Is it Ketchup or Catsup? Here’s the Real Difference (2024)

FAQs

Is it Ketchup or Catsup? Here’s the Real Difference? ›

As it turns out, they're the same thing!

The company originally called it catsup, but soon switched to ketchup to stand out. Today, ketchup is the standard, while catsup is still used occasionally in the southern U.S. Today, most ketchup — or catsup — contains the same basic ingredients: tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, salt, allspice, cloves and cinnamon.

They originally referred to their product as catsup, but switched to ketchup in the 1880s to stand out. Eventually, ketchup became the standard spelling in the industry and among consumers, though you can still find catsup strongholds sprinkled across the U.S.

According to a Heinz spokesperson, Henry John Heinz first brought his product to market as “Heinz Tomato Catsup,” but changed the spelling early on to distinguish it from competitors. Del Monte did not switch spellings until 1988, after it became clear that ketchup was the spelling of choice for American consumers.

“Ketchup” is what you'll find used more in the United States, Canada, and also the United Kingdom. But “catsup” is just an older spelling once used around the world that's fallen out of favor, but you still find it used on certain products.

As it turns out, they're the same thing!

Ketchup and catsup are both Westernized terms for a condiment that has origins in China: fish sauce. Ketchup as we know it today is a modernized version of fish sauce, which was made in port towns on the South China Sea with salted and fermented anchovies.

In 1988, Hunt's catsup changed its label to ketchup. In May 2010, Hunt's ketchup temporarily removed high fructose corn syrup from its ingredients. The new ingredients were "tomatoes, sugar, vinegar, salt and other seasonings". The product changed back to high fructose corn syrup in May 2012.

The first name of “catsup” officially appeared in Britain in 1690; the “ketchup” variant was first listed in 1711. Where is the tomato, you might wonder?

Ketchup is the dominant term in American English and Canadian English, although catsup is commonly used in some southern US states and Mexico. In Canada and the US, tomato sauce is not a synonym for ketchup but is a sauce made from tomatoes and commonly used in making sauce for pasta.

In America, “Heinz” is practically synonymous with “ketchup.” But that won't be true in Israel—at least, not in Hebrew. The country's Health Ministry says that the company can no longer call its tomato product “ketchup” on Hebrew labels because it does not contain enough tomato paste.

What is the oldest ketchup brand? ›

In 1876, the world of ketchup changed forever. A first-generation German American named Henry J. Heinz launched his bottled version of ketchup—spelled “catsup”—following his success with bottled grated horseradish, which the company advertised alongside dozens of other products.

Fancy ketchup is a U.S. grade A ketchup that has good color, good consistency, good flavor, and is free from defects, according to the USDA. Grade A ketchup must also have at least 33% tomato solids — making it thick enough to stay in place on your food.

The number isn't just featured on Heinz ketchup; it also appears on the brand's mustard, mayonnaise, baked beans and cream of tomato soup. Much like the Heinz logo, the "57 varieties" mark has become a way for customers to recognize the brand and it's really nostalgic for fans of the company.

The preferred spelling in Canada is ketchup. Catsup is a variant spelling used primarily in the United States.

Heinz Tomato Ketchup was originally called catsup.

Below is the UK transcription for 'ketchup': Modern IPA: kɛ́ʧəp. Traditional IPA: ˈkeʧəp. 2 syllables: "KECH" + "uhp"

Ketchup is the dominant term in American English and Canadian English, although catsup is commonly used in some southern US states and Mexico. In Canada and the US, tomato sauce is not a synonym for ketchup but is a sauce made from tomatoes and commonly used in making sauce for pasta.

The preferred spelling in Canada is ketchup. Catsup is a variant spelling used primarily in the United States.

How did a simple sauce come to be so loved by America? It turns out ketchup's origins are anything but American. Ketchup comes from the Hokkien Chinese word, kê-tsiap, the name of a sauce derived from fermented fish. It is believed that traders brought fish sauce from Vietnam to southeastern China.