The Reason McDonald's Ketchup Tastes So Different - Mashed (2024)

FAQs

The Reason McDonald's Ketchup Tastes So Different - Mashed? ›

McDonald's ketchup consists of tomato concentrate from red ripe tomatoes, distilled vinegar, high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, water, salt, and natural flavors. Heinz doesn't have the water, like McDonald's does, and Heinz contains onion powder and "spice," while McDonald's does not.

According to the McDonald's website, its ketchup is made from "Tomato Concentrate From Red Ripe Tomatoes, Distilled Vinegar, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Corn Syrup, Water, Salt, and Natural Flavors." Meanwhile, the recipe on the back of the Heinz bottle includes all of the above, plus onion powder and an unnamed spice.

There was a time when the Heinz logo decorated each packet, but now, McDonald's actually makes its own ketchup. Although the ingredients of the chain's old ketchup and new ketchup are almost identical, there are a few ingredients that aren't shared between the two brands.

The company may have a surprisingly tasty collection of dipping sauces, but their ketchup has a compelling quality of its own, too. In particular, McDonald's ketchup isn't a commercially-available brand like Heinz or Hunt's, it's their own proprietary blend -- and that makes all the difference.

Fewer burgers are placed on the grill, which somehow results in a hotter, juicier, tastier burger, and the diced white onions are added to the beef patties on the grill as they are cooking, rather than afterwards at the prep table. The cheese has been “tempered” longer to make it meltier as well, Schafer says.

That's right, McDonald's ketchup tastes different — and some may say, better — than what you get at the store. And, no, it's not just Heinz ketchup masquerading in a McDonald's packet. McDonald's actually makes its own ketchup.

66% Tomato Puree (equivalent to 184g Tomatoes per 100g Ketchup), Glucose-Fructose Syrup, Spirit Vinegar, Salt, Spice Extracts.

Modern ketchup emerged in the early years of the 20th century, out of a debate over the use of sodium benzoate as a preservative in condiments.

McDonald's also seems to be placing more emphasis on producing fresher food, with small changes to things like lettuce storage and grilled onions actually making a noticeable difference to the end product.

"By 1991, the McDonald's test markets for pizza had grown to over 500 locations before being placed on hold," the McDonald's Wiki wrote. McPizza was discontinued in almost all restaurants by 2000 because the eleven to sixteen-minute cook was out of sync with the restaurant's reputation for fast service."

What ketchup does Wendy's use? ›

We're thrilled that our fans now don't have to choose, because when it comes to ketchup, room temperature or cold, it has to be Heinz.”

It contains high quantities of sugar, salt, fructose, preservatives and corn syrup. All of these ingredients when combined together have an adverse effect on the body.

According to the McDonald's website, the ingredients listed include: tomato concentrate from red ripe tomatoes, distilled vinegar, high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, water, salt and natural flavors. Meanwhile, Heinz ketchup contains all of the same ingredients, but also adds onion powder and an unnamed spice.

Depending on who you get your ketchup through, each packet can cost half a penny, or even less at times. McDonald's uses ketchup packets that comes in boxes of 1000, and cost about $50 for the company.

The Verdict. Even Heinz weighed in on the subject a few years ago, stating that “because of its natural acidity, Heinz® Ketchup is shelf-stable. However, its stability after opening can be affected by storage conditions. We recommend that this product, like any processed food, be refrigerated after opening.

What sets McDonald's apart is not just the adherence to guidelines but also the delivery of the syrup in stainless steel tanks, in contrast to the plastic bags used by other fast-food chains. This distinction in storage might contribute to the unique taste experienced at McDonald's.

Heinz's recipe also included a greater concentration of vinegar, which increased the acidity, making it more sour than its competitors. He also doubled the sugar, hitting the tongue's sweet spot.

In other words, if you prefer your ketchup to have a slightly smoother consistency and prettier color, fancy ketchup is for you. Otherwise, regular ketchup will get the job done just fine. (Now you'll have a fun fact to share next time you ketchup with friends!)