the Great Ketchup Controversy

Modern ketchup is a condiment made from tomatoes, sugar, and vinegar, with seasonings and spices.

Typically it has cloves, cumin, garlic, allspice, coriander, mustard & sometimes has cinnamon or ginger. Heinz is the current leader in sales with 60% in the US & 82% in the UK. And, yes, in the 18th century it was made with mushrooms & wasn’t even red. It kind of looked like poop.

So what is the controversy? It is simply this: “is it spelled ketchup or catsup” Okay, that isn’t really a controversy, but it is a question that needs to be answered once & for all. Also, who makes McDonalds ketchup & why is ketchup so popular in the first place & which is the best one?

What’s in a name?

There are several names for our yummy red sauce: in USA & Canada they call it “ketchup”, in Mexico & some southern US states it is “catsup”, the Welsh & Scotts call it “red sauce” & a lot of other countries simply call it “tomato sauce”. No one is 100% certain where it came from or who invented it, but there are many theories on the subject.

Who has what?

• McDonalds – When I worked there in the 80’s management insisted McD’s made it themselves. I have read it was Heinz, also that it was not Heinz in the US, Now the claim is they are making it themselves, so it’s hard to tell. I guess we will never know.
• Whataburger – The package says MFG. FOR Whataburger, so they don’t make it themselves. As to who does, it’s anybody’s guess. All I know is their spicy ketchup is the best!
• Heinz is used at: Wendy’s, Sonic, KFC, Arby’s, Jack in the Box, In-N-Out, Steak “n” Shake, White Castle & Burger King

Which is the best?

The “best” is a subjective answer, but I am going to tell you which one I like the best. You really can’t go by sales metrics because that is a product more of advertising than taste. So, here we go…

I am testing: Heinz, Hunts, French’s, Red Gold, Del Monte, as well as some fast food ones.

I think that the Whataburger ketchup is by far the best one. It had a good smell, flavor & color.  You can get it in the store but it is way more expensive than the others. Other than that I liked Hunts, then Heinz for ones you can buy in the store. McDonalds is also very good, but not available in the store. I was also surprised that the French’s was not very good at all, seeing as how I love their mustard.The Red Gold war runny & didn’t have much flavor at all.

FYI: The Whataburger Spicy Ketchup is really amazing.

I recommend doing your own taste test, most of them you can get just by going through a drive through.