These have way less sugar.
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Ketchup makes pretty much everything taste better. Lackluster fries? Ketchup. Scrambled eggs? Ketchup. Breakfast potatoes? Ketchup.
Just how healthy is everyone's favorite condiment, though? Sadly, many go-to brands probably aren't the most nutritious thing to drown your green beans in. The stuff contains high-fructose corn syrup (and regular corn syrup), which has similar problems to table sugar when consumed in excess. Some research has also linked HFCS specifically to diabetes and obesity.
Relax; it's not all bad news: "Classic ketchup has a lot of added sugar, which is something I recommend avoiding," says nutritionist Amanda Baker Lemein, RDN. "However, it does provide the antioxidant lycopene."
If you can't imagine Sunday brunch without diner ketchup and home fries, go for it, says Kelsie Knerr, RD. But if you want to keep your condiment game squeaky-clean at home, you might consider a new go-to.
Luckily, there are all sorts of options out there to satisfy your tomato-y cravings.
Lemein and Knerr both recommend looking carefully at labels to see which condiments and seasonings might contain hidden added sugar. If you crave a little sweetness, look for a bottle that uses natural sweeteners (like honey or dates) instead of the ultra-processed stuff.
One thing to look out for, though: artificial sweeteners like sucralose. Although these zero-calorie sweeteners may technically be considered safe in moderation, many nutritionists recommend proceeding with caution.
The next time you're craving a ketchup-covered omelet or overcooked your chicken breast (again...), opt for one of these nutritionist-approved ketchup brands.
If you want to give addedsugar of all kinds the boot, Primal Kitchen istheketchup brand for you. Made withtomato concentrate, balsamic vinegar, and spices (and noHFCS, dates, honey, or syrups of any kind), it's a personal favorite of nutritionist Keri Glassman, RD.
Per serving: 10 calories, 0 g fat, 105 mg sodium,2 g carbs, 1 g sugar, 0 g fiber, 0 g protein
2
Best Sweetened Ketchup
Wellbee’s Honey Ketchup
If you like your ketchup sweet, this one useshoney instead of the usual corn syrup for traditional flavor without the nutritional setback.
Per serving: 20 calories, 0 g fat, 80 mg sodium, 6 g carbs, 5 g sugar, 0 g fiber, 0 g protein
Another solid option for anyone with a sweet tooth, thisGault’s ketchup is sweetened entirely with New Zealand-grown vegetables.
Although there's still some sugar(2.8 grams per serving), it comes entirely from the plants you want on your plate anyway.
Per serving: 55 calories, <1 g fat, 95 mg sodium, 2.8 g carbs, 2.8 g sugar, <1 g fiber, <1 g protein
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Made with fresh tomatoes (rather than paste or concentrate), a variety of seasonings and spices, and organic cane sugar, Sir Kensington's ketchup is a go-to for nutritionist Robin Werner, RD.
It has a uniquely spicy, tangy vibe.
Per serving: 15 calories, 0 g fat, 170 mg sodium, 4 g carbs, 3 g sugar, 0 g fiber, 0 g protein
5
Best Classic Flavor
Annie's Organic Ketchup
Annie's is a popular alternative ketchup thatreviewers consistently rate as one of the best-tasting options out there. (Seriously, check outAmazonandWalmart.)
A leveled-up version of the traditional stuff, sweetened with pure cane sugar instead of anything artificial,it's a favorite of Werner's.
Per serving: 20calories,0 g fat, 130 mg sodium, 5 g carbs, 4 g sugar, 0 g fiber, 0 g protein
Woodstock Farms is a great healthy option, Glassman says.
Sweet and smooth, itdoes the trick with plain oldorganic sugar, so nothing hard-to-pronounce here!
Per serving: 15 calories, 0 g fat,6 mg sodium, 4 g carbs,4 g sugar, 0 g fiber, 0 g protein
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The thicktexture of TJ’s organic ketchup makes it indulgent and delicious. Werner likes that it's made with organic tomato puree and organic sugar instead of the usualsyrups.
Per serving: 15 calories, 0 g fat, 150 mg sodium, 3 g carbs,2 g sugar, 0 g fiber, 0 g protein
If you're feeling a little ~fancy~ (even if you're just having burgers), check out this ketchup fromCatskill Provisions, a New York-basedartisan food and craft spirits company.
It'ssweetenedwith wildflower honey from Catskill's home state.
Nutrition information not available.
Though lesser-known, Thrive Market's organic ketchuphas a sparkling reputation. Even among kids!
With no additives and less sugar than classicketchup brands, it's an all-around winner.
Per serving: 15 calories, 0 g fat, 160 mg sodium, 4 g carbs,3 g sugar, 0 g fiber, 0 g protein
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Made with tomato paste, apples, carrots, squash, spinach, vinegar, and spices, this innovative ketchup is an easy pick for just about anyone. Its simple ingredient list and low sugar count make it suitable for paleo—and even keto—eaters.
Per serving: 10 calories, 0 g fat, 135 mg sodium, 3 g carbs,2 g sugar, 0 g fiber, 0 g protein
Lauren Puckett-Pope
Culture Writer
Lauren Puckett-Pope is a staff culture writer at ELLE, where she primarily covers film, television and books. She was previously an associate editor at ELLE.
