Asda Classic Tomato Ketchup has tied with Heinz for the top spot in a Which? blind taste test, offering a significantly cheaper alternative to the iconic brand. The consumer group gathered a panel of 72 individuals to evaluate eight ketchup brands on taste, smell, texture, and appearance.
Top Performers and Key Findings
Both Asda Classic Tomato Ketchup and Heinz Tomato Ketchup scored 77%, with testers praising Asda's well-balanced tanginess, sweetness, and depth of flavour. Asda's ketchup also contains less sugar and salt than Heinz. Priced at £1.39 for 970g, it is considerably more affordable than Heinz, which costs £3 for 460g. According to the panel, Heinz excelled in texture, taste, and appearance but has higher salt and sugar content per 100g compared to most other brands tested. Heinz offers a reduced-sugar variant, though it was not included in the taste test.
Affordable Alternatives and Rankings
Waitrose Essential Tomato Ketchup secured third place with a score of 75%, priced at 95p for 470g. Testers commended its flavour and consistency, making it a solid budget-friendly option. Aldi Bramwells Tomato Ketchup ranked fourth at 73%, costing 89p for 550g. It has the lowest sugar content among all tested ketchups, and tasters appreciated its consistency, though only half were satisfied with its flavour and sweetness levels. At the bottom of the rankings, Marks and Spencer ketchup scored 61%, with testers finding it too thick, dark, and tangy.
Implications for Consumers
The results suggest that shoppers can save money without sacrificing quality by choosing supermarket own-brands. Asda's ketchup, in particular, offers comparable taste and texture to Heinz at a fraction of the price, along with nutritional benefits. This blind taste test highlights that premium pricing does not always guarantee superior flavour, encouraging consumers to explore more economical options.
