Is ketchup high in potassium?

November 18, 2025 •

3 min read

A single tablespoon of standard ketchup contains a modest amount of potassium, typically around 45–57 milligrams. This fact often surprises those who know that tomatoes, the primary ingredient, are potassium-rich. So, is ketchup high in potassium, or is it a relatively minor dietary source?

Quick Summary

Despite being made from potassium-rich tomatoes, a standard serving of ketchup contains a small amount of this mineral. It is not considered a high-potassium food for healthy individuals, but it should be noted by those on restricted diets due to its higher sodium and sugar content.

Key Points

Small Portion, Low Potassium: A typical 1-tablespoon serving of ketchup contains a modest amount of potassium, generally between 45 and 57 milligrams.
Not High for Healthy Adults: The potassium content in a single serving is not considered high for most healthy individuals and contributes minimally to the daily recommended intake.
Concerns for Restricted Diets: For individuals on a low-potassium diet, such as those with kidney disease, the mineral content should be monitored, especially in larger quantities.
Tomatoes are High, Ketchup is Not: The processing and concentration used to make ketchup reduce its potassium impact compared to eating fresh, whole tomatoes.
Sodium and Sugar are Bigger Issues: The high levels of added sugar and sodium in most ketchups are often more significant health concerns than the potassium content.
Moderation is Key: As with most condiments, enjoying ketchup in moderation is the best approach for managing overall dietary intake.
Lycopene Source: Ketchup is a source of the antioxidant lycopene, and processing can make it easier to absorb, but a significant benefit would require larger consumption.

The Truth About Ketchup's Potassium Content

At first glance, it's logical to assume that ketchup is high in potassium. After all, its main ingredient is tomatoes, a known source of the essential mineral potassium. However, the processing of tomatoes into a concentrated condiment, and the standard small serving size, drastically changes its nutritional profile relative to a whole food. The typical serving of one tablespoon (about 17g) only contains a small fraction of the potassium found in other sources. For most healthy adults who consume the recommended 4,700 mg of potassium daily, the amount from ketchup is negligible.

Why Ketchup's Potassium Isn't a Major Factor

The reason ketchup isn't a significant source of potassium for most people is twofold: portion size and concentration. While tomato paste or puree, which is more concentrated, has a higher potassium content per unit volume, a single dollop of ketchup on a burger or fries represents a very small overall intake. For instance, half a cup of tomato sauce contains significantly more potassium (around 550 mg) than a single tablespoon of ketchup. The average person doesn't eat ketchup in quantities large enough to make a dent in their daily potassium requirements. Other nutritional factors, such as sodium and added sugars, are often of more immediate concern when assessing ketchup's health impact.

Other Nutritional Considerations

While the potassium content of ketchup is low, its sodium and sugar levels are noteworthy. The high amount of added sugar and salt are often the most significant health concerns for those consuming large quantities or adhering to specific diets. Here is a breakdown of what a typical tablespoon of ketchup contains, based on nutritional data:

Added Sugars: Can be a major source of added sugar in the diet, contributing to excess calorie intake.
Sodium: A single serving can contain over 150 mg of sodium, which can add up quickly for those with high blood pressure or other health concerns.
Lycopene: Ketchup does offer a dose of lycopene, an antioxidant found in tomatoes. The heat processing used to make ketchup can make this antioxidant more bioavailable for the body to absorb. However, the amount of lycopene is also low per serving compared to consuming whole tomatoes.

A Comparison of Potassium in Common Condiments

To put ketchup's potassium content into perspective, let's compare it to other popular condiments and some high-potassium foods.


Food (per 1 tbsp)	Approximate Potassium (mg)	Notes
Ketchup	45–57	Low in potassium, higher in sodium and sugar.
Yellow Mustard (1 tsp)	56	Generally low in potassium.
Mayonnaise	80	Moderately low potassium, but higher in fat.
Dill Pickle Relish	240 (for 1 tbsp)	Higher in potassium than ketchup.
Capers	255	Highest potassium condiment on this list.
Avocado (1/2 cup)	485	A well-known high-potassium food.
Tomato Sauce (1/2 cup)	550	A concentrated tomato product with much higher potassium.

Special Considerations for High-Potassium Diets

While the potassium in ketchup is generally not a concern for most people, it can be a factor for individuals on a potassium-restricted diet, particularly those with kidney disease. When kidneys do not function properly, they cannot effectively remove excess potassium from the blood, leading to potentially dangerous levels (hyperkalemia). For these individuals, a doctor or registered dietitian will provide a detailed list of foods to limit or avoid, which often includes tomato-based products, though typically in larger quantities than a single tablespoon of ketchup. Careful monitoring of all potassium sources is essential for managing their health.

Conclusion

So, is ketchup high in potassium? The answer, for most people consuming it in typical portions, is no. While it contains potassium from its tomato base, the amount per serving is relatively small compared to the daily recommendation. However, for those with specific medical conditions like kidney disease that require a low-potassium diet, it is one of many tomato-based products to be mindful of. For the general population, the bigger nutritional considerations in ketchup are its sodium and sugar content, making moderation key. As with any food, understanding its nutritional profile in the context of your overall diet is the best approach to healthy eating. For more information on kidney-friendly diets, visit authoritative sources like the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases [https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/chronic-kidney-disease-ckd/eating-healthy].

Frequently Asked Questions

One tablespoon of standard ketchup contains approximately 45 to 57 milligrams of potassium.

No, a typical single serving of ketchup is not considered a high-potassium food for the average, healthy adult.

The potassium in ketchup comes from its main ingredient: tomatoes, which are naturally rich in this mineral.

People with kidney disease on a potassium-restricted diet should monitor their intake of ketchup and other tomato-based products, especially if consumed in larger quantities. It is best to consult with a doctor or dietitian.

Yes, ketchup is generally higher in sodium and added sugars, which are more significant concerns for those monitoring their intake of these ingredients.

Compared to other condiments on a per-serving basis, ketchup's potassium content is fairly low, though it is higher than some, like mayonnaise. However, some condiments, such as capers, can have more potassium per tablespoon.

Making homemade ketchup allows you to control the ingredients, including potassium levels, by potentially adjusting the tomato source or portion. It also lets you manage the amount of added sugar and sodium.

Yes, concentrated tomato products like tomato sauce or puree typically have a much higher potassium content per serving than ketchup.