Avoid the high fructose corn syrup added to most store bought ketchups by making this Easy Ketchup Recipe, which uses common pantry ingredients!
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Why I started making my own ketchup (HFCS)
My husband, Brett, is in love with Heinz Ketchup... and I don't blame him! We grew up on it, it's sweet and delicious, and gives us so many nostalgic memories when we eat it.
However, once I started learning more about nutrition and how important it is to read ingredient labels, I quickly discovered that Heinz Ketchup (and so many other store bought ketchups in the US) contain High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS).
What is Heinz ketchup made of?
The ingredients in Heinz ketchup are: tomato concentrate from red ripe tomatoes, distilled vinegar, high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, salt, spice, onion powder, natural flavoring
Now, I know eating a little bit of HFCS isn't going to kill me. To be honest, if Heinz Ketchup is the only ketchup available, I might still eat it. BUT, if I can choose a ketchup that is a little more natural, then I'm all about that.
Why is high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) bad for you?
As the name implies, high fructose corn syrup is high in fructose, which is a form of sugar. Higher sugar intakes have been directly linked to higher rates of obesity and weight gain, diabetes, inflammation, heart disease, and cancer.
Americans, in particular, need to watch their sugar intake. Americans consume the most high fructose corn syrup (55 pounds per year!) and sugar (101 pounds per year!) in the world! Our high sugar intake is a major contributing factor to the fact that two-thirds of Americans are now overweight or obese.
Alternatives to Heinz Ketchup
Annie's Organic Ketchup doesn't contain high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) so we would usually buy that in America before we moved to China. Here in China, however, most of the ketchups that we like are imported from America and still contain HFCS. So I became determined to make my own ketchup recipe that Brett would be willing to eat and actually enjoy!
Homemade ketchup recipe ingredients
I really can't believe how easy ketchup is to make at home! If we lived in the States, I think I would still make this homemade ketchup because it took all of 20 minutes to whip up and makes quite a large batch that will last for a long time in the fridge.
I didn't want to buy any extra ingredients to make this ketchup recipe, because I figured it could be done with the items I already had in my pantry.
And I was right!
All you really need to make your own homemade ketchup recipe are the following ingredients
Homemade ketchup ingredients
The main ingredients in ketchup are: tomato paste, sugar, vinegar and some seasonings or spices.
The combination of sugar and vinegar give this homemade ketchup recipe that sweet, tangy flavor that we all love!
I'm so happy with this ketchup recipe and Brett loves it too! It will definitely be a staple in our fridge from now on.
I love saving glass bottles from salad dressings that we've previously finished off and reusing them for my homemade salad dressings and condiments. How fun does this homemade ketchup look in a simple glass bottle?!
Okay, okay. I know. I'm easily pleased.
Variations
You can experiment with different flavor variations by adding any of the following ingredients:
- onion
- Sriracha
- roasted red pepper
- roasted garlic
- apple cider vinegar
- brown sugar
- allspice
How to make ketchup
Wondering how to make ketchup at home? Give this easy homemade ketchup recipe a try!
We've been loving it on homemade veggie burgers, buddha bowls, and my Oil Free Baked Sweet Potato Fries!
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Place all of the ingredient into a sauce pan and bring to a simmer.
Step 2: Stir over heat for about 10 minutes until well combined and thick.
Step 3: Using a funnel, transfer the ketchup to a reusable glass jar, if desired.
Step 4: Enjoy on all the things!
Please let me know if you give this easy ketchup recipe a try and what you think. Leave a comment down below, rate the recipe and be sure to share it with others! As always, I love to see what recipes of mine you all are recreating, so be sure to snap a pic of the final product and tag @theconscientiouseater on Instagram so I can see the final product!
Storage
Homemade ketchup is best kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three months.
But if your family is anything like mine, it won't last that long!
Can you freeze homemade ketchup?
Yes! Ketchup keeps really well in the freezer if it is stored in a freezer-friendly container that will prevent freezer burn. When you are ready to use the ketchup, let it thaw on the counter for one to two hours depending on the amount. Once your homemade ketchup is defrosted, give it a good stir to return the ketchup to its original consistency.
Pro Tip: Store your homemade ketchup in individual serving size freezer-friendly containers so that you only have to take out what you need!
Other staple condiment recipes
In case ketchup isn't your thing, be sure to check out some of my other favorite condiments and sauces below!
Date Sweetened Chocolate Sauce
📖 Recipe
Easy Homemade Ketchup Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 ounces tomato paste two 6 oz. jars or 340 grams
- ¼ cup cane sugar
- ¼ cup water plus more if needed
- 2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- dash cinnamon
- pinch nutmeg
Instructions
- In a saucepan, stir together all of the ingredients until combined and bring everything to a simmer.
- Allow the ketchup to simmer, while stirring often, for about 5-10 minutes until the sugar has dissolved and everything is well combined.
- If the ketchup is too thick, you can add more water 1 tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. I like using ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons of water total for my ketchup.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings as desired, adding more sugar for sweetness, vinegar for tartness or salt for saltiness.
- Turn off the heat and allow the ketchup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight jar or container.
Notes
- onion
- Sriracha
- roasted red pepper
- roasted garlic
- apple cider vinegar
- brown sugar
- allspice
Ruth Fegley says
A bit to blend for me had to add extra vinegar
Faith VanderMolen says
Glad you made it your own! Thanks for sharing Ruth!
Lauren says
Is this shelf stable? Does it need to be refrigerated before opening (or afterwards)?
Faith VanderMolen says
Hi Lauren! No, I wouldn't store this on the shelf. Once you make it, place it in a jar and store it in the fridge!
Emily Swanson says
I love that the ketchup at Costco doesn't have the HFCS, but this is so cool that you made your own; you're going to be the master of making your own foods while in China.
Faith says
Ah I love Costco products! And China definitely does make me get creative in the kitchen!