Is 100% Natural Tomato Ketchup Kosher?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a condiment is kosher, we look beyond the main flavor profile and dive into the sourcing of every additive. For this 100% Natural Tomato Ketchup, the ingredient list is surprisingly clean, which works in its favor regarding kosher certification. The primary component is tomato concentrate made from vine ripened tomatoes. In its pure form, tomatoes are inherently kosher (pareve), meaning they contain no meat or dairy derivatives.

The sweetener used here is cane sugar. This is a critical detail. While sugar is generally kosher, some white sugars are processed using bone char filters. However, "cane sugar" usually indicates a less refined product that avoids this process, making it safe for strict kosher diets. The acidity comes from distilled vinegar. Distillation removes impurities, so even if the original source was non-kosher wine, the resulting vinegar is chemically pure and acceptable. Finally, the spices—onion powder, garlic powder, and natural flavors—are plant-based. The term "natural flavors" can be tricky, but in a tomato ketchup context, it typically refers to vegetable or spice extracts rather than meat or dairy derivatives.

Nutritional Value

While this ketchup passes the kosher test with flying colors, it is worth looking at its nutritional profile. Like most ketchups, the primary nutritional concern is the sugar content. The inclusion of cane sugar means this condiment is high in carbohydrates and calories relative to its serving size. It is also relatively high in sodium due to the added salt, which is standard for preserving tomato concentrates. However, it is fat-free and contains no cholesterol. For those monitoring their sugar intake, this ketchup should be used in moderation, but it fits well within a balanced diet that limits processed sugars. It is not a significant source of vitamins or minerals, other than the lycopene found in the tomato concentrate.