Primal Kitchen makes a variety of condiments and sauces, including ketchup, that are marketed as being made with simple, recognizable ingredients. As more consumers pay attention to food labels and desire products made with ingredients they can easily understand, Primal Kitchen has gained popularity for its commitment to using whole food ingredients.
One of Primal Kitchen’s most popular products is its Organic Ketchup. This ketchup contains no added sugars and is advertised as having a richer, more complex taste than traditional ketchup. For consumers who want to know exactly what is in the foods they eat, understanding the ingredients in Primal Kitchen ketchup is important.
Primal Kitchen Ketchup Ingredients
The main ingredients in Primal Kitchen’s Organic Ketchup are:
- Tomato Puree – Made from crushed tomatoes. Provides the classic tomato flavor.
- Vinegar – Usually apple cider vinegar. Adds tanginess and balances sweetness.
- Onion – Softens and sweetens the tomato flavor.
- Garlic – Provides depth of flavor.
- Organic Sugar – A small amount is added to balance acidity. Primal Kitchen uses organic cane sugar.
- Spices and Seasonings – Natural spices like allspice, clove, and cinnamon are used to enhance flavor.
- Salt – Added for flavor. Primal Kitchen uses sea salt.
- Xanthan Gum – A plant-based thickener used in small amounts.
In addition to these main ingredients, Primal Kitchen ketchup contains lemon juice concentrate, mustard flour, and citric acid. All of these ingredients help provide the tangy, rich flavor people expect from ketchup.
Unlike many conventional ketchups, Primal Kitchen ketchup does not contain high fructose corn syrup, artificial preservatives, starch, or other fillers. By using tomatoes, vegetables, spices, vinegar, and a bit of sugar, Primal Kitchen can create a tasty ketchup without any mystery ingredients.
Nutrition Information
One serving (1 tablespoon) of Primal Kitchen Organic Ketchup contains:
- 15 calories
- 3g sugar
- 270mg sodium
- 3g carbohydrates
- No protein
It provides a small amounts of potassium and iron as well.
With no protein and minimal carbs and fat, the calories in Primal Kitchen ketchup come mainly from sugar. However, with just 3g of sugar per serving, it contains far less sugar than typical ketchups. For comparison, standard ketchup has around 4g of sugar per tablespoon.
Benefits of Ingredients
The ingredients used in Primal Kitchen ketchup provide some important benefits:
- No high fructose corn syrup – HFCS is often used in mass-market ketchups for its sweetness and cost effectiveness. But it has been linked to obesity and other health issues, so Primal Kitchen avoids it.
- Lycopence from tomatoes – Fresh tomatoes provide lycopene, an antioxidant that may promote heart health.
- Phytonutrients in spices – Spices like cinnamon and clove contain protective phytonutrients with antioxidant power.
- Probiotics from apple cider vinegar – Unfiltered apple cider vinegar contains probiotics, which support gut and immune health.
So while ketchup will never be considered a health food, Primal Kitchen’s version provides more nutrients than typical ketchups.
How Primal Kitchen Ketchup Differs from Conventional Ketchup
There are a few key ways that Primal Kitchen ketchup differs from conventional ketchup:
- No high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners
- No preservatives, stabilizers, or other unnecessary additives
- Relatively low sodium content at 270mg per serving
- Lower sugar content per serving (3g vs. 4g in regular ketchup)
- Richer, more complex tomato flavor
- Slightly thicker, richer texture
Primal Kitchen ketchup has a simple, recognizable ingredient list and avoids many of the processed ingredients found in regular ketchup. It does contain sugar and salt, which are necessary for flavor and preservation, but in moderation.
Quality of Ingredients
Primal Kitchen uses high quality ingredients in their ketchup:
- Organic tomato puree is the first ingredient. Organic tomatoes ensure no pesticides or GMOs.
- Apple cider vinegar is unfiltered/unpasteurized to retain probiotics.
- Onions and garlic provide added flavor and nutrients.
- Organic cane sugar is non-GMO and less processed than white sugar.
- Sea salt is natural and contains trace minerals.
- Spices are organic and non-irradiated.
No MSG, artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners are used. Primal Kitchen ketchup is certified organic, gluten-free, and Whole30 approved.
Focusing on high quality ingredients results in a ketchup with a vibrant, complex tomato flavor that tastes fresher than other ketchups.
How Primal Kitchen Makes Their Ketchup
Primal Kitchen makes their ketchup in small batches and focuses on artisan manufacturing techniques. Some specifics on their ketchup production process include:
- Tomatoes are harvested at peak ripeness and immediately processed into puree.
- Onions and spices are chopped, mixed, and cooked into the tomato puree.
- Vinegar, seasonings, and a bit of organic sugar are added for flavor.
- The mixture is slowly simmered in small kettles until thick.
- The ketchup is bottled immediately after simmering to retain fresh flavor.
- No heat or acid is added to the bottles for preservation. The ketchup is kept refrigerated.
This small-batch process helps Primal Kitchen avoid the flavor deterioration that can happen with mass ketchup production. The focus is on artisan practices and recipes to create the best possible flavor.
Reviews of Taste and Texture
Most reviews praise Primal Kitchen ketchup for its rich, layered tomato taste and medium-thick texture:
- The tomato flavor is described as vibrant, complex, and fresher than normal ketchup.
- The texture strikes a nice balance – thick but still easily pourable from the bottle.
- The ketchup is tangy but has less vinegar bite than some gourmet ketchups.
- The flavor balance between sweet and tangy is rated excellent.
- Some find the black pepper adds an unexpected spicy kick.
A few negative reviews felt the ketchup was too spicy