those little ketchup packs

“You know those little ketchup packs they give away at McDonalds and other restaurants - we all use them. How long do those things keep ? I'd really hate to get sick on the trail”

“Great question hangman. Hope someone has the scoop on this.

It would also be good to know where to buy 'em instead of pilfering them from among fast food places.”

“freeze them! they will last forever.”

“tekapo, sometimes places like Sam's Club and Costco sell boxes of those packets. Find a friend who has a membership and see if they do.”

“My wife does dental hygiene so we are always getting toothpaste in the mail that comes in the tiny foil packets just about the same size. They are great for backpacking. Everytime we get a box in the mail I snag a few before she takes them to work for the kids.”

“Ah yes, more outdoor stuff for the fridge. Thanks sirpete. 8)

We have a membership at Costco. It's the little mustard packs we're after.”

“I'd like to score some mayo and relish packs to go with tuna in foil.”

“You could always steal them from restaurants...oh, I forgot, not doing that anymore...sorry...”

“The packets with PURE honey are my favorites.”

“Do they make IMPURE honey packets?”

“Check your local deli. There's a very nice lady at the local lunch counter who sells me 40 of various content (mustard, mayo, katsup, relish, horseradish, soysauce) for a buck. I get a fresh batch for every trip.”

“The ketchup goes bad with time, take my word for it. If they are more than a year old, throw them away and get some more.”

“i work for arby's so i can score all i want. honey mustard is my favorite.”

“Horsey sause is good stuff!

8)”

“Horsey sauce rocks!”

“heck yeah! i'll bring ya some for your salmon next time mike, lol.”

“I've seen the packets at various "wholesaler" stores. Some here in Chicago even let retail customers come in.

Ketchup should keep for a LONG time. Did you ever notice that you don't have to refrigerate that bottle of ketchup after you open it? Check the label! Surprised me!

But I think Buddur is right.”

“This thread caught my eye. I used to consult for Golden State Foods who makes those packets for McDonalds on the west coast. I was helping them control the fill weights of the packets. I got to watch how they make the ketchup and fill the packets.

When I get extra packets I refrigerate them and then throw them out if they haven't been used in 6 months or a year. They keep everything clean, but I do not recall seeing them pasterize the ketchup before they packaged it.

You can by packets of anything at the wholesale stores like Smart & Final. No problemo...but you have to buy a lot at once.”

“I was at Costco yesterday, and didn't see any individual packets. I didn't perform an exhaustive search, but my cursory trip down the condiment aisles didn't turn up any.

They had huge cans of all the condiments, though...”