Ketchup lovers who see red at the thought of any brand other than market leader Heinz should look away now.
While shoppers are turning to own label groceries in far greater numbers due to the cost of living crisis, it's still Heinz or the high way for some families, who are convinced that it's the only brand worthy of adorning their chips or bacon sarnie. But a taste test by consumer group Which? has cast doubt on whether it's worth paying for the nation's favourite when tasters rated an own-label sauce costing less than half the price just as good..
The panel of 72 ketchup lovers blind-tasted 10 different ketchups, and found that Co-Op Tomato Ketchup held its own against the mighty Heinz - and is less than half the price. The Co-op version shared its ketchup crown with Heinz, and several cheaper supermarket ketchups weren't far behind.
Read more: Ed Sheeran branches out into hot sauce business with launch of Tingly Ted’s
Co-op (24p/100g) and Heinz (54p/100g) triumphed, taking the joint top spot in the taste test, both scoring 74%. Which? tasters were particularly happy with the thickness of the Co-Op ketchup, with 86% of them scoring it as ‘just right’. Heinz held on to the top spot for the second year running, impressing tasters with its appearance and colour, and taste. A Which? spokesperson said: "Co-op’s ketchup is less than half the price of Heinz, so if you're a ketchup fan on a budget it's worth stopping by a Co-op to stock up."
Hellmann's may be better known for mayonnaise, but its ketchup (32p/100g) also went down well, with a score of 73% and testers commenting the taste closely resembled tomatoes in colour and taste, so it's one for fans of authenticity. Which? said: "If you prefer to buy branded ketchup, or your nearest supermarket version isn't to your taste, Hellmann's is a good bet. It scored just 1% less than Heinz, and is a fair bit cheaper too."
Aldi Bramwells Tomato Ketchup (12p/100g) scored 72% and was praised as 'a cheap and cheerful' bargain buy, with tasters enjoying the colour, texture and thickness of this ketchup.
Most of the other supermarket tomato ketchups fared relatively well, so wherever you shop, the own-brand is worth a go. M&S shoppers may be disappointed though, as this ketchup didn't quite hit the mark:
- Tesco Tomato Ketchup (18p/100g) - 72%. Which? said: "Looked good, but otherwise this ketchup was pretty middle of the road."
- Morrisons Tomato Ketchup (28p/100g) - 71%. Which? said: "Tasters appreciated the colour of the ketchup but otherwise it didn't set any pulses racing."
-
Asda Classic Tomato Ketchup (14p/100g). Which? said: "The flavour of this ketchup was rated quite well, however it didn't have the distinctive appetising smell."
- Sainsbury's Tomato Ketchup Sauce (18p/100g) - 69%. Which? said: "Ok, but nothing special. "
-
Waitrose Essential Tomato Ketchup (19p/100g) - 69%. Which? said: "Scored well for appearance, with nearly 80% naming it as 'just right' in colour, however it largely disappointed with flavour."
-
M&S Tomato Ketchup (17p/100g) - 60%. Which? said: "The lowest scorer. The majority of tasters found this ketchup too thick, too strong and too tangy. However, if you like gastropub-style thick tangy ketchup then this may be the one for you."
- Lidl's ketchup was not available at the time of testing.
The brands were assessed by 72 people each, with the panellists rating the taste, texture, aroma, and appearance of each product. The overall score is based on: 50% taste, 15% texture, 15% aroma. 20% appearance.
Now read:
- From McDonald's to Five Guys, the healthiest burgers revealed
- Get a KFC Original Recipe bucket free for the next two weeks
- Sainsbury's to sell surplus boxes of fruit and veg for just £2 amid cost of living crisis
- Fast forward to 2042, when a Greggs sausage roll could cost nearly £2
- Cheap Tesco and Asda pizzas beat brand leader in taste test
