14. Primal Kitchen
If you're in search of ketchup without any added sweeteners, Primal Kitchen is a solid choice, but that's where the positives end. When we sampled it, we couldn't even finish the small portion we placed on our plate. The absence of any sweetener gives Primal Kitchen ketchup a distinct flavor compared to the others we tried. It's not just unsweetened; it has an almost bitter taste. While adding salt improves the flavor somewhat, this ketchup doesn't really shine unless paired with mayo or other condiments.
It's crafted from entirely organic ingredients, including balsamic vinegar, which contributes to its already tangy profile. If having a clean ingredient list isn't a top priority for you, the steep price of this ketchup compared to most others might influence your choice. It retails for over $7, while other brands are priced around $3 for a slightly larger bottle. The unusual flavor and high cost made this our least favorite ketchup among those we tested.
13. Organicville
Organicville was among the least favored ketchups we sampled. Not only is it pricey, retailing for over $6 for a 24-ounce bottle, but its flavor is also quite distinct due to its unique sweetener. Made with agave nectar, it has a syrupy sweetness rather than a subtle hint of sweetness that typically enhances the tomato flavor. A closer look at the nutrition label reveals that it contains the same amount of sugar as other brands. If you're looking to avoid high fructose corn syrup, commonly found in leading ketchup brands, there are better-tasting alternatives available.
Additionally, Organicville lacks any specialty flavors or unique sweetener options. While it can be found in a few stores, it is less accessible than more mainstream brands like Heinz. Given its higher price point, it’s difficult to justify making a special trip to seek out this particular ketchup.
12. Nature's Promise
Nature's Promise offers a pleasant flavor, but it tends to be a bit thin if you're looking to use it for dipping. The texture is less noticeable when slathered on a burger or hot dog, especially if you blend it with other condiments like mayonnaise to create Utah fry sauce. However, when we tried it with fries, only a small amount adhered to the food. Given that we typically use ketchup with items like fries and chicken nuggets, this made it a less suitable option for our household.
It contains lower sodium and sugar levels compared to many other ketchups, resulting in a less sweet profile, which initially led us to expect a rather bitter taste. Surprisingly, it had a well-balanced flavor that wasn't overly acidic, despite the reduced sweetener in the recipe. While the taste was quite good, the watery consistency ultimately influenced my preference, placing it lower on my list.
11. Red Gold Huy Fong sriracha ketchup
If you're a fan of sriracha or looking for something with a bit of a kick, the Red Gold Huy Fong ketchup is worth trying. This unique blend combines Red Gold ketchup with hot chili sauce, adding a touch of spice while still retaining the classic tang of regular ketchup. It offers a refreshing change from the usual condiments, though it may not be a staple in our pantry. However, for sriracha lovers, this could easily become a favorite in your kitchen.
Huy Fong is renowned for its sriracha, so it makes perfect sense to combine it with ketchup, merging two beloved condiments. We discovered this option by chance while browsing the ketchup aisle, and it was the first and only time we've encountered it. If we decide to buy it again, it might be a challenge to find. Overall, it was an enjoyable novelty to sample, but not something we would actively seek out.
10. Good & Gather Organic
If you find yourself at Target and are in search of organic products, check out the Good & Gather brand. This is Target's own line for organic items, which includes ketchup. While the size options are somewhat limited, the flavor is comparable to Market Pantry ketchup. Good & Gather is crafted from organic tomato concentrate, organic sugar, organic vinegar, salt, onion powder, and spices. It contains no high fructose corn syrup or artificial additives. Overall, it’s flavorful and has a nice texture, but it doesn’t stand out significantly. When Market Pantry is available on the same shelf for half the price, it’s tough to rationalize paying more for this option unless you are a dedicated organic enthusiast.
At under $2 for 20 ounces, this is one of the best deals for organic ketchup, though it still doesn’t quite match the value of the 365 traditional version, which includes many organic ingredients. The low-sugar and low-sodium variant is a bit more expensive, but it’s a worthwhile choice if you’re looking for a product with lower sugar content.
