How Is Ketchup Made? From Tomato to Bottle

Ketchup, a versatile and enjoyable condiment, is a staple in many homes. So, you might ask, how is ketchup made?

Ripe tomatoes are cooked, strained, and blended with some other ingredients we’ll discuss below. With consumers increasingly curious about how their food is made, transparency in production has become more important than ever.

Red Gold, a family-owned company with decades of experience, stands out for its commitment to quality and trust. Our careful manufacturing process and quality ingredients create a ketchup that's both delicious and responsibly made.

What Is Ketchup Made Of?

Ketchup is made from a blend of ripe tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, salt, spices, and seasonings, giving it its signature tangy-sweet flavor.

Now that we know what ketchup is, what is catsup? The terms "ketchup" and "catsup" refer to the same condiment. The difference lies mainly in regional preferences and branding, with "ketchup" being the predominant term in most English-speaking countries. The recipe remains consistent, delivering the classic taste loved worldwide.

How has ketchup changed throughout history?

Ketchup originated in Asia as a fermented fish sauce before evolving into the tomato-based recipe we know today. Over the years, it has been refined with added sugar, vinegar, and spices, transforming into a widely loved condiment. Now, it stands as a global staple found in countless kitchens and restaurants, pairing with foods from fries to burgers to comfort dishes worldwide.

Large-Scale Ketchup Manufacturing: Step-by-Step

Let’s break down the commercial manufacturing process of ketchup:

Ingredient Sourcing

High-quality ketchup starts with sourcing the finest tomatoes picked at their peak ripeness to ensure optimal flavor. Along with tomatoes, premium ingredients like vinegar, sugar, salt, and spices are carefully selected to create the perfect balance of taste. This commitment to superior ingredient sourcing guarantees a rich, consistent product that consumers love.

Preparation & Blending

Large-scale ketchup manufacturing relies on precision and efficiency. It starts with combining ripe tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, salt, and spices in large stainless-steel kettles or high-shear mixers. These ingredients are blended thoroughly and cooked at controlled temperatures to achieve a smooth, consistent texture and rich flavor. This method ensures that each batch meets the highest standards for quality and taste.

Cooking and Consistency

The mixture undergoes precise heat treatment to ensure proper pasteurization and a safe, shelf-stable product. Depending on the desired texture, thickening agents like pectin or starch might be added. Consistency is rigorously tested using specialized equipment to maintain the smooth, even texture consumers expect in every batch.

Quality Control & Food Safety

Quality control and food safety are critical in large-scale ketchup manufacturing, with rigorous adherence to safety standards and FDA regulations. Every batch undergoes thorough microbial testing to meet strict quality and safety benchmarks. Companies like Red Gold exemplify industry dedication by maintaining high-quality standards throughout the production processes, delivering safe and dependable products to consumers.

Packaging and Distribution

Once the ketchup is ready, it is filled into bottles or containers using automated machinery to ensure precision and hygiene. Each package is then securely sealed, labeled with necessary information, and inspected for quality. Finally, the products are packed and distributed!

Different Ketchup Varieties by Red Gold

Red Gold offers a diverse lineup of ketchup to suit every taste. Our classic Tomato Ketchup delivers timeless flavor, while the Tomato Ketchup with Real Sugar provides a naturally sweet option. For those who want a spicy kick, the Sriracha Ketchup and Mama Selita’s Jalapeno Ketchup bring bold, fiery flavors to any dish.

Red Gold’s 32oz Ketchup

Red Gold’s 32oz ketchup delivers premium flavor in a handy squeeze bottle, perfect for burgers, fries, meatloaf, and more.

20oz Real Sugar Ketchup

Our Red Gold Tomato Ketchup Made With Real Sugar is a premium-quality, full-flavored ketchup in a convenient squeeze bottle. It is gluten-free, fat-free, and contains no high-fructose corn syrup or cholesterol.

20oz Organic Ketchup

Savor the rich taste of vine-ripened, American family-farmed tomatoes with Red Gold Organic Ketchup. This Non-GMO Project Verified ketchup is vegan, gluten-free, fat-free, and cholesterol-free, contains no high-fructose corn syrup, and has just 15 calories per serving.

Red Gold’s 32 oz., Real Sugar, and Organic ketchup products stand out as recipients of the Chefs Best Excellence Award, recognizing their superior quality and taste. Beyond delivering exceptional flavor, a portion of all sales goes to the Folds of Honor Foundation, supporting families of military and first responders who have been wounded or lost in the line of duty.

Red Gold Ketchup vs. Heinz - What’s the Difference?

Red Gold Ketchup and Heinz Ketchup differ in their ingredient profiles, leading to subtle flavor distinctions. Red Gold uses farm-fresh tomatoes and offers options like real sugar or organic varieties, creating a naturally sweet and fresh taste. Heinz incorporates many products of distilled vinegar and high-fructose corn syrup, resulting in a tangier, slightly sweeter profile.

Ketchup FAQs

What is ketchup?

Ketchup is a tangy, sweet, and savory condiment made primarily from tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, and spices.

Is ketchup a sauce?

Yes, ketchup is a type of sauce specifically designed to accompany and flavor foods like fries, burgers, and hot dogs.

Is ketchup a liquid?

Ketchup is not purely a liquid but rather a thick, pourable condiment with a semi-solid consistency.

What’s in ketchup vs. what it’s made of?

Ketchup contains tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, and spices. It’s made from these ingredients blended together, cooked, and processed into a smooth consistency.

When was ketchup made?

Ketchup, in its earliest form, dates back to 17th-century China, evolving over time into the tomato-based version we know today, popularized in the early 19th century.

What was ketchup originally made for?

Ketchup was originally made as a fermented fish sauce in Southeast Asia, designed as a flavorful seasoning for enhancing various dishes.