Low-sodium ketchup

Low-sodium ketchup

We were brought up as Heinz Ketchup kids. I love the ketchup and use it daily — here’s my write-up on the history, etc of ketchup.

In the spring of 2013, I switched to Heinz’s low-sodium version of their ketchup, which I think was still kinda new at the time.

Pictured above is the Canadian version of it, which has 60 mg of sodium per tablespoon (15 ml).

I can’t taste any difference that bothers me so it has now become the new household standard ketchup. I know there are people to whom their ketchup defines their whole life and being and don’t like it changed, but I’ve always liked different brands and types of ketchup anyway. I know that the Canadian version of Heinz ketchup has traditionally been made sweeter than the American version, because of the Canadian habit of sloshing vinegar on their fries as well as ketchup.

In any event, I’m not sure why Heinz had to call it “ketchup style sauce”, presumably something obscure in Canadian labelling laws.

Here’s the nutrition on it:

That works out to 2 Weight Watchers Points Plus per 1/4 cup (60 ml); 5 points per 1/2 cup (125 ml.)

Heinz Low-Sodium / Low-Sugar Ketchup in the States

In the States, Heinz has done it differently. There they took out the salt completely by using a salt-substitute product called “AlsoSalt”,  and call the product “No Salt” ketchup. (Here’s my review of Alsosalt.)

Heinz No Salt Ketchup

Heinz No Salt Ketchup, per tablespoon (15 ml):

• 5 mg sodium, 6 g carb and 25 calories overall;
• Weight Watchers Points Plus: 3 per 1/4 cup (60 ml); 5 per 1/2 cup (125 ml.)

Heinz in the States also created a separate (you see where this is going, right?) “Reduced Sugar” version.

Heinz Reduced Sugar Ketchup

Heinz Reduced Sugar Ketchup, per tablespoon (15 ml):

• 170 mg sodium, 1 g carb, and 5 calories overall;
• Weight Watchers Points Plus: 0 per 1/4 cup (60 ml); 1 per 1/2 cup (125 ml.)

So you see what’s happened — yes, they lowered the sugar as seen by the lower carbs and the lower Weight Watcher points, BUT they cranked the sodium back up. You get to pick one healthy option OR the other, but you can’t have both, even though what you really want is them both combined, I’m sure.

Heinz Low-Sodium / Low-Sugar Ketchup in the United Kingdom

Well, in the UK, they did create a combined low-salt, low-sugar version, which is what you’d think they should do.

But, wait for it, you guessed it, what it feels like they did was combine the worst aspects of both the American versions. The carbs are back, and so is the sodium.

Per tablespoon (15 ml) :

• 200 mg sodium, 2.3 g carb, and 11 calories overall;
• Weight Watchers Points Plus: 1 per 1/4 cup (60 ml); 2 per 1/2 cup (125 ml.)

It’s like — really guys? Really? Can’t we have both the truly low sodium and the truly low sugar?

Heinz Reduced Sugar Reduced Salt Ketchup

My Conclusion

Heinz needs to combine the two American versions for a true winner that H.J. Heinz , who treasured the wholesomeness of his products, could be proud of again. They could use Stevia as the sweetener.

In the meantime, I’d say Heinz’s real winner in the ketchup category is in fact, their Heinz Tangy Tomato Pickle. If you can get it where you’re at, check it out.

Also check out some of the other brands of tomato ketchup, including supermarket brands, which are now coming out with healthier versions of ketchups. They may beat Heinz to it in the end.

Note that my research is current as of April 2014. With any luck it will become outdated quickly because all kinds of manufacturers including Heinz will have sorted this all out.

In the meantime, you might wish to read my piece on sugar levels in ketchup.

Click here to see all the topics in my ketchup series.

(And English Brown Sauce fans, don’t be smug: wait till you hear what I’ve found out about that.)

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* PointsPlus™ calculated by PracticallyEdible.com. Not endorsed by Weight Watchers® International, Inc, which is the owner of the PointsPlus® registered trademark.