Ketchup is a condiment, which is made by combining tomatoes with vinegar, water, and sugar. It is a delight for fried food; French fries, chicken, and lumpia anyone? It is also used as a marinade for barbecues you often buy on the street or even in restaurants; some even use it as an ingredient in Filipino-style spaghetti.
It is one of the staples you have in your kitchen, even if you don’t have a bottle at your disposal, you are guaranteed to have a few handfuls of ketchup packets lying around from your recent fast-food delivery. In this article, we will help you choose ketchup that’s just right for you with our buying guide fact-checked and reviewed by registered nutritionist-dietitian Samantha Morales and our top 10 list.
Quick List - Top Ketchups
Samantha began her career in clinical nutrition and weight management at a tertiary hospital in Manila, Philippines. Her practice allowed her to give nutrition counseling and plan modified diets for patients with medical conditions. Presently, she does private practice to focus on true holistic wellness - an approach that believes in aligning one's mind, body, and spiritual well-being.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Finding the right ketchup can make all the difference in your meals. To help you choose, our buying guide below offers some friendly tips on factors to consider when selecting your next bottle!
When you think of ketchup, tomato almost always comes to mind, but in our case you have to ask whether you prefer banana or tomato.
Despite its notoriety in America, if you were to trace its origins, ketchup was derived from the Hokkien Chinese word kê-tsap, which originally consisted of a sauce obtained from fermented fish. Not exactly the kind of ketchup you'd imagine, right?
Before it consisted of vinegar, tomatoes, and water, it used to contain other ingredients such as anchovies, shallots, and brandy. The present-day ketchup was popularized by Henry John Heinz, yes, that Heinz. He was a bottled horseradish salesman who made the version it is today.
If you prefer your ketchup to be slightly acidic and tart, and well, that classic ketchup taste, then tomato ketchup is for you. It goes well with burgers and fried food as it can cut through the oiliness of the dish, so you are not as umay.
If there's one thing we Filipinos are good at, it is the innovation of food, from our version of fried chicken to spaghetti and now our take on the tomato ketchup, the banana ketchup.
Its creation was made out of necessity due to a shortage of tomatoes during the war. Filipino chemist Maria Orosa, who, by the way, has a street named after her in Ermita, has been credited as its inventor using mashed bananas, vinegar, and spices. The result is a brownish sauce that was dyed red to make it more appealing.
Sometimes marketed as a banana sauce, this ketchup is not for everybody; it is sweeter than its tomato counterpart, less acidic, and sometimes with a hint of spice. It is best used for dipping fried chicken, tortang talong, and spaghetti. Growing up, you've probably had banana ketchup at home to pair with your fried dishes.
Some ketchups use artificial and highly processed ingredients, such as high fructose corn syrup, to sweeten the condiment instead of just sugar. If you are watching your sugar intake, you will benefit more from products that use natural sweeteners instead of artificial ones.
There are some brands that offer organic varieties if you want a healthier lifestyle or are on a restrictive diet. But if you aren’t too fussy about the contents of your ketchup, then you could stick to regular brands.
If you're feeling adventurous you might want to try spicy flavored ketchups to deviate from your usual choices and add variety to your condiments. Unlike hot sauces, spicy ketchups only have a hint of spice that is enough to keep you going without overwhelming your tastebuds with heat.
This is ideal for people who don't have a high tolerance for spice and just want a pinch of it as they can enjoy the ketchup taste as well as the slight spice, which can add an extra kick to your dishes.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Base Ingredient | Reduced Sugar Content | Spicy | Packaging | Net Content | |||||
1 | UFC Tamis-Anghang Banana Ketchup | ![]() | Versatile Ketchup for Cooking and Dining | Banana | Glass Bottle | 320 g | |||
2 | Heinz Tomato Ketchup | ![]() | A Classic Ketchup With a Well-Balanced Flavor | Tomato | Squeeze Bottle | 1250 g | |||
3 | Keto Kusina Sugar-Free Ketchup | ![]() | Sugar-Free Ketchup With a Rich Tomato Taste | Tomato | Glass Bottle | 150 g | |||
4 | Del Monte Original Blend Ketchup | ![]() | Enjoy the Goodness of Lycopene in Every Bottle | Tomato | Glass Bottle | 567 g | |||
5 | Jufran Sriracha Ketchup | ![]() | Turn Up the Heat on Your Dishes With Sriracha Ketchup | Tomato | Glass Bottle | 285 g | |||
6 | Del Monte Extra Rich Banana Ketchup | ![]() | Banana Ketchup With Enhanced Thickness and Flavor | Banana | Resealable Pouch | 320 g | |||
7 | Papa Banana Catsup|Sweet Sarap | ![]() | A Sweet Banana Ketchup That Kids Absolutely Love | Banana | Glass Bottle | 320 g | |||
8 | 7Grains Skinny Tomato Ketchup | ![]() | Flavorful Ketchup Made With All-Natural Ingredients | Tomato | Glass Bottle | 300 g | |||
9 | Greendahan Sugar-Free Tomato Ketchup | ![]() | Thick, Rich Ketchup That Meets Diverse Dietary Needs | Tomato | Glass Bottle | 150 g | |||
10 | KAGOME Tomato Ketchup | ![]() | Tomato Ketchup With a Natural, Balanced Taste | Tomato | Squeeze Bottle | 500 g |
When you think of banana ketchup, UFC is often the first brand that comes to mind. Known for its “tamis anghang” tagline, it delivers a tangy and peppery spiciness that contrasts nicely with its sweetness. Its rich, thick consistency also adds depth to every dish.
