I’ve been asked so many times if ketchup and tomato sauce are the same. Let me say it’s not that easy, so I think it’s about time we did ketchup vs tomato sauce. From homemade sauce versions to store-bought variants, I’ll break down what differences and similarities ketchup and tomato sauce have!
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What Is Ketchup?
I think we all have a general idea of what this one is, but let’s have a more in-depth recap. Ketchup is a very popular condiment that’s a thick, sweet, and tangy sauce made from tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, and spices.
Though it can often contain other spices, such as onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika, which gives it a unique flavor profile. You’d normally see it paired with French fries, burgers, hot dogs, and other similar fast foods.
How to Use Ketchup
It’s generally used as a dip, sauce, or ingredient in certain recipes but can be mixed with other sauces to create unique and delicious flavors. It also can be used as a glaze, mixed with other condiments, added for color, substituted for tomato sauce, added to chili, and even used to make cocktail sauce. Its sweet and tangy taste can enhance the taste of your food and make it more enjoyable.
What Is Tomato Sauce?
Like what its name suggests, tomato sauce is made primarily from tomatoes, along with other ingredients such as garlic, onions, herbs, and spices, to give it additional flavor.
It can actually be made using fresh or canned tomatoes and seasoned to taste with salt, pepper, sugar, and other spices. Some recipes may even call for the addition of meat, such as ground beef or sausage, to create a meat sauce.
It’s typically used as a base for many Italian dishes, such as pasta sauces, pizza, and lasagna. In addition to its use in Italian cuisine, tomato sauce is also commonly used in other dishes from around the world, such as Mexican salsa, Indian curry, and Spanish gazpacho.
How to Use Tomato Sauce
It’s commonly used as a base for pasta sauce, a pizza sauce, a dipping sauce, or a marinade for meat. Simply heating tomato sauce with your desired herbs, spices, and vegetables can create a delicious sauce that compliments your pasta.
Even adding it to your pizza crust will add a delicious flavor to your pizza and make it even more enjoyable. As a dipping sauce, it can be paired with various foods or mixed with herbs and spices to create a marinade for meat.
Similarities and Differences Between Ketchup vs Tomato Sauce
Sugar Content
Let’s start off with a deal breaker for most people. Both ketchup and tomato sauce contain sugar, but ketchup generally has a higher sugar content. This is mainly due to it containing high fructose corn syrup, while tomato sauce does not.
The actual amount of sugar in ketchup can vary by brand, but it’s typically around 4 grams per tablespoon. In contrast, tomato sauce usually has less than 1 gram of sugar per tablespoon.
Use of Spices
The spices used in ketchup and tomato sauce can also differ in type and amount. But ketchup usually contains more spices than tomato sauce, such as onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika, while tomato sauce may only include basil, oregano, and salt.
Texture
They’re both also very different in terms of texture, as ketchup is thicker and smoother than tomato sauce, which is more liquid and chunky. This can be because ketchup is often made with tomato paste and vinegar, while tomato sauce is made with crushed or diced tomatoes.
Acidity Level
The acidity levels of ketchup and tomato sauce do affect their taste, as ketchup is generally more acidic than tomato sauce due to the presence of vinegar, impacting the overall flavor of the condiment. In contrast, tomato sauce has a more natural tomato flavor and is less acidic.
Nutritional Comparison Between Ketchup and Tomato Sauce
Ketchup Nutrition
One tablespoon of ketchup contains approximately 20 calories, 160 mg of sodium, and 4 grams of sugar. It’s also a good source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer. However, it does have high sugar and sodium levels.
Tomato Sauce Nutrition
One tablespoon of tomato sauce contains approximately 30 calories, 90 mg of sodium, and 6 grams of sugar. It’s also a good source of vitamins C and K, as well as fiber. Tomato sauce is also low in sugar and sodium.
FAQs
Is Heinz ketchup or tomato sauce?
Heinz produces both ketchup and tomato sauce. Their ketchup is made from tomato concentrate, vinegar, and various seasonings and spices. Heinz tomato sauce is a thicker and chunkier sauce made from crushed or pureed tomatoes, with no added sweeteners or spices.
What can I use instead of tomato sauce?
If you’re out of tomato sauce, you can use canned tomatoes, tomato paste, or tomato puree as a substitute. Other alternatives include salsa, marinara sauce, or even barbecue sauce, depending on the recipe and your personal preference.
Can I use tomato ketchup instead of sauce?
While tomato ketchup and tomato sauce share some similarities, they are not interchangeable in most recipes. Ketchup is sweeter and more acidic than tomato sauce due to the addition of sugar and vinegar. It also has a smoother and thinner consistency.
Why is tomato sauce referred to as ketchup in American English?
In the United States, the term “ketchup” became popularized by the H.J. Heinz Company, which began producing and marketing tomato ketchup in the late 1800s. Today, the terms “ketchup” and “tomato sauce” are used interchangeably in some regions, while in others they refer to distinct condiments.