Heinz Ketchup Flavors Ranked Worst To Best
Could Heinz ketchup be the best thing to ever happen to food? Possibly. This delicately sweetened red sauce is the hallmark of classic casual American fare, and like you, we can't seem to get enough of it. Still, there's something to be said for a classic condiment that gets a little too classic. Though delicious, those same 'ole mundane flavors can sometimes get us yearning for something with a little more edge and bite.
That's why we're pleased to present you with our curated list of the best and worst Heinz ketchup varieties available on the market. Heinz has dominated the ketchup industry for years and remains one of the most well-recognized names in condiment history. Nevertheless, some Heinz ketchup flavors out there prove better than others, especially given that Heinz has rolled out so many creative options for consumers to enjoy in recent years.
So, without further ado, let's take time to explore some of Heinz's many ketchup assortments on the market and how they stack up against one another. Let's dive in.
14. Heinz Tomato Ketchup
Thick, tomatoey, and delicately sweet, the original version of Heinz ketchup is a force to be reckoned with. Containing only vine-ripe tomatoes, seasonings, and a bit of sweetener, Heinz has managed to produce the perfect sauce for slathering on fries and burgers.
Although the nostalgic, original version of Heinz ketchup is indeed scrumptious, we must admit that it sometimes pales in comparison to other more flavorful varieties out there. In recent years, Heinz has kicked its marketing efforts into overdrive by releasing new and exciting ketchup flavors for everyone to enjoy. And while the invention of these new flavors doesn't make the original Heinz taste any less appetizing, it does cause us to wonder if we're missing out a bit by reaching for the same bottle on every occasion.
Please, don't hear what we're not saying. We know the original Heinz recipe is a classic, and we give it its due respect. However, there are other Heinz ketchup types out there that are worthy of your hard-earned dollar as well. Trust us ... give a few of the newer grabs a try, and you'll likely see exactly what we mean!
13. Heinz Sweet Ketchili Ketchup & Chili Sauce
One of the most interesting Heinz ketchup flavors to come on the scene in recent years is the Heinz Sweet Ketchili Ketchup and Chili Sauce. Of course, everyone has their own rendition of what chili sauce is supposed to taste like, so we weren't the least bit surprised to discover that fans seem split as to how they feel about this interesting Heinz flavor.
Those who applaud the unique Heinz combination declare it delicious with a subtle zing of spicy flavor that can take fries, nuggets, and other goodies to the next level. These reviewers claim it is tangy and sweet, with just the right amount of heat to make it enjoyable. Critics of Heinz Sweet Ketchili Ketchup and Chili Sauce, on the other hand, have a different outlook. Regardless of its potential, many balk at the absence of any real chili flavor. Some even claim that the tomatoey creation tastes similar to ketchup blended with salsa. Ick.
All in all, if you're looking for ketchup with a lot of sweetness and a hint of spice, this could be the grab for you. But if you're in need of the bold chili flavor that often accompanies traditional chili sauce, beware ... you may need to look elsewhere to get your fix.
12. Heinz Tomato Ketchup With No Sugar Added
We love that Heinz has gone out of its way to ensure that people living a sugar-free lifestyle don't feel left out. Most agree, Heinz Tomato Ketchup With No Sugar Added variety is a delicious and much-appreciated substitute for the original, and many admirers can't get enough.
Having said that, Heinz has still managed to land itself in hot water among some of its fanbase concerning this thoughtful addition to the ketchup family. Former lovers of this ketchup flavor accuse the company of swapping ingredients without disclosing the information to the public. According to some Walmart reviews, the company once manufactured its ketchup with Splenda before switching over to Stevia instead. For some patrons, this caused quite a stir as people with Stevia sensitivities may have experienced adverse effects as a result of the silent switch.
The bright side of all of this is that if you can tolerate Stevia, you'll likely find this Heinz ketchup variety remarkably tasty. Though Heinz states its no sugar added variety contains 75% less sugar than regular ketchup (via Heinz), people insist that the flavor remains pretty close to the original. Not bad!
11. Heinz Mayochup Mayonnaise & Ketchup Sauce
We gotta say, whoever came up with the idea to combine mayonnaise and ketchup in a single bottle is definitely in need of a raise. Heinz Mayochup offers a hefty dose of creamy mayo mingled with tangy ketchup to deliver amazing flavor and a convenient way to keep condiment bottles from littering your picnic table. So, how does this amazing flavor addition stack up to other Heinz options? Eh ...
Despite the fact that this savory combination packed the potential to make an epic pair, the truth is that reviewers remain somewhat unimpressed. It's not that the product isn't tasty. In fact, there are many out there who love it and wouldn't trade it for anything. The real issue seems to be that it doesn't offer the same flavor that manually mixed mayo and ketchup usually brings. What's worse is that we've found some reviewers out there stating that Mayochup simply tastes like mayo, without anything else added to it. How boring is that?