9. Giant
Giant's store brand ketchup is the sweetest choice on the list, so be prepared for a bold flavor with a lingering aftertaste that surpasses many other brands. Sprinkling a bit of salt on top, especially when using it with fries, helps to balance the flavors. When paired with a burger or hot dog, it melds well with the more complex tastes (unless you're in Chicago, where ketchup is a no-go for hot dogs), making it less prominent and not requiring any modifications. The standard version is made with sugar rather than high fructose corn syrup, which some customers prefer, but we found it to be significantly sweeter overall. While some enjoy sweet ketchup, when compared side-by-side with other brands, we favored those that offered a bit more zing and tang.
Giant also offers a no-sugar-added ketchup, sweetened with dried apple, dried banana, and stevia leaf extract. However, it has a distinct flavor and an aftertaste that we found unappealing. Given the option, we would choose the sweeter version and simply add extra seasoning to offset the sweetness.
8. Rao's
You can find traditional Roma tomato ketchup from Rao's, but we couldn't resist trying the black truffle-infused version when we spotted it on the shelves. It was one of the few flavored ketchups we sampled, and it certainly lived up to our expectations. The rich truffle taste was delightful, elevating even simple fries to a gourmet experience. It was among the thickest ketchups we tested, which we appreciated once it was on our plates. However, the glass bottle and wide opening made it a bit tricky to pour just the right amount.
Most of Rao's products tend to be on the expensive side, costing a few dollars more than other brands of the same size. This isn't surprising given the gourmet ingredients and recipes, but it does make it difficult to justify when most of our ketchup is paired with tater tots and chicken nuggets. This might be a splurge-worthy option that we reserve for adults, turning our ordinary plates of tater tots into something a little more upscale.
7. Hunt's
Despite being a well-known brand in the canned tomato market, Hunt's ketchup can be surprisingly elusive on store shelves. Its flavor is reminiscent of Heinz but offers a slightly richer taste and a coarser texture. It took us a few tries to adjust to the thicker consistency, but we ultimately preferred it, as it adhered well to fries. The flavor is also a bit more robust, which Hunt's attributes to the use of vine-ripened tomatoes in their recipe.
We enjoyed this ketchup, particularly as a dip for fries, but it's worth noting that it has a more pronounced flavor compared to other brands. If you're looking for something that blends seamlessly with other condiments on a burger or sandwich, you might want to consider skipping this one. We probably wouldn't actively search for it, especially since it's not available in every store. However, we would gladly savor it when we come across Hunt's at a restaurant or potluck, as it offers a refreshing change from our usual choices.
6. Signature Select
Safeway's private label, Signature Select, offers a ketchup that is ideal for budget-conscious shoppers seeking a delicious dipping sauce. Available in two sizes, both feature a leak-proof nozzle for easy flow control. While there are no unique flavored varieties, it remains a reliable choice for a traditional ketchup flavor and texture.
Among the options from Safeway, we recommend the regular ketchup and the low-sugar variant. The standard Signature Select ketchup contains 4 grams of sugar derived from high fructose corn syrup and corn syrup, so keep in mind the higher sugar content. The low-sugar version, with just 2 grams of sugar and reduced salt, offers a similar taste and consistency to the classic ketchup, making it one of the better low-sugar alternatives we've sampled. Although the high fructose corn syrup-free option may seem appealing, it actually contains the same 4 grams of sugar as the regular version. Be sure to examine the ingredient list carefully when making your choice, but any option from Signature Select is a solid pick—and they can help you save a bit when shopping at Safeway.
5. Burman's
When we're keeping an eye on our budget, Burman's from Aldi is my preferred option. It has a slightly more acidic flavor compared to some other brands, but you really only notice it when tasting them side by side. For the most part, it tastes quite similar to the ketchup from major brands. This large 38-ounce bottle costs around $2 and lasts our family for several months.
Burman's ketchup is a bit thinner than some other brands, though it’s not overly runny. It’s great for dipping fries and tater tots, but it shines even more when used on burgers or sandwiches. The flip-top lid features a drip-free nozzle, which helps keep the bottle tidy. Burman's only offers classic ketchup, so don’t expect options with reduced sugar or salt. It’s made with the same ingredients as Heinz and has a comparable nutritional profile. The primary differences between Burman's and other brands are the texture and the slightly more acidic flavor.
