Quick Nutrition Snapshot
Ketchup is made with tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, salt and spices. Its sugar and sodium are what set it apart from a fresh tomato.
Sugar and Sodium per Serving
A Bit of Lycopene
Like tomato paste, ketchup is made with cooked tomatoes, which increases the bioavailability of lycopene, an antioxidant the body absorbs better after cooking. Ketchup has less lycopene than tomato paste, but it is still a source of it.
Myths and Fun Facts
Surprising facts — and a few ketchup myths worth setting straight.
FACT: Ketchup has roots in Asia, where a fermented fish sauce known as kê-chiap came first. The English adapted the recipe; later, Americans added tomato, vinegar and sugar to make the version we know today.
FACT: A serving of ketchup is low in calories. It does contain sugar and sodium, but the cooked tomato makes it a source of lycopene and vitamin C.
FACT: Ketchup is a key ingredient in many recipes: glazes, sweet-and-sour and barbecue sauces, stews and dressings.
Inspiration for your kitchen
Ketchup is more than a condiment. Used well, it can change a whole dish.
Glaze for chicken or ribs
Mix ketchup with a little honey or brown sugar for a glossy glaze.
Homemade sweet-and-sour sauce
Combine ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce and spices for a stir-fry sauce.
Classic cocktail sauce
It is the base of a quick cocktail sauce, perfect for seafood.