Least Processed Ketchup & Condiments Brands
Classic ketchup is tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, and spices — a relatively simple condiment. But industrial formulations swap tomatoes for tomato concentrate, add high fructose corn syrup, and include "natural flavoring" from industrial extracts. Mustard is one of the least processed condiments, while BBQ sauces are among the most.
Ketchup & Condiments at a Glance
15 Least Processed Ketchup & Condiments Brands
Brands ranked by lowest average processing score across all their products in this category.
| Rank | Brand | Products | Scores | Ultra | Minimal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Galantino | 8 | 1.5 5.0 | 0 | 8 |
| 2 | Louisiana gold | 3 | 2.0 3.0 | 0 | 3 |
| 3 | Bourbon street bad | 4 | 2.0 3.0 | 0 | 4 |
| 4 | Fast shore | 4 | 2.0 5.0 | 0 | 4 |
| 5 | Pure ghost | 3 | 2.0 3.0 | 0 | 3 |
| 6 | Whisker bomb | 5 | 2.0 2.4 | 0 | 5 |
| 7 | The preservation society | 4 | 2.0 5.0 | 0 | 4 |
| 8 | Bourbon street really bad | 4 | 2.0 3.0 | 0 | 4 |
| 9 | Haddon house | 4 | 2.0 5.0 | 0 | 4 |
| 10 | A. bauers | 3 | 2.0 3.0 | 0 | 3 |
| 11 | Glovers pepper sauce | 3 | 2.0 3.0 | 0 | 3 |
| 12 | White foods | 3 | 2.0 3.0 | 0 | 3 |
| 13 | Alessi | 3 | 2.0 5.0 | 0 | 3 |
| 14 | North south | 3 | 2.0 5.0 | 0 | 3 |
| 15 | Hawthorne valley | 3 | 2.0 6.5 | 0 | 3 |
Closest Look: Top 5 Least Processed
Least Processed Ketchup & Condiments Products
Individual products with the lowest processing scores.
Most Processed Ketchup & Condiments Products
Individual products with the highest processing scores.
What to Look for on the Label
- 1Tomatoes (not "tomato concentrate") as the first ingredient indicates less processing
- 2HFCS in ketchup is unnecessary — better brands use cane sugar or no added sugar
- 3Yellow mustard (mustard seed, vinegar, turmeric, salt) is consistently Level 1-2
- 4BBQ sauces with "smoke flavor" use liquid smoke — an industrial flavoring concentrate
Most Processed Ketchup & Condiments Brands
For comparison — brands with the highest average processing scores.
| Rank | Brand | Products | Scores | Ultra | Minimal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Swiss | 4 | 21.8 0.0 | 4 | 0 |
| 2 | Red robin | 3 | 17.9 1.5 | 3 | 0 |
| 3 | Prince chopper | 3 | 17.6 3.0 | 3 | 0 |
| 4 | The depot restaurant & tavern | 3 | 17.6 4.0 | 3 | 0 |
| 5 | Alamo red | 3 | 17.2 5.0 | 3 | 0 |
| 6 | Armour star | 3 | 16.5 2.0 | 3 | 0 |
| 7 | Big mikes bbq smokehouse | 3 | 15.5 4.3 | 3 | 0 |
| 8 | Tokyo express | 3 | 15.1 1.0 | 3 | 0 |
| 9 | Accent | 4 | 15.0 3.0 | 4 | 0 |
| 10 | J.l. kraft | 4 | 14.9 3.0 | 4 | 0 |
| 11 | Coach tonys | 3 | 14.8 3.5 | 3 | 0 |
| 12 | Mateos | 3 | 14.7 3.0 | 3 | 0 |
| 13 | Herdez | 3 | 14.7 3.0 | 3 | 0 |
| 14 | Captain curts famous godfather | 3 | 14.5 3.3 | 3 | 0 |
| 15 | Budweiser | 5 | 14.5 3.9 | 5 | 0 |
How We Score Products
Every product is evaluated using two independent scores. The Processing Score (lower is better) measures the degree of industrial processing based on ingredient analysis, including the presence of artificial additives, preservatives, and highly modified ingredients. The Nutrition Score (higher is better) rates overall nutritional quality, rewarding protein and fiber while penalizing excess sodium, added sugars, and saturated fat.
Products are assigned to one of four processing levels: Minimal (score ≤ 2.5), Processed (2.6 – 5.0), Highly Processed (5.1 – 8.0), and Ultra-Processed (above 8.0). Brand averages are calculated across all products in the category to produce the rankings shown here.
Based on analysis of 1.98 million products in the USDA FoodData Central database. For a deeper look at the methodology, see our Processing Score guide and Two-Score System explanation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ketchup ultra-processed?
Standard ketchup is Level 2-3. Versions with HFCS and natural flavoring score higher. "No sugar added" or "organic" ketchup with simple tomato-based formulas score Level 2.
What is the least processed condiment?
Plain yellow mustard (mustard seed, vinegar, turmeric, salt) is typically Level 1. Simple hot sauces (peppers, vinegar, salt) are also Level 1-2.
Is organic ketchup less processed?
Organic ketchup uses organic ingredients and typically organic cane sugar instead of HFCS, which reduces its processing score. However, check that it does not add organic "natural flavors."
Related Food Guides
Learn more about how individual foods are classified.
Disclaimer: All tools and data visualizations are provided for educational and informational purposes only. They are not intended as health, medical, or dietary advice. Product formulations change frequently — always check the actual label for current ingredients and nutrition facts before making purchasing decisions. Consult healthcare professionals for personalized dietary guidance.