A panel of 72 people blind-tasted eight supermarket own-label ketchups alongside Heinz and Hellmann's for Which?, and the results put Asda's Classic Tomato Ketchup on equal footing with the American market leader.
Asda and Heinz each scored 77% overall, based on flavour, appearance, texture and aroma. Asda's ketchup costs £1.13 for 550g, while Heinz is £3.00 for 460g at Sainsbury's and Waitrose. The cheapest Heinz has been found is £2.25, currently on offer at Asda.
Most of the tasting panel said Asda's ketchup 'had well-balanced tanginess, sweetness and strength of flavour', according to Which?. It also contains less salt and sugar than Heinz, which was rated highly for texture and flavour but was the most expensive option in the test and had more salt and sugar than most other sauces tried.
Other own-label ketchups
Waitrose Essential Tomato Ketchup came second with a 75% score. Tasters were fans of the consistency, claiming the thickness was 'just right'. It costs £1 for a 470g bottle.
Aldi's Bramwells Tomato Ketchup took third place with 73%. Only half the panel were satisfied with the sweetness and strength of flavour, perhaps because it has the lowest sugar content of the bunch. But at 89p for 550g, it is an absolute steal.
M&S misses the mark
M&S Tomato Ketchup finished last with a score of 61%. Tasters found it too thick, too dark and too tangy. It costs 95p for 495g, but there are cheaper alternatives that scored better.
What Which? says
Jessica Carson, Which? food and health editor, said: 'The perfect tangy flavour boost on chips, burgers, bacon sandwiches and so much more, it isn't hard to see why tomato ketchup is one of the nation's favourite condiments. The good news is that rather than forking out for the big brand version, you can get a tasty supermarket alternative for a third of the price.'
Full Which? ranking of best ketchup
- Asda Classic Tomato Ketchup – 77%. One of the tastiest and cheapest on test. £1.13 for 550g. Awarded Which? Best Buy and Great Value.
- Heinz Tomato Ketchup – 77%. A classic for a reason, also Best Buy, but around £3 for 460g.
- Waitrose Essential Tomato Ketchup – 75%. A strong own-brand alternative, £1 for 470g.
- Aldi Bramwells Tomato Ketchup – 73%. Lowest sugar content, but lost points for sweetness. 89p for 550g.
- Co-op Tomato Ketchup – 72%. Scored well but verdict was 'too tangy'. 89p for 550g.
- Sainsbury's Tomato Ketchup – 71%. Good tanginess and sweetness, but texture less appealing. 95p for 460g.
- Tesco Tomato Ketchup – 71%. Good appearance and texture, but flavour didn't impress. £1.15 for 555g.
- Hellmann's Tomato Ketchup – 70%. Twice the price of many own labels, but lacked texture and flavour. £2.15 for 430g.
- Lidl Batts Tomato Ketchup – 68%. Cheap, but not that cheerful; flavour didn't impress. 89p for 560g.
- M&S Tomato Ketchup – 61%. Too thick, dark and tangy. 95p for 495g.
