If you're looking to slash your grocery bills and prioritise your health, a viral TikTok tip might just revolutionise your kitchen habits. Food content creator Jerome, known online as JeromeCooksFood, has sparked a trend by urging followers to abandon store-bought sauces like ketchup in favour of a quick, homemade alternative.
Why Swap Shop-Bought for Homemade Ketchup?
In a recent video that has garnered over 109,000 views, Jerome criticised supermarket ketchups as often being "thin", "watery", and "too acidic". He highlighted that many commercial brands are loaded with sugar and bulked out with non-nutritious ingredients such as modified maize starch, artificial flavourings, and preservatives.
Jerome argued, "Stop wasting money on ketchup. Instead, make it from scratch in minutes with a handful of ingredients." He claims his homemade version delivers a premium taste at roughly a third of the price, while allowing you to control exactly what goes into it.
Simple Ingredients for a Healthier Condiment
The recipe requires just a few basic items that are likely already in your pantry:
- 150g (5oz) tomato puree
- 20g (Two tbsp) light brown sugar
- One tsp onion granules
- One tsp garlic granules
- Pinch of salt
- 45ml (Three tbsp) white wine or cider vinegar
- 45ml (Three tbsp) water
Easy Step-by-Step Method
- Combine the tomato puree, sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt in a pan over medium heat. Cook for one minute, stirring well.
- Add the vinegar and water, mix thoroughly, and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble for five to ten minutes.
- Allow the mixture to cool before serving. Store in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to two weeks.
For those who enjoy a bit of spice, Jerome suggests adding chilli flakes to customise the flavour. The recipe's simplicity and adaptability have resonated with viewers, with one commenter, MollynMeg, noting how it aligns with avoiding ultra-processed foods, while another, Harry, shared they've been making homemade ketchup for over twenty years.
This approach not only offers a cost-effective solution but also empowers consumers to make healthier choices by eliminating unnecessary additives from their diets.
