The Best Healthy Homemade Ketchup
This easy-to-make homemade ketchup is so much healthier and cleaner than store-bought ketchup. It contains no added sugar, it‘s gluten and dairy free, and Whole 30 approved!
Did you know? Typical store-bought ketchup contains about 4 grams of added sugar per serving, and two of the main ingredients are high fructose corn syrup and corn syrup. Talk about unnecessary added sugar.
That’s why I wanted to take a stab at making my own, and it came out delicious! It’s not like your ordinary store-bought, sugary ketchup. This homemade version is naturally sweetened with apple cider, spiced with onion and garlic, and packs a zesty punch of vinegary flavor. If desired, you can add date syrup to really round out the sweetness of the ketchup and make it more reminiscent of store-bought ketchup. If you don’t have date syrup, you could substitute it with honey or brown sugar to taste.
Ingredients in Homemade Ketchup:
This healthy homemade ketchup is composed of just 6 simple ingredients! It’s so easy to make and the ingredients are all common pantry staples.
- Tomato Paste: This is the base of the ketchup. It provides a thick, creamy texture and, when heated, the sweet tomato flavor really comes out!
- Spiced Apple Cider: It may sound strange to use spiced apple cider, but the warm spices really add a depth of comforting notes to this ketchup!
- Apple Cider Vinegar: ACV is key to adding that familiar, sweet vinegary taste. The vinegar also acts as a preservative – this ketchup keeps fresh in the fridge for up to 3 weeks!
- Kosher Salt: Salt is necessary to help bring out the vinegar and tomato flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Garlic adds that touch of spice and sweetness.
- Onion Powder: Onion powder helps the ketchup taste much more flavorful and fresh.
- Date Syrup (Optional): Date syrup adds sweetness, but it can totally be omitted. You can also substitute the date syrup with honey or brown sugar to taste. It’s delicious with or without a sweetener; just keep in mind that either way, this recipe will not taste exactly like store-bought ketchup!
It’s not your typical sugary, overly sweet, gooey store-bought ketchup. It’s fresh, tangy, healthy, and contains minimal ingredients. In my opinion, I’d take the latter option any day!
I hope you love this recipe as much as I do and never go back to store-bought ketchup again!
Healthy Homemade Ketchup
Equipment
- Small saucepan
Ingredients
- ½ cup tomato paste
- ¼ cup spiced apple cider
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp date syrup, optional*
Instructions
- In a small sauce pan, add tomato paste, apple cider, and apple cider vinegar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring often. Don't let the mixture boil or it may burn.
- Add salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and date syrup (if using). Stir together and remove from heat. Let cool for 5 to 10 minutes, then store in a glass container in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
Notes
- Calories are based on serving size of 1 tablespoon.
- Recipe makes about 1 cup ketchup.
- Store leftovers in an sealed glass container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- *Date syrup adds sweetness to the ketchup, but you can omit it or substitute with brown sugar or honey to taste.