UFC Tamis-Anghang Banana Ketchup is a versatile kitchen staple, offering a balanced flavor ideal for everyday use. This is why it’s a top choice for dipping sauces for fried favorites like luncheon meat and hotdogs. It also works well as a barbecue marinade due to its well-balanced mix of sugar and spice.
Base Ingredient | Banana |
---|---|
Reduced Sugar Content | |
Spicy | |
Packaging | Glass Bottle |
Net Content | 320 g |
If you’re looking for that classic tomato ketchup taste, this one is for you. It offers a perfect blend of tanginess and sweetness, making it a household favorite for generations. Made from ripe red tomatoes, it boasts a rich, smooth consistency that coats each bite of food nicely—neither too thick nor too runny.
Every squeeze of Heinz ketchup delivers a burst of fresh tomato flavor, enhancing everything from fries and burgers to eggs and sandwiches. Its versatility as a condiment keeps buyers coming back, elevating the taste of any dish. This condiment has become a classic American favorite that's definitely worth trying!
Base Ingredient | Tomato |
---|---|
Reduced Sugar Content | |
Spicy | |
Packaging | Squeeze Bottle |
Net Content | 1250 g |
Base Ingredient | Tomato |
---|---|
Reduced Sugar Content | |
Spicy | |
Packaging | Glass Bottle |
Net Content | 150 g |
Del Monte Original Blend Ketchup delivers the authentic taste of 100% real tomatoes straight to your table. With its perfect balance of tangy and slightly sweet flavors, you can use it for dipping or spreading on a variety of foods. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be used as a marinade for your favorite recipes.
Free from artificial preservatives and flavors, Del Monte’s ketchup is a wholesome choice for your family, as many satisfied buyers attest. Rich in lycopene, it not only adds flavor but also supports heart health. It even comes in a 567-gram glass bottle that provides plenty of ketchup for all your needs!
Base Ingredient | Tomato |
---|---|
Reduced Sugar Content | |
Spicy | |
Packaging | Glass Bottle |
Net Content | 567 g |
Base Ingredient | Tomato |
---|---|
Reduced Sugar Content | |
Spicy | |
Packaging | Glass Bottle |
Net Content | 285 g |
For those who want a more balanced ketchup flavor, Del Monte's Extra Rich Banana Ketchup is an excellent choice. Crafted with fresh, locally grown bananas, this ketchup offers a rich taste that enhances every dish with a vibrant flavor profile and a perfect balance of sweetness and tang.
Moreover, its thicker consistency makes it a standout condiment for a wide range of foods. Reviews even highlight that it’s especially great for Filipino-style dishes. It also comes in a 320-gram pouch that's convenient, lightweight, resealable, and ideal for refilling your existing container.
Base Ingredient | Banana |
---|---|
Reduced Sugar Content | |
Spicy | |
Packaging | Resealable Pouch |
Net Content | 320 g |
Base Ingredient | Banana |
---|---|
Reduced Sugar Content | |
Spicy | |
Packaging | Glass Bottle |
Net Content | 320 g |
Upgrade your pantry with 7Grains Skinny Tomato Ketchup, a 300-gram bottle made from ripe red tomatoes! Sweetened with USDA Organic coconut sap sugar, this all-natural ketchup is a healthier choice without cane sugar and safe for diabetics due to its low glycemic index.
With 70% less salt than leading brands and free from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives, this ketchup is both flavorful and health-conscious. It also contains inulin that provides soluble fiber for your digestive health. Customers love its satisfying taste and value for money.
Base Ingredient | Tomato |
---|---|
Reduced Sugar Content | |
Spicy | |
Packaging | Glass Bottle |
Net Content | 300 g |
Base Ingredient | Tomato |
---|---|
Reduced Sugar Content | |
Spicy | |
Packaging | Glass Bottle |
Net Content | 150 g |
Base Ingredient | Tomato |
---|---|
Reduced Sugar Content | |
Spicy | |
Packaging | Squeeze Bottle |
Net Content | 500 g |
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
Freshly picked tomatoes are pulped using a pulping machine. Then, the pulped tomatoes are heated to preserve their pectin, which is a fiber found naturally in tomatoes that helps to thicken the texture and get the right consistency of the ketchup.
Other ingredients like flavorings, sweeteners, vinegar, salt, and spices are added to the tomato paste and cooked together. After cooking, the ketchup mixture will undergo in a finishing machine for the final step.
An opened ketchup can only last one month up to six months. It is recommended to keep an opened bottle of ketchup in the refrigerator to maintain its texture and consistency.
Not necessarily, as this would depend on the brand and/or product itself. Ketchup adds flavor to the food, however, it may be extremely high in fructose syrup which can affect your blood sugar and lead to obesity, diabetes, or heart disease. Keep in mind to consume ketchup moderately to avoid future health problems.
Your condiments help enhance the taste of your food to make it more complete in a sense. The right condiment, dip, or dressing can elevate your dish from simple to extraordinary in a couple of drops or dollops. You can get creative and combine them to discover new flavors!
Author: Justine Cuizon
Re-editor: J. Ausa
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: UFC|Tamis-Anghang Banana Ketchup
No. 2: Heinz|Tomato Ketchup
No. 3: Keto Kusina|Sugar-Free Ketchup
No. 4: Del Monte|Original Blend Ketchup
No. 5: Jufran|Sriracha Ketchup
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Beauty
Health
Household goods
PCs and laptops
Home appliances and electronics
Cameras
Food and drinks
Kitchen supplies
Clothing
Shoes
Accessories
Mom and baby
Interior and furniture
Hobbies
Outdoor
DIY and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Books, CDs, and DVDs
Games
Cars and motorcycles
Gifts
Home improvement and tools
Smartphones and tablets
Banking and finance
Insurance
Audio
Smartphone applications
Others