What Ketchup Has No Sugar in It? A Guide to Healthier Choices

October 26, 2025 •

5 min read

With many commercial ketchups containing four grams or more of added sugar per tablespoon, the demand for healthier alternatives is growing. This has led many to question: what ketchup has no sugar in it? This article explores readily available options, from popular store-bought brands to simple, delicious homemade recipes.

Quick Summary

This guide reveals brands offering ketchup with no added sugar, examines alternative sweeteners used, provides a homemade recipe, and includes a comparison table for informed, healthier condiment choices.

Key Points

Check Labels for Added Sugar: Many regular ketchups are loaded with hidden sugar and high-fructose corn syrup, so always read the ingredient list carefully.
Identify Sugar-Free Brands: Look for reputable brands like Heinz No Sugar Added, Primal Kitchen Unsweetened, and G Hughes Sugar-Free, which use alternative or no sweeteners.
Choose Your Sweetener: Sugar-free options use artificial sweeteners like sucralose or natural ones like stevia and monk fruit, or no sweeteners at all, catering to different preferences.
Go Homemade for Full Control: Making ketchup from scratch is simple and allows you to control all ingredients, avoiding preservatives and artificial additives entirely.
Reap Health Benefits: Opting for sugar-free ketchup can aid in weight management, improve blood sugar control for diabetics, and reduce chronic inflammation.
Explore Other Healthy Swaps: Expand your options with other low-sugar condiments like salsa or mustard, which are also healthier alternatives.

The Hidden Sugars in Ketchup

For decades, ketchup has been a staple condiment, adding a sweet and tangy flavor to burgers, fries, and hot dogs. However, most traditional ketchups are laden with added sugars and high-fructose corn syrup, turning a simple tomato condiment into a source of hidden calories. With concerns about blood sugar management, weight control, and overall health, finding a sugar-free alternative has become a priority for many consumers. Fortunately, a variety of options now exist that provide the classic ketchup flavor without the high sugar content.

Popular No Sugar Added Ketchup Brands

Several brands have recognized the market for healthier condiments and offer products that either contain no added sugar or use alternative sweeteners. It is crucial to read labels carefully, as "no sugar added" products may still contain some natural sugars from the tomatoes themselves, which is entirely normal. Here are some of the most popular choices:

Heinz No Sugar Added Tomato Ketchup: One of the most well-known and widely available options. This ketchup is sweetened with sucralose, providing a taste very similar to the classic Heinz formula but with 75% less sugar. It contains just 1 gram of carbohydrates per serving, making it suitable for low-carb diets.
Primal Kitchen Unsweetened Organic Ketchup: For those who prefer to avoid artificial sweeteners, Primal Kitchen offers an organic, unsweetened ketchup. This product uses a blend of organic tomato paste, organic balsamic vinegar, and spices to achieve a rich flavor profile. It is also paleo and Whole30-friendly.
G Hughes Sugar-Free Ketchup: This brand is popular in the keto and diabetic communities for its range of sugar-free sauces. The ketchup is sweetened with sucralose and offers a bold flavor without the guilt. It is a delicious, calorie-conscious alternative for those managing their sugar intake.
Walden Farms Ketchup: Known for its zero-calorie products, Walden Farms offers a ketchup that is free from sugar, calories, and carbohydrates. It is a good choice for those strictly counting calories and carbs, though some may find the taste profile differs from traditional ketchup.

Homemade Sugar-Free Ketchup

For ultimate control over ingredients, making your own sugar-free ketchup is an excellent option. Homemade versions avoid preservatives and artificial ingredients while allowing you to adjust the sweetness to your liking. Many recipes are quick and easy, taking less than 30 minutes to prepare.

Simple Homemade Sugar-Free Ketchup Recipe

Ingredients:

1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp olive oil
2-3 tbsp keto sweetener (such as erythritol, monk fruit, or allulose)
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt, to taste
Pinch of cloves, allspice, or paprika for added spice (optional)

Instructions:

In a small saucepan, combine all ingredients.
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
Reduce heat and continue to simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the ketchup has thickened to your desired consistency.
Remove from heat and allow to cool completely before transferring to an airtight jar.
Store in the refrigerator for up to a month.

