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- 8 Healthiest Ketchups in 2023 (Nutritionist-Reviewed)
8 Healthiest Ketchups in 2023 (Nutritionist-Reviewed)
So, we prepared a list of our 8 favorite healthy ketchups. Portlandia Foods' Organic Portland Ketchup took the top spot in our list because it contains organic ingredients and no artificial preservatives. Read on to see our other options, and be sure to scroll down to our buying guide reviewed by a nutritionist to find out how to identify a healthy ketchup.
Kara Swanson is a certified nutritionist and the founder of Life Well Lived. She is married to her best friend and the proud mother of three. Her passion is to make nutrition simple+easy+delicious!
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
How to Choose a Healthy Ketchup – Buying Guide
① Look for Natural Ingredients and Avoid Artificial
Bonus if the ketchup contains a blend of different types of vegetables and fruits. This adds in more healthy vitamins and minerals to your condiment, making it a better choice. Plus, it gives your ketchup a more complex flavor profile and texture!
On the flip side, artificial and highly processed ingredients should be avoided as much as possible. Some common ingredients to avoid are high fructose corn syrup (linked to heart disease, cancer, and diabetes), natural flavoring, and even tomatoes from concentrate.
It may seem daunting to have to read labels but, if you do, you'll quickly get the hang of what to look for and will feel more in control of your health and what you put in your body.
The more you read labels, the easier it is. And you'll soon find brands and products that you know and trust so you can easily swap those in instead of the unhealthy alternative.
② Watch Out for Sneaky Sugars
Ketchup is a pretty sweet condiment, and even if it doesn’t have sugar specifically in the ingredient list, it probably still has a lot of sweeteners in other forms such as fruit juices or sugar substitutes like agave or honey. Natural sweeteners, however, aren't all that bad, so we would still recommend those over the artificial stuff.
While juices and natural sweeteners are certainly better than high fructose corn syrup, it’s best to find ketchup that doesn’t rely on added sweeteners and gets its sweetness from the tomatoes or other whole-food ingredients. That way, you'll know you're getting all-natural sweetness, rather than flavor from added sugar.
You'll also want to take a look at the label to check out the sodium content. Regular ketchup has an average of 190 milligrams of sodium, which is about one-eighth of the amount of salt intake recommended for a day. So if you can find a low sodium option, that'd be best, but, in general, make sure to eat ketchup in moderation.
Sugar is added to so many products and labels can be deceiving and honestly, confusing. Something that is "natural" can easily have a lot of sugar added.
That is why reading labels is so important. The first thing to look at on a label is the ingredients. The very first ingredient is what they use the most of in the food. So if sugar is the first ingredient, sugar is the most used ingredient.
③ Pay Attention to Shelf Life and Container Size
Paying attention to the shelf life is important because it's never a good feeling when you have to throw out food. And chances are that you spent a little extra money on a good, quality ketchup so making sure you can use it before the expiration is important.
④ Check Over the Make of the Container
The container is something important to check out for, especially when considering convenience and how it's been made.
Consider How the Bottle is Designed
You'll want to pay attention to what kind of bottle you're purchasing. If you're short on time and want a quick fix, then go for a plastic squeeze bottle. Simply hold it upside down, squeeze the container, and you'll get a dab of ketchup on your plate. It's easy enough for anyone to use.
However, if you're looking for sustainable options, then a pour glass bottle would be best. Of course, glass is easily breakable and it can be hard to pour out the right amount, especially if the spout is big or the sauce too watery.
But glass containers do look classy on any table. Just make sure to give the bottle a good shake before pouring it out to make sure it comes out slowly.
Glass containers are always best to avoid unwanted chemicals, so first look for a healthier ketchup in a glass container. But if that's not an option, or not as convenient, a healthier, low sugar ketchup in a plastic bottle will do.
Look for BPA-Free Packaging
BPA-Free is pretty standard these days but it's still a good practice to check and make sure that the packaging is BPA-Free. This is important not only for your health but for the environment too.
8 Healthiest Ketchups
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Portlandia Foods Organic Portland Ketchup | | Organic With a Wholesome, Old Fashioned Flavor | |
2 | Primal Kitchen Organic Unsweetened Ketchup | | Long Lasting and Super Tomato-y | |
3 | Sir Kensington’s Classic Ketchup | | Ethical Ketchup For Serious Ketchup Lovers | |
4 | Gaults Tomato Ketchup 100% Sweetened by Vegetables | | A Very Typical Ketchup, Minus Sweeteners | |
5 | Wellbee's Honey Ketchup | | Super Rich, Super Sweet, and SCD-Approved | |
6 | True Made Foods Vegetable No Added Sugar Ketchup | | Veggie-Packed and Sweetener-Free | |
7 | Steve’s Paleo Goods PaleoChef Ketchup | | A Paleo-Friendly Ketchup Full of Spices | |
8 | AlternaSweets Spicy Ketchup | | Low-Carb and Sweetened With Stevia |
Portlandia FoodsOrganic Portland Ketchup
Organic With a Wholesome, Old Fashioned Flavor
Reviewers note that this ketchup tastes like a grandparent’s homemade version from their childhood and that even those who tend not to like ketchup are pleasantly surprised by this one.
Primal KitchenOrganic Unsweetened Ketchup
Long Lasting and Super Tomato-y
This ketchup is also great for those who don’t use the condiment too often. Each bottle is shelf-stable for 18 months and will remain fresh in the refrigerator for up to 8 months after opening.
Some reviewers mention that their bottles came in the mail broken or leaking, though you should be able to contact customer service if this occurs. But, most find that it tastes exactly like regular ketchup and that it tastes so great that they don't even miss the sugar!
Sir Kensington’sClassic Ketchup
Ethical Ketchup For Serious Ketchup Lovers
On top of tasting great, it also has non-GMO, B-Corp, and humane certifications. And if you really like it, it comes in a six-pack to ensure you never run out. The taste isn't for everyone, though, as it's on the tangier, more sour side, but most reviewers do like it and say it has a complex flavor and that the consistency is adequately thick.
GaultsTomato Ketchup 100% Sweetened by Vegetables
A Very Typical Ketchup, Minus Sweeteners
However, for discerning consumers, you should note that the label lists “vegetable extract” as well as “herbs” and “spices” without specifically saying what’s in it. But the manufacturer is very responsive to questions, so it shouldn’t be hard to ask.
Most reviewers say there is a bit of difference between this natural ketchup and regular Heinz, but it overall tastes amazing for being made with no sugar.
Wellbee'sHoney Ketchup
Super Rich, Super Sweet, and SCD-Approved
However, some reviewers note that it has a spice profile closer to barbecue or steak sauce and might be too sweet if you’re looking to cut down on sugars. Paleo and SDC followers find the ketchup a bit on the sweeter side, but they especially love the taste and how they can trust that it's free of sugar.
True Made FoodsVegetable No Added Sugar Ketchup
Veggie-Packed and Sweetener-Free
However, it is reviewers say it's noticeably less sweet than most ketchups and may be a bit too sour for some. So if you prefer your ketchup on the sweeter side, this is probably not the best option for you. But most reviewers love the squirt bottle and how it tastes like actual ketchup, with a bit more tomato flavor.
Steve’s Paleo GoodsPaleoChef Ketchup
A Paleo-Friendly Ketchup Full of Spices
However, as it’s all-natural, this ketchup is best eaten within 30 days of opening (though it can last for a year at room temperature before you open it), so it’s best for those who use ketchup more often.
It's on the sweet side, with additional ingredients like bananas and raisins added in, and takes a bit of adjustment to get used to. But most reviewers are happy it's a paleo ketchup, has a satisfying flavor profile, and is versatile enough to use as a pizza or dipping sauce.
AlternaSweetsSpicy Ketchup
Low-Carb and Sweetened With Stevia
However, it does contain Stevia, so if you’re looking for a ketchup made only from whole foods, then this might not be the best option for you. Reviewers love the slightly spicy kick and highly recommend it for keto dieters.
Spice Up Your Ketchup
For an elevated fry dipping experience, combine 4 tablespoons of curry powder with 1 cup of ketchup. For ketchup with a kick, add 4 teaspoons of sriracha to 1 cup of ketchup. For an extra flavorful burger or hot dog, try topping your grilled meat with a combination of 4 teaspoons of hoisin or teriyaki sauce and 1 cup of ketchup.
Make your ketchup your own by simply adding different spices or sauces to create your favorite, healthier version. Get creative and don't be afraid to explore new tastes and ideas. And if you're unsure if you'll like it, try making a small batch first to test it out so you can cut back on waste, too.
Other Healthy Choices to Consider
There are plenty of ways to make healthy choices with all your store-bought food. Below are a couple of our suggestions, with detailed buying guides so you can make an informed choice the next time you go out grocery shopping for something a little more guilt-free.
Top 5 Healthiest Ketchups
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
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