In the realm of food storage, there’s one organizing expert who has everyone buzzing. Meet Caroline Solomon, known as ‘Neat Caroline’ on TikTok, a beloved digital sensation from the heart of New York City. With almost 250,000 devoted followers, Caroline has become a trusted source for lifestyle tips and clever hacks.

recently, Caroline has sparked a delicious debate by sharing her thoughts on what foods should never grace the shelves of your refrigerator. Her TikTok video highlighting six items that should stay far away from the chill quickly went viral. However, it was her stance on a certain pantry staple that had people talking.

Calling all chocolate lovers! Brace yourselves because Caroline dropped a bombshell: chocolate does not belong in the fridge. Despite our instinct to protect our beloved sweet treats from the summer heat, Caroline revealed that refrigeration “dulls the flavor and leads to a grainy consistency.” Instead, she suggests storing chocolate in a cool, dark, and dry place.

But wait, there’s more! Caroline also ventured into the infamous debate on whether ketchup should reside in the fridge. Brace yourself for her bold statement: ketchup is perfectly safe to be stored in either the fridge or the cupboard. This spicy proclamation got ketchup fans buzzing.

Caroline didn’t stop there. She also shared her wisdom about garlic bulbs, advising against refrigeration as it can make them rubbery. Olive oil, another kitchen staple, can turn solid and crystallize if left in the fridge for too long, she warned.

And how could we forget about basil, that fragrant herb that enhances countless dishes? According to Caroline, basil is at its best when stored at room temperature, with the stems dipped in water to keep it fresh. She even demonstrated this by swapping out basil for other herbs in her video, making it clear that basil should never set foot in the fridge.

Last but not least, Caroline shared a revelation about pastries. For all the Danish and muffin enthusiasts, she recommends keeping these delectable treats at room temperature to fully enjoy their flavors. No need to refrigerate these scrumptious delights.

Since its release on October 18, Caroline’s TikTok video has captured the hearts of viewers and amassed over a million views. The comments section has transformed into a lively battleground, with countless food lovers defending their own refrigerator habits.

The ketchup debate has taken center stage, with some passionately arguing in favor of refrigeration, pointing to labels that recommend it for preserving flavor. “The label says to keep ketchup in the fridge for the best results. It helps preserve the flavor,” one staunch ketchup defender commented. Others have questioned whether these labels should be disregarded. Even Heinz, the ketchup giant, has chimed in on the debate by stating that their ketchup “must be in the fridge.”

But the debate doesn’t end with ketchup. People from all around the world have shared their own strategies for storing chocolate and sauces. A Floridian adamantly proclaimed, “I live in Florida. I’m not leaving chocolate outside of the fridge.” Meanwhile, an Aussie nodded in agreement, saying, “Anyone who has experienced an Australian summer knows you have to refrigerate chocolate and sauce.” And then came a statement from someone in a melting climate: “In my country, chocolate goes in the fridge because it literally melts outside.”

As the debate continues to rage on, it’s clear that the world of food storage is as diverse as the global cuisines it encompasses. Caroline Solomon may have started the fire, but it’s up to each of us to decide where our favorite foods truly belong — whether that’s on the fridge shelf or safely tucked away in the pantry. After all, it’s all about savoring the flavors and indulging in those little culinary pleasures that make life so sweet, tangy, or savory — depending on your fridge philosophy.