The Best Ketchups On The Market
Gherkin Ketchup, Tom Kerridge
Having served it in his restaurants for years, Tom Kerridge finally launched a bottled version of his gherkin ketchup this summer. Filled with 89% gherkins and a hint of dill, we loved the bold colour and hit of flavour. Designed as an accompaniment for steak, this would make a wonderful topping for cheeseburgers – or as a tartare-sauce alternative in a fish finger sandwich.
Visit TomKerridge.com
Bloody Mary Ketchup With Vodka, Stokes
This spiced ketchup isn’t for everyone – some tasters thought the celery salt was a little bold – but if you’re a fan of the iconic morning-after cocktail, you’ll find lots to love. The flavour is spicy without overpowering and the hot pepper really comes through. Would pack a punch in a bacon sandwich.
Visit Ocado.com
Tiptree Tomato Ketchup, Wilkin & Sons
This was described by one of our tasters as a ‘posh, grown-up Heinz’. Made with Mediterranean plum tomatoes to a 100-year-old recipe, this thick sauce is subtly sweet, really tastes of tomatoes and is a strong fire-engine red in colour. A great everyday condiment that will go with everything from fish and chips to meat.
Visit Waitrose.com
Organic Tomato Ketchup, Daylesford
This ketchup is so thick, it’s almost like a BBQ sauce. We loved the addition of sweet apples and spices, which gave it a flavoursome hit and a similar background taste to Branston pickle (a very good thing indeed, of course). An ideal dip for chips.
Visit Daylesford.com
Beetroot Ketchup, Dr Will’s
This beetroot-flavoured ketchup is so thick, it’s more like a purée. Naturally sweetened with dates, not sugar, this is definitely one of the healthier options on the list. Perhaps not one for kids, this is a grown-up sauce that would taste good served alongside halloumi or sweet potato chips.
Visit Ocado.com
Brooklyn Burner, Dino’s Famous Spicy Ketchup
We loved the retro bottle, which transports you to an American diner. Alas, the sauce didn’t live up to its name – there wasn’t much heat at all. That said, we really liked the taste and can imagine it pairing well with a mustard-smothered hot dog.
Visit Ocado.com
Balsamic Vinegar And Sun-Ripened Tomato Ketchup, Heinz
We couldn’t taste ketchup without including Heinz. Part of the brand’s 2019 range of flavours, this balsamic-vinegar version smells like Christmas, thanks to its rich spices and hints of black pepper. More like a chutney, this dark sauce would go brilliantly with cheese or in a sandwich.
Visit Ocado.com
Beetroot Ketchup, The Foraging Fox
We loved the colour and its bold pickled-beetroot taste. Like Dr Will’s, this beetroot ketchup doesn’t contain high-fructose syrups, giving it a nice savoury flavour. Add to a homemade hummus for an earthy hit.
Visit Sainsburys.co.uk
Chilli And Garlic Ketchup, The Garlic Farm
This spicy ketchup is just one of the many pungent delicacies made on the Isle of Wight’s Garlic Farm (it also produces garlic-flavoured vodka and beer). This bottle had a real hit of flavour, a kick of spice and a chunky texture, almost like an arrabbiata sauce. A good one to add to bolognese for an extra punch of garlic.
Visit TheGarlicFarm.co.uk
The Verdict
The team was unanimous in its decision: Wilkin & Sons was our favourite for its distinctively tomato-y taste, quality texture and great price point. There’s a reason this recipe hasn’t been changed in 100 years.
DISCLAIMER: We endeavour to always credit the correct original source of every image we use. If you think a credit may be incorrect, please contact us at info@sheerluxe.com.