Most Processed Ketchup & Condiments
Each product is ranked by its own Processing Score, highest first. To keep the list from being one company's catalog, it shows at most two products from any one brand.
Ketchup & Condiments by the Numbers
We scored every ketchup & condiments product in our database: 4,151 items across 862 brands. In our analysis, about 54% land in the Highly or Ultra-Processed tiers.
What should you look for on the label?
- Tomatoes (not "tomato concentrate") as the first ingredient indicates less processing
- HFCS in ketchup is unnecessary. Better brands use cane sugar or no added sugar
- Sugar free ketchup uses stevia or monk fruit instead of HFCS, which lowers the processing score when other additives are also minimal
- Yellow mustard (mustard seed, vinegar, turmeric, salt) consistently scores low
- BBQ sauces with "smoke flavor" use liquid smoke, an industrial flavoring concentrate
Least Processed Ketchup & Condiments
For context, here are the top 5 of the opposite ranking, the least processed ketchup & condiments in our analysis.
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How are products scored?
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 to 5.0), Highly Processed (5.1 to 8.0), and Ultra-Processed (above 8.0). Each product in the ranking is placed by its own Processing Score, not by its brand. Based on our analysis of 445K+ curated products from the USDA FoodData Central database. For a deeper look, see our Processing Score guide and Two-Score System explanation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does ketchup contain high fructose corn syrup?
HFCS is cheaper than cane sugar and provides a consistent sweetness profile. It is an ultra-processed sweetener made through enzymatic conversion of corn starch.
Are specialty condiments more or less processed?
It varies widely. Artisan hot sauces (3-5 ingredients) score near the bottom of our scale. Specialty BBQ sauces with liquid smoke, modified starches, and multiple sweeteners score near the top.
What is "natural flavoring" in condiments?
Natural flavoring is an industrial extract derived from natural sources through chemical solvents. Despite the "natural" label, it undergoes significant processing and is different from using whole spices.