Okay, okay. Is Mayochup really that terrible? Probably not. But given the fact that this classic combo is supposed to feature a blend of two of the most deeply adored American condiments, we certainly had higher hopes.
10. Heinz Tomato Ketchup Sweetened Only With Honey
Heinz has done it again, offering even more options to people with dietary preferences. This time, Heinz has rolled out its Heinz Ketchup Sweetened Only With Honey, and from what we can tell, it's solicited mixed reviews.
Though scores of ketchup lovers seem overjoyed to find a refined sugar-free option available in the wonderful world of catsup, not all are pleased with its taste. Because honey is scientifically proven to taste sweeter than sugar (via University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture), it should come as no surprise that this ketchup can come off as cloyingly sweet. When doused over fries or burgers, this candied taste can become extremely off-putting, especially given that honey already exudes its own strong flavor.
The result? Heinz Ketchup Sweetened Only With Honey may not earn itself a spot in every fridge, but those looking to omit refined sugar from their diet will probably really dig it, even with its unique flavor.
9. Heinz Kranch Ketchup & Ranch Sauce
Ketchup and ... ranch? Sure, why not? After all, combining two of the world's most delicious dips can't taste anything short of spectacular, right?
Well, kind of. Generally speaking, people seem well-pleased with Heinz Kranch Ketchup & Ranch Sauce as it combines the creamy savor of ranch with the familiar punch of ketchup to create the perfect sauce for veggies, chicken, and more. The qualm that people have with Heinz Kranch is that while it doesn't necessarily taste bad, it also does not pack the "wow" factor that pickier taste buds often seek. One reviewer expected more of a bold taste, writing, "I like both ketchup and ranch but this flavor doesn't really do it for me. I dunno I expected more flavor."
So, is it worth the buy? Maybe. Though dull, many avid ranch fans are singing the praises of this pair-up. Despite a few complaints, we think this would taste marvelous atop burgers, wings, cold veggies, or even tacos. Who knows ... you may end up liking it more than you think.
8. Heinz Tomato Ketchup With No Salt Added
Looking for a low-sodium ketchup to match your low-sodium diet? If so, it's time to rejoice! Heinz now offers its ketchup in a "No Salt Added" variety, making it the perfect boost to your weekend hot dog and brat routine.
So, what's the big deal about added salt in ketchup, anyway? Believe it or not, one tablespoon of regular ketchup contains up to 8% or more of your daily sodium intake (via Heinz). For this reason, there are many who've gone on to seek out an alternative. Thanks to AlsoSalt (now commonly referred to as MySalt) the Heinz Tomato Ketchup With No Salt Added variety contains 96% less sodium than other ketchup varieties (via Heinz).
Alongside those inspiring stats, we're happy to report that people who have tasted this interesting Heinz variety concur that it doesn't taste much different from the original. In fact, many prefer this assortment over others as it contains so much less sodium than other ketchups out there. Nice!
7. Heinz Tomato Ketchup With a Blend of Veggies
Ah, finally. A ketchup option suitable for littles! We love Heinz Tomato Ketchup With a Blend of Veggies for more reasons than one. Outside of the fact that this adorably labeled ketchup is packed with delicious veggies including butternut squash, carrots, and tomatoes, the flavor of the saucy grab remains surprisingly tasty. Shockingly, there are some out there who even prefer this ketchup over the original, citing that it tastes just the same but with 25% more veggies and 25% less sugar (via Heinz).
Considering all the hubbub surrounding this hearty and healthy ketchup, you may wonder if there are any cons to this dip. While most parents agree that their kids took little to no notice when replacing the original Heinz with this healthier variety, some found it hard to hide the vegetables featured on the label. As a result, some kiddos may refuse to eat the ketchup simply because there are smiling veggies featured on the front. Sigh.
Thus, if you're going to sneak this condiment into your pantry, you had better keep the label hidden. Otherwise, your kids may reject this yummy ketchup before they've even had the chance to try it. Oh, what joy.
6. Heinz Ketchup Blended With Jalapeño
Heinz Ketchup Blended With Jalapeño has rightfully earned a top spot on our list of tastier Heinz flavors out there and for good reason. This ketchup contains vine-ripe tomatoes, vinegar, spices, bell peppers, and of course, distinctive jalapeño flavor. If you're a spicy food aficionado, the name of this ketchup alone may lead you to believe you've hit the jackpot. Unfortunately, though flavorsome, this ketchup doesn't pack near the same fiery kick you may expect.
Don't get us wrong. Heinz Ketchup Blended With Jalapeño definitely offers more punch than regular ketchup. But is it hot? Not really. For those who love eating spicy food, this Heinz pick is likely to come off a bit underwhelming since it basically tastes like ketchup with only a smidgeon of heat.
Does this mean ride-or-die jalapeño fans should skip this bottle of tomatoey-goodness? That depends. If you're looking for something exceptionally spicy to amp up your chicken tenders or Biggie fry, we'd say pass on this one. But if you're looking to add just a touch of bite to your favorite foods, then it might be worth a sample to see what you think.
