A blind taste test conducted by consumer group Which? has revealed that a supermarket own-brand ketchup is just as good as Heinz, but at a fraction of the cost. The Asda Classic Tomato Ketchup scored 77% in the test, tying with the iconic Heinz Tomato Ketchup.
The Taste Test
Which? assembled a panel of 72 people to evaluate eight different ketchups blind. Each product was judged on taste, smell, texture, and appearance. The Asda ketchup impressed tasters with its well-balanced tanginess, sweetness, and depth of flavour. It also contains less sugar and salt than the Heinz version.
Heinz Tomato Ketchup matched Asda's score of 77%, with panellists noting its excellent texture, taste, and appearance. However, Heinz contains more salt and sugar per 100g than most other brands tested. While Heinz offers a reduced sugar version, it was not included in this test.
Price Comparison
The Asda ketchup costs just £1.39 for a 970g bottle, compared to Heinz at £3 for 460g. This makes Asda's offering significantly cheaper per gram.
Other Top Performers
Claiming third place was Waitrose Essential Tomato Ketchup, priced at 95p for 470g and scoring 75%. Tasters praised its flavour and texture, making it a brilliant choice for quality on a budget.
In fourth place was Aldi Bramwells Tomato Ketchup at 89p for 550g, with a score of 73%. It boasts the lowest sugar content of all samples, but only half of tasters were happy with its flavour and sweetness.
Bottom of the Pack
Marks and Spencer's ketchup came last, scoring just 61%. Tasters found it too thick, dark, and tangy.
