Copycat Heinz Ketchup
This recipe, created by Todd Wilbur for Even More Top Secret Recipes, perfectly replicates the classic Heinz flavor—smooth, sweet, and tangy, without the store-bought price tag. Make it yourself with pantry staples, tweak sweetness or spice to taste, and even create a version without corn syrup.
Servings: 24 tablespoons
Calories: 29kcal
Cost: $2.35
Ingredients
- 1 6- oz. can tomato paste
- ½ cup light corn syrup like Karo; see notes for corn syrup-free version
- ½ cup white vinegar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tbsp white granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ⅛ tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Pour everything into a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk to blend tomato paste with liquids until smooth.
- Bring mixture to a gentle boil, whisking frequently.
- Reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking.
- Remove from heat, cover, and let cool. Transfer to a jar or recycled ketchup bottle. Refrigerate for up to 4 months.
Notes
Pro Tips
- For thinner ketchup, add a splash more water at the end.
- For thicker ketchup, simmer a few extra minutes uncovered.
- Corn syrup-free version: swap light corn syrup for blue agave, honey, or maple syrup. Taste and adjust sweetness gradually.
Notes
- Yield: 1 1/2 cups (24 tablespoons)
- Reuse a Heinz bottle for fun nostalgia, or any airtight container.
- Shelf life: Up to 4 months refrigerated due to pasteurized tomato paste and vinegar. If using fresh tomatoes or onions, shelf life drops to 1–2 weeks.
- Freezer option: Freeze in ice cube trays and store cubes in a freezer bag for up to 6 months.
Nutrition
Serving: 1tablespoon | Calories: 29kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 0.05g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.005g | Sodium: 158mg | Potassium: 72mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 108IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 0.2mg