5. Heinz Ketchup Blended With Chipotle
Next up on our list of ketchup flavors is the Heinz Ketchup Blended With Chipotle. As the name would suggest, this promising ketchup combines the complex and spicy aura of chipotle chili peppers with fresh tomatoes to deliver a memorable taste that'll keep you reaching for the next bottle.
Heinz Ketchup Blended With Chipotle has a deep smokey flavor that comes off as very unique, especially when stacked against the original Heinz recipe. While it still tastes like ketchup, the smoldering essence of the smoked paprika and dried chipotle chili peppers gives this recipe a kick that's all its own.
Concerned about the heat level? Don't be. Though the Heinz website describes Heinz Ketchup Blended With Chipotle as "medium" intensity, most reviewers agree that it's quite mild and tolerable for most. Expect to use this distinctive ketchup over pizza, wings, burgers, and fries, and maybe even drizzled over a few breakfast burritos. All in all, we think the Heinz chipotle flavor is deserving of your time, especially if you lean more toward the smokier things in life.
4. Heinz Sriracha Ketchup
A classic Thai sauce formulated with chili peppers, vinegar, garlic, and spices, sriracha has earned quite a name for itself here in the U.S. Admittedly, the thought of combining both sriracha and ketchup into a sauce had us a bit skeptical at first. But thankfully, this flavor mashup turned out to be something truly special, landing it at the No. 4 spot on our list of best Heinz ketchup flavors.
Though a bottle of Heinz Sriracha Ketchup may be hard to come by, if you do see it at your local market, make sure you grab a bottle or two. It features all of the vinegary spice you'd expect coming from a sriracha blend but doesn't bring the heat so hard as to alienate those who don't care for hot flavors.
Ketchup addicts agree this is one of the best flavor combinations out there, with some preferring it even over the Heinz jalapeño flavor. Of course, there will always be a few out there who won't resonate with this one. Nevertheless, the bulk of folks seem pleased, especially those who were already sriracha fans to begin with.
3. Heinz Ketchup Blended With Habanero
Heinz Ketchup Blended With Habanero tastes almost exactly as the name suggests, and we're SO here for it. Though this Habanero blend is hotter than other spicy ketchup flavors offered by Heinz, it doesn't pack the "knock-your-socks-off" type of heat that some pepper zealots out there may crave. Instead, this saucy ketchup can be thought of as a happy medium between "hot" and "mild".
Like the other spicy Heinz flavors, this kicking ketchup would pair perfectly not only with hot dogs, potatoes, and the like, but also with breakfast items including eggs, ham, and bacon.
Thus, if you're looking for an awesome condiment that's sure to bring enough noticeable heat, grabbing a bottle of Heinz Ketchup Blended With Habanero is likely to uplift your day. It may not be as pungent as your favorite pepper sauce, but it'll provide flaming flavor to keep you entertained.
2. Heinz Simply Ketchup With No Artificial Sweeteners
Welcome to the top of the list! We're amped to present to you one of our favorite Heinz ketchup varieties: Heinz Simply Tomato Ketchup With No Artificial Sweeteners. This fresh rendition of the original Heinz ketchup earns its spot as a chief contender for Heinz ketchup assortments for one reason: the absence of artificial sweeteners.
If you check out the label of most ketchup brands on the market, you'll likely be hard-pressed to find flavors that do not include artificial sweeteners or high fructose corn syrup. According to the Cleveland Clinic, high fructose corn syrup is closely associated with high blood pressure, improper regulation of blood sugar, excess weight gain, and even increased cholesterol levels.
It is for this reason that we love Heinz Simply Tomato Ketchup With No Artificial Sweeteners. Instead of high fructose corn syrup, it utilizes the same white sugar found in your cabinet to gently sweeten its ketchup without sacrificing the flavor you love. It's a thumbs up from us, Heinz.
1. Heinz Organic Tomato Ketchup
Last but certainly not least, our No. 1 choice out of the many Heinz ketchup varieties is the Heinz Organic Tomato Ketchup. Why? Not only is this classic recipe free of high fructose corn syrup and artificial ingredients, but it is also chock full of hearty organic non-GMO ripe tomatoes. In addition, the company only uses organic sugar along with organic vinegar and spices to create a better-for-you rendition of the original Heinz ketchup flavor we love so much.
With all of the changes to the ingredients, one might assume there'd be a negative effect on how this Heinz ketchup tastes. The truth? Most consumers who have given this variety a try concur that it tastes way better than the original. Likely due to the freshness of the organic ingredients used, Heinz Organic Tomato Ketchup is described as having a better quality flavor when compared with other ketchup types available.
The only con? The price tag of Heinz Organic Tomato Ketchup reflects its regality, especially when stacked against the same-sized original. Still, we won't complain too much. A couple of dollars extra never broke the bank, especially when it comes to ketchup that tastes this good.