Making your own sugar free ketchup is super-easy. This recipe is delicious, healthy, tangy and sweet. This keto ketchup recipe requires just 3 main ingredients plus spices!
"I tried this for the first time today and was amazed how easy it was. The taste is gorgeous, definitely making this again." (Jan)
Darling, would you like a spoonful of sugar with your chips?
Yes, seriously. Most varieties of store-bought ketchup contain a full teaspoon of sugar per serving!
This is the reason why I have been making my own sugar free ketchup for years. Alongside my keto mayonnaise, it is the condiment I always have in my fridge.
This keto ketchup recipe has been on my website for a long time and it is a firm reader favourite. You won't believe how simple and tasty it is!
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
First of all, this ketchup recipe tastes 100% authentic. It is sweet, tangy and packed with deep tomato flavor. In fact, I think it tastes even better than my one-time go-to, Heinz. Using natural ingredients and no additives always wins!
Next, I'd like to point out that making keto ketchup is incredibly straight-forward. It requires staple kitchen cupboard ingredients. You prep it in one minute and then let it simmer on the stove for half an hour.
Of course, you can buy sugar free ketchup in the store. However, many brands use artificial sweeteners and preservatives. And brands that do use clean ingredients are not only expensive, but can also taste pretty bland. Personally, I have not found a single ketchup brand that I truly enjoy.
With my recipe, you will save money and can tailor the flavor exactly to your palate. All in the knowledge that one tablespoon of ketchup is only 0.7g net carbs!
Ingredients
In the picture below you can see all my ingredients:
- Tomatoes - A tin good quality chopped tomatoes or passata.
- Apple cider vinegar - This is milder than a white vinegar. Vinegar helps to preserve the ketchup and adds that characteristic tanginess.
- Sugar substitute - I used a Golden Erythritol monk fruit sweetener blend, which is a brown sugar substitute. Allulose, xylitol, stevia or Bocha Sweet also work.
- Garlic - I used one fresh garlic clove, mashed. Or add ¼ teaspoon garlic powder.
- Mustard - My go-to is Dijon mustard.
- Spices: Onion powder, allspice, cinnamon
- Salt & pepper
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Instructions
This section contains step by step instructions and photos that show how to make the recipe.
STEP 1
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Put the lid on and cook on a low heat for 30 minutes, stirring regularly.
STEP 2
Puree the mixture with an immersion blender for a smooth consistency.
Fill the ketchup into clean, airtight jars and store it in the fridge.
Expert Tips
#1 I recommend that you use good quality tinned chopped tomatoes or passata (blended tomatoes). My favourite is an Italian brand called "Mutti". The budget brands often have a sour taste and you'll definitely have to add additional sweetener to balance this.
#2 Always taste the ketchup after it has cooked and adjust the sweetener and spices if needed.
Variations
Tomatoes
It's possible to use tinned whole tomatoes. Simply blend them before using.
You can even use fresh tomatoes for this recipe. It adds a little extra work, but would taste great if you use a sweet variety of tomatoes. The ones one the vine are normally quite good.
If you use fresh tomatoes, you may want to add some double concentrated tomato paste to enhance the flavour.
Make sure you blanch them first by pouring boiling water over them. Then remove the skins plus the hard green bit at the top. Cube them and proceed with the recipe as above.
Vinegar
Instead of the apple cider vinegar, you can also use white wine vinegar, red wine vinegar or baslamic vinegar. You will need to reduce the amount, depending on the variety. Apple cider vinegar is the mildest vinegar available - all others are more acidic.
Flavor Variations
See this recipe as a starting point for your own flavor experiments. Here are other spices and ingredients that you can add:
- ginger - ground ginger or freshly grated
- coriander / cilantro
- chili powder or sriracha sauce - for a bit of heat
- celery salt
- fresh onions (in place of the onion powder)
- Worcestershire sauce or Balsamic vinegar - these add depth and umami flavor
- roasted red pepper
- smoked paprika
Recipe FAQs
Yes. The carbs come from the natural sugar in the tomatoes. 1 tablespoon of this ketchup recipe contains only 0.7g net carbs. In comparison, 1 tablespoon of Heinz tomato ketchup has 3.5g net carbs.
Yes. Several brands, from Heinz to Real Good offer sugar-free ketchup. Check the label - some contain artificial sweeteners such as sucralose or aspartame.
Yes. If you choose quality tomatoes that are ripe and naturally sweet, this recipe tastes good without any additional sweetener.
To make a no cook sugar free ketchup, use tomato paste instead of canned tomatoes. I would use ¾ cup of tomato paste for this recipe.
Serving Suggestion
Here are recipes I serve with keto ketchup:
- Air fryer turnip fries - these are keto friendly "French fries"
- Keto chicken nuggets
- Keto hot dogs
- Hamburgers (check out this recipe for black burger buns)
- Keto chicken wings
- Keto onion rings
Storage
Refrigerator: The vinegar in the ketchup helps to preserve it. You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for at least 3-4 weeks. I have had jars in the back of the fridge that have lasted for several months.
Freezer: Want to make a big batch? Freeze it in ice cube trays. This way, it keeps for 6 months or longer.
I am not an expert in canning and have never tried to make a big batch of homemade ketchup to then can it. Given that the recipe contains vinegar, it should be possible. I guess you would also need to sterilise the mason jars.
Fun Ketchup Facts
The first known written recipe for ketchup involving tomatoes was created by the horticulturist James Mease of Philadelphia in 1812. He called tomatoes "love apples".
Because of its acidity, ketchup can be used to polish metal or silverware.
More Sugar Free Sauces
Take a look at my other sugar free condiments and sauce recipes:
- Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce Recipe6 Minutes
- Sugar Free Sweet Chilli Sauce Recipe15 Minutes
- Sugar Free Teriyaki Sauce (Keto)10 Minutes
- Low Carb Keto Bechamel Sauce8 Minutes
Tried this recipe? Give it a star rating below!
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Recipe
Sugar Free Ketchup
from Sugar Free LondonerNote: The servings slider only changes the first amount in each line and not any subsequent amounts. Please make your own calculations where necessary.
Ingredients
- 14 oz / 400g tin good quality chopped tomatoes or passata just tomatoes!
- 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1-2 tablespoon golden erythritol optional ***see notes
- 1 garlic clove mashed, or ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 pinch ground allspice
- 1 pinch cinnamon
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients, cook on a low heat for 30 minutes.
- Stir frequently until sauce thickens.
- Blend with an immersion blender until smooth.
Julie Knowles
Can this be made with fresh tomatoes? I'm growing my own and wondered if I can use them.
Many thanks
Julie
Katrin Nürnberger
Yes, of course. It will taste incredible with homegrown tomatoes. You can blanch them first to remove the skins.
Alfred Bonello
We tried it …. We loved it …..THANKS
Anne Atkins
Can a piece of onion be used instead of the onion powder please? And can whole tomatoes be used with the skin simply blended in?
Katrin Nürnberger
Yes, of course. If you use fresh onion, I would saute it for around 10 minutes or until it is soft and translucent. And yes, if you blend the ketchup well you can keep the skins on.
Gail Snyder
Once the (halved) tomatoes are cooked, the skins should lift right off. Less work for the blender.
Jan
Hi Katrina, I tried this for the first time today and was amazed how easy it was, and the taste is gorgeous, definitely making this again.
Sokolska
Absolutely amazing ketchup recipe! It goes into the permanent recipe book.
Kelly H.
Great recipe! added an 1/8 tsp of xantham gum to stabilize the ketchup and create a tighter consistency.
Carlos
Can this be frozen to keep longer?
Katrin Nürnberger
Yes, you can freeze it. However, it does keep in the fridge for a long time - way longer than the 2 weeks I originally wrote in my post. I have had batches in my fridge for several months and they still tasted fine.
Molly
If i use a tin of chopped tomatoes do I strain them first or use the whole thing?
Katrin Nürnberger
Both works. I just used the whole can and then cooked down the liquid.
Kerry
This is my fav website for cooking Keto. Delicious ketchup.
Nadine Carina
Same here ! 🙂
Lurlene Drobny
I love this 🙂