Here’s How You’re Really Supposed to Open a Ketchup Packet

For me, when it comes to the hierarchy of condiments, ketchup has always reigned supreme. Memories of foot-long hotdogs at the state fair, crispy french fries at my favorite fast food place, and juicy burgers at the family cookout would not be complete without ketchup. As a result, I’d like to think I’m pretty well-versed as a ketchup connoisseur. Well, imagine my surprise when Tik Tok star Erica Feinstein-Kuiper suggested I’ve been opening my ketchup packets wrong this whole time — and she was right.

Known as @cookiterica on TikTok, she has come up with a life hack that we all should have learned when we were younger. I know many parents are familiar with the fear of their child squeezing a ketchup packet from their favorite fast food place and it going everywhere but on their food. Even as an adult, I’m always on the go which means many times I’m eating fast food in my car which comes with the risk of spills and stains on my clothes or car seat. 

Well, fear not. Simply rip it on the side and dip the fry. That’s right, instead of tearing the little corner of the rectangular packet, actually tear it along the long side and you’ve greatly reduced the likelihood of any mess as you can simply dip your food into the packet. If you think this hack was great you’ll love learning how to properly store cheese straws and the best way to soften butter before baking.