4. Great Value
Walmart's private label, Great Value, stands out as one of the top store brands, offering a rich and well-balanced flavor. It has a slight sweetness that complements the tangy tomatoes without being overpowering. One of the best features of this ketchup is its thick consistency, making it perfect for dipping. It is free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, and is available in four sizes, including low-sugar, traditional sugar, and jalapeño varieties. The 14-ounce bottle is particularly convenient, as it takes up minimal space in the fridge and features a no-drip squeeze top. Unlike many smaller ketchup bottles that have screw tops, this one is easy to squeeze.
As with other store brands, it is exclusively available at Walmart, so it may not be worth making a special trip if you’re shopping elsewhere. However, if you frequently shop at Walmart and want to save money, this option is a great alternative to more expensive name brands, as the taste and texture are nearly indistinguishable.
3. Market Pantry
The price of Market Pantry ketchup, Target's private label, is unbeatable. The smallest bottle, which is 20 ounces, costs only $1.20, and larger sizes are available in 32, 38, and 64 ounces. The real test lies in how it stacks up against the most flavorful ketchups, and we were pleased to discover that this option is just as tasty as it is budget-friendly. When placed alongside Heinz, distinguishing between the two in terms of flavor or texture is quite challenging. The ingredient lists are nearly identical, suggesting a very similar formulation.
Another benefit of Market Pantry is its slimmer bottle design, which is ideal for cramped pantry or refrigerator spaces. All sizes feature drip-free lids, while the two larger options have broader bases to prevent tipping as they get low. For those seeking a low-sugar alternative, Market Pantry also offers a recipe with 50% less sugar that does not contain high fructose corn syrup.
2. 365
The 365 ketchup from Whole Foods is a tasty choice at an excellent price, especially for a store known for its high prices. Priced just over $3 for a 32-ounce bottle, it features the same drip-free nozzle found on many other brands. We found it difficult to distinguish this ketchup from Heinz, my long-time favorite. Discovering that this version contains familiar spices like onion powder, clove, and red pepper—rather than the vague "natural flavoring" used by other brands—made us appreciate it even more. This dedication to natural ingredients over processed additives secured its well-deserved second place on our list. Moreover, it’s one of the few store brands worth a special trip to purchase.
There is an organic variant available for 80 cents more for the same size, but it has a more acidic flavor due to being sugar-free. If organic is a priority for you, you'll be pleased to know that the regular 365 tomato ketchup includes several organic ingredients, such as cane sugar and white vinegar. While the tomato puree and spices in the recipe aren't organic, the overall balance of taste, texture, organic content, and price makes it a great option.
1. Heinz
Heinz is often regarded as the reigning champion of ketchups, boasting a dedicated fan base that eagerly seeks out this deliciously sweet condiment, myself included. For years, it has been our preferred choice, primarily due to its fantastic flavor and texture, but also because it can be found in nearly every grocery store, eliminating the need for a search. The classic tomato ketchup is thick enough for dipping while still offering a smooth texture. With added sugar, it effectively balances the acidity of the tomatoes. For those seeking low- or no-sugar alternatives, Heinz also offers ketchup with no added sugar and one without artificial sweeteners. These options have a similar texture to the original but feature a slightly different flavor.
Heinz ketchup is available in various flavors and sizes. The pickle ketchup provides a delightful zing, while the jalapeño version is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat. Nevertheless, the classic variety remains the best and most versatile choice, so if you're purchasing in larger quantities or buying in bulk, it's wise to stick with the traditional tomato ketchup. The combination of taste, texture, size options, and widespread availability makes Heinz one of our top picks for home use.
Methodology
We evaluated the leading ketchup brands to identify those that excelled in both flavor and value. In our taste tests, we sought ketchups that paired well with foods like fries, tater tots, and chicken nuggets. The top contenders struck a perfect balance of tangy tomatoes, a touch of sweetness, and a zesty kick from vinegar and salt. They were also thick enough to serve as a dip for fries without creating a mess on the plate. The use of high-quality ingredients was crucial, often resulting in the best-tasting, rich, and thick ketchups.
We also took availability into account, as hunting down various brands around town can be inconvenient. While some store brands are worth the effort, others are only a viable choice if you're already shopping at that particular retailer. Ketchup brands that offer unique specialty flavors or options with reduced sugar or salt received special recognition, as we sometimes enjoy a change of pace.
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