kept refrigerated, but for a different reason.
'Mayonnaise should be stored in the fridge after it's opened to stop bacterial growth, alongside opened pesto, pickles and jam, the experts said.
Elsewhere, the experts weighed in on the debate of whether chocolate should be stored in the cupboard or fridge.
The experts said, 'There's an argument to say that when you go shopping that chocolate is stored on the shelves, but there's more to it than that.
'Hot weather can make it difficult to store chocolate as there's a risk of it melting, however, storing it in the fridge can impact taste due to something called sugar bloom which is when the sugar recrystalises causing condensation on the surface.
'This in turn causes the sugar to absorb moisture, which then evaporates and can leave a dusty layer.'
The outcome might not make refrigerated chocolate desirable for some, but ultimately, it's down to choice, they said.
Andrew Wright, appliance expert from Cookology, added, 'There's conflicting advice around what you should and shouldn't store in a fridge available everywhere, but often it can come down to personal preference, especially with chocolate.
'However, the science shows that things that aren't stored in the fridge don't have as long a shelf-life as their countertop counterparts, and due to them often being perishable goods, [they] can be at risk of bacterial growth if not stored correctly.
'It's easy to say read the manufacturers instruction, but when it comes to produce that isn't necessarily labelled, such as fresh vegetables, then a fridge tends to be the best option to ensure longevity.'
It comes after experts from W hich? revealed the best method to store a staple kitchen item - olive oil.
While many people like to keep their olive oil next to the hob for easy access, the experts warned that this could make the liquid go rancid more quickly.
Instead, they advise storing it in a cool, dark place.
'Keeping your olive oil in a cupboard away from light, heat and oxygen will help to prolong its life and prevent it going off too quickly,' Which? explained.
Unlike wine, olive oil does not get better with age - so you shouldn't let it hang around for years.
'Once the bottle is opened it's exposed to oxygen, which causes the oil to deteriorate,' the experts added.
'For maximum taste and health benefits, use within a couple of months.'
While Which? advises keeping your olive oil away from any heat sources, it's also best to avoid the fridge. 'Don't store it in the fridge,' the experts cautioned.
'You might have heard that keeping your olive oil in the fridge will help it last longer, but our experts don't recommend this.
'Keeping it in a cool, dark cupboard is best.'
The experts also encourage you to pay close attention to the packaging.
'Our experts recommend avoiding oil sold in clear plastic bottles, which can negatively impact the flavour of the oil,' it explained.
'Ideally, opt for a tin or a dark-coloured glass bottle rather than a clear one.
'This helps to block out light and prevent the oil from deteriorating, both on the shop shelves and when you get it home.'
Which?'s advice comes shortly after furious shoppers branded the cost of olive oil 'disgusting' after prices almost tripled in three years.
In January 2021, the average price of a bottle of olive oil was £3.54. But in April 2024, research by MailOnline found the average is £9.49, an increase of more than 168 per cent.
The most expensive bottle of olive oil is £22 for 500ml from Waitrose. It's almost double the price of a 750ml bottle of Whispering Angel Provence Rosé, which is just £11.49 from the same supermarket.
The cheapest place to buy a 500ml bottle of olive oil is Aldi, where you can get your hands on one for just £4.59. Iceland had the cheapest bottle on average at £5.50, although it only offered a single type.
Comparing all the cheapest 500ml bottles from each shop, the Co-Op came out with the most expensive, of £7.35.