Health Benefits of Sugar-Free Ketchup

Choosing a no-sugar-added ketchup can offer several significant health advantages:

Better Blood Sugar Control: For individuals with diabetes or insulin resistance, eliminating the added sugar in ketchup helps prevent spikes in blood glucose levels.
Weight Management: By cutting unnecessary sugar and calories, sugar-free ketchup supports weight loss or maintenance goals.
Reduced Inflammation: Traditional ketchups are high in sugar, which can contribute to chronic inflammation. Choosing a sugar-free version, especially those made with organic and natural ingredients, can reduce this risk.
Increased Nutrient Intake: Some sugar-free varieties, like those from Primal Kitchen, often contain a higher concentration of tomatoes and other natural ingredients, leading to more health benefits from lycopene and antioxidants.

How to Find a Good Sugar-Free Ketchup

When navigating the grocery store aisles, consider these tips for selecting the best no-sugar option for your needs:

Check the Ingredient List: Look for natural or keto-friendly sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol. If you want to avoid artificial sweeteners entirely, opt for a brand that uses none, like Primal Kitchen.
Consider Natural Flavors: Brands like Primal Kitchen rely on vinegar and spices for a flavor kick, while others use artificial sweeteners to replicate the sugary taste of conventional ketchup.
Compare Sodium Content: Many no-sugar ketchups also have reduced sodium. The American Heart Association recommends looking for low-sodium products, as many condiments can contribute significantly to daily sodium intake.
Beware of Hidden Sugar Names: Read the ingredient list carefully for different names of sugar, such as corn syrup, cane juice, or maltodextrin. A "no added sugar" label is the most reliable indicator.

Other Healthy Condiment Alternatives

If you are exploring a low-sugar diet, consider swapping other condiments as well.

Salsa: Can be a healthy, flavorful substitute for ketchup, packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Look for fresh or no-salt-added varieties.
Mustard: Most mustards are low in sugar and calories. Check the label, as honey mustard may contain added sweeteners.
Homemade Sauces: Try blending tomato paste with herbs, spices, and a little apple cider vinegar to create a quick, healthy sauce base.

Sugar-Free Ketchup Brand Comparison


Feature	Heinz No Sugar Added	Primal Kitchen Unsweetened	G Hughes Sugar-Free	Walden Farms Ketchup
Sweetener	Sucralose	None (Natural Tomatoes)	Sucralose	Sucralose, Natural Flavors
Carbohydrates per Tbsp	1g	1g	1g	0g
Sodium per Tbsp	~190mg	~95mg	~220mg	~140mg
Taste Profile	Closest to traditional ketchup	Tangy, rich tomato flavor	Sweet and savory	Can have a slightly different taste
Diet Suitability	Low-carb, diabetic	Keto, Paleo, Whole30	Keto, diabetic	Keto, low-calorie

Conclusion

Making a healthier choice for your condiment needs is easier than ever. With several quality brands like Heinz, Primal Kitchen, and G Hughes offering no-sugar-added options, you can enjoy the tangy taste of ketchup without the negative health impacts of excess sugar. For those who prefer maximum control, a simple homemade recipe allows for customization and avoids all artificial ingredients. By paying attention to ingredient labels and understanding your dietary needs, you can easily find the perfect sugar-free ketchup to complement your meals while supporting your overall nutrition goals. For more healthy condiment ideas, consult resources like the American Heart Association.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Heinz No Sugar Added ketchup contains natural sugars from the tomatoes, but no refined sugar or high-fructose corn syrup is added during processing. It is sweetened with sucralose to maintain a flavor similar to the traditional version.

Yes, many sugar-free ketchups are suitable for a ketogenic diet. Look for brands like Primal Kitchen or G Hughes, which use keto-friendly sweeteners or have no added sugar, resulting in a very low carbohydrate count per serving.

'No sugar added' means no refined sugars were included, though the ketchup contains natural sugars from tomatoes. 'Sugar-free' can sometimes refer to zero-calorie products that use artificial sweeteners to achieve the desired sweetness.

You can make your own by combining tomato paste, vinegar (like apple cider), water, and keto-friendly sweeteners such as erythritol or monk fruit, along with seasonings like onion powder and garlic powder. Heat it until thickened and store it in the fridge.

Yes, it is generally healthier because it significantly reduces or eliminates added sugar and high-fructose corn syrup, which can contribute to health issues like obesity and high blood sugar. However, sodium content can vary, so it is still wise to consume it in moderation.

Common alternative sweeteners include artificial options like sucralose (found in Heinz and G Hughes) and natural options like stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit. Some brands rely solely on the natural sweetness of tomatoes.

Yes, no-sugar-added ketchup is a great alternative for individuals managing diabetes. Since it has a significantly lower carbohydrate and sugar content per serving compared to regular ketchup, it helps maintain more stable blood sugar levels.