Importance Score: 35 / 100 🔵
Supermarket Ketchup Taste Test: Which Brand Reigns Supreme?
Ketchup, a ubiquitous condiment, enhances countless dishes, from crispy chips to juicy burgers and savory sausages. With a plethora of ketchup brands vying for consumers’ attention, a blind taste test was conducted to determine the superior option. This involved sampling various supermarket offerings to assess their taste and overall quality.
The Blind Taste Test Challenge
Ketchups from leading supermarkets, including Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Aldi, Lidl, M&S, and Waitrose, were subjected to rigorous scrutiny. Iconic brands like Heinz and Hellmann’s were also included to ascertain if their distinct flavors could be identified. The results were surprising, revealing unexpected preferences and challenging preconceived notions.
The Ketchup Rankings: A Detailed Breakdown
Lidl — £1.05 for 650g
- This ketchup stood out for its balanced flavor profile, neither overly sweet nor excessively strong.
- Its smooth consistency further enhanced its appeal.
- The delicate tomato essence made it a clear frontrunner.
- Compared favorably to Heinz with a lower sugar content and more refined taste.
- Rating: 10/10
Morrisons — £90p for 450g
- Boasted a rich red hue and substantial consistency, raising initial expectations.
- The flavor proved to be too assertive, overwhelming the palate.
- Its sharp tang detracted from its overall usability as a condiment.
- Rating: 5/10
Waitrose — 95p for 470g
- Presented an initial tang that gradually evolved into a pleasing tomato flavor.
- The mildness may appeal to those who prefer milder sauces.
- A slightly bolder taste might have elevated its ranking.
- Rating: 6/10
Heinz — £2.50 for 460g
- As the priciest option, it was expected to deliver a distinctive, recognizable flavor.
- However, its excessive sweetness and somewhat bland taste were surprisingly underwhelming.
- Contrary to expectations, it did not stand out from the competition.
- Lidl’s ketchup was deemed tastier, showcasing that price doesn’t always equal quality.
- Rating: 3/10
Asda — £1 for 550g
- Praised for its delightful flavor and pleasing consistency.
- A slight tang was noted, but it complemented fries well.
- Overall, the condiment was found to be agreeable and versatile.
- Rating: 8/10
Aldi — 89p for 650g
- The bargain price couldn’t compensate for its overly sweet and tangy flavor.
- The watery consistency further diminished its appeal.
- The intense tang was off-putting which made Aldi’s tomato ketchup a less favorable choice.
- Rating: 1/10
Sainsbury’s — 90p for 460g
- Known for its pronounced tang and vinegar-like notes.
- Although not entirely disliked, it did not emerge as a preferred option.
- Its flavor profile made it less versatile compared to other brands.
- Rating: 4/10
Tesco — £1 for 555g
- The overpowering sweetness was deemed excessive.
- Its runny consistency made it less practical for dipping.
- The overall flavor profile was deemed unbalanced.
- Rating: 3/10
Marks and Spencer — £1 for 495g
- Its exceptionally thick texture resembled a relish more than a traditional ketchup.
- Better suited as a burger topping, offering a tangy kick.
- Its flavor profile deviated significantly from typical ketchups.
- Rating: 2/10
Hellman’s — £2 for 473g
- More affordable than Heinz while still offering a premium taste.
- Its well-balanced flavors and tasty profile placed it among the top contenders.
- The convenient squeezy bottle was a practical feature.
- Rating: 8/10
Final Verdict: The Best Ketchup Revealed
While taste preferences are subjective, Lidl emerged as the clear winner, thanks to its harmonious flavor, ideal consistency, and unbeatable price. Though Heinz is a well-known brand, the taste test suggests exploring alternative options. The range of supermarket ketchups cater to different preferences with a range of prices. This blind taste test highlights that exploring different brands can lead to surprising choices.