Tomato ketchup, or simply ketchup, is a table condiment that is sweet and tangy. It is made from tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, and added spices and seasonings. The spices and flavors of ketchup vary, but they commonly include cloves, cumin, garlic, onions, garlic, and mustard. Some ketchup also contains cinnamon, celery, and ginger.
Ketchup is commonly used as a condiment to dishes that are served hot and maybe fried or greasy. Some examples are hamburgers, French fries, tater tots, chicken tenders, hotdogs, and more. It is also often used as the base for or an ingredient in sauces and dressings. Its flavor may also be replicated as an additive flavoring for snacks like potato chips. Today, you can find many different types of ketchup in the market. They are made by different brands and manufacturers, too. Some of them are thick and flavorful, while others are very viscous and difficult to get out of the bottle. There are also differences between the various flavors in each kind of ketchup.
There are also some people who choose to make ketchup at home for a healthier option. If you want to learn how, check out these 10 Recipes for Healthy Homemade Ketchup. But for busy people, ketchup from supermarkets is enough. But which do you think are the most popular ketchup brands out there? If you want to find out, read on as we’re giving you the list of the major ketchup brands.
1. Heinz
When it comes to popularity among ketchup brands, Heinz is probably the most well-known brand in many parts of the world. In fact, even during a blind test, Heinz Tomato Ketchup is still on top. It is produced by the H.J. Heinz Company as part of Kraft Heinz. Did you know that this ketchup brand holds 80% of the market share in Europe and 60% in the United States?
It was first introduced as “Catsup” back in 1876 in Pennsylvania. Up until today, it remains the best-selling brand of ketchup. Heinz Tomato Ketchup has a distinctive flavor that seems to hit all parts of people’s taste buds. It also has great consistency. It has a balanced sweetness, spiciness, and sourness. It also comes at a very reasonable price.
One of the best things about Heinz is that it is made from only the best tomatoes. Its flavor is balanced and will not overwhelm the meal you are dipping it into. In addition to that, you can also use it in different recipes. The only downside of this ketchup brand, though, is it has a lot of preservatives, most especially sweeteners.
2. Hunt’s
Hunt’s is a popular tomato sauce brand and is also among the leading brands when it comes to ketchup. This is a good choice if you want a thicker consistency to your ketchup. It is perfect for slathering on pork chop before grilling. Aside from being made from fresh tomatoes, it will also provide you everything you need for a rounded flavor palette.
This ketchup brand has a hidden “umami.” It also has a sweet note, but it is more on the sour end of the spectrum. It is also an excellent ketchup choice for those on a diet as it is low on calories. The thickness of this ketchup makes it perfect for cooking, but it is also a great dipping sauce. It is also a bit cheaper compared to other popular brands. The only downside of this brand is that its taste or flavor is a bit overpowering for some foods.
3. French’s
French’s is a brand of prepared mustard, condiments, and other food items, including ketchup. At the present time, it is owned by McCormick & Company. This ketchup is quite challenging to find in the supermarket, but when you do, you will be surprised by its taste and texture. It is also a healthier choice as it is gluten-free and kosher.
This ketchup brand is perfect if you want to impress your guests at a luxury barbecue. It is great ketchup for burgers and other types of meat. Compared to other leading ketchup brands, this one has a zestier flavor and as well as a thicker and creamier texture. This ketchup is made from fresh and ripe tomatoes. It has a signature taste that you will easily determine as French, but slightly sweeter and less tangy. However, for some people, the taste of French ketchup is too different from the traditional ketchup taste. Aside from this, some people still prefer using hot sauces for their meals.
4. Del Monte
Del Monte is one of the largest producers, distributors, and marketers of branded processed food for the United States retail market, and that includes tomato ketchup. Among the other top ketchup brands, this one is highly recommended for kids. It is perfect for dipping fries, onion rings, chicken nuggets, and chicken wings. It is also made from fresh ingredients.
The Del Monte tomato ketchup is basic ketchup made of tomato, sugar, and vinegar flavors. It is the kind of ketchup you would get on a street hotdog. Many people prefer this ketchup for kids, as it has a delicious flavor that is not too strong. It is also among the best-selling ketchup brands in the market today.
5. Sir Kensington’s
With a deep, rich red color, Sir Kensington’s Classic Ketchup offers the authentic taste of homemade ketchup. This brand produces the most delicious ketchup with a consistency that clings to the fries and nuggets the way we all prefer.
Compared to Heinz, Sir Kensington’s ketchup is less vinegary. However, it has a wholesome onion, green pepper, and allspice flavor. The unmatched taste of this ketchup and the touch of homemade recipe owes to the fact that Sir Kensington’s ketchup uses real tomatoes to make ketchup instead of tomato concentrate. For all the ketchup lovers who love Heinz ketchup but would not mind a tad bit less tangy dip, Sir Kensington’s ketchup is for them.
6.Primal Kitchen
Unsweetened organic ketchup is one of the most unexplored markets in the ketchup industry. It is an excellent choice for people following a keto diet or any other diet plan that requires a cut-down of sugar intake. However, there is not much difference between sweetened or unsweetened ketchup if you are a novice ketchup lover.
Primal Kitchen takes pride in being one of the trendsetters in the industry for tapping a large chunk of the potential consumer base who prefer unsweetened ketchup. This brand uses balsamic vinegar instead of white, rendering a familiar tangy taste. However, there is no taste of spices in ketchup by Primal Kitchen.
7. Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s is one of the top organic ketchup producers. It has a strong tomato aftertaste combined with a hint of veggies, such as onion and celery. They use tomato puree in the recipe. Trader Joe’s ketchup is surprisingly authentic-tasting ketchup and made from healthy linoleic acid and omega-3 fatty acids.
8. Hellmann’s
Prepared by utilizing only six essential ingredients, Hellmann’s ketchup is a bona fide competitor in the industry. It uses tomato puree, white wine vinegar, spices, onions, salt, and honey. Their ketchup is the best for everything, whether dipping your fries or preparing a delectable sauce. Producing sweetened ketchup with pure ingredients is hard, but at Hellmann’s, the use of sugar or fructose corn syrup is replaced by pure honey.
Transparency is the key at Hellmann’s. Their ingredients and processes are open for all to observe. It is why their ketchup is the perfect taste of healthy homemade ketchup.
These are the major ketchup brands that you can find in the market today. These brands are not only available in the United States but as well as in many parts of the world, making them the top ketchup brands out there. Which among these brands is your favorite ketchup? On the other hand, if you are wondering how to make great-tasting barbecue sauce, click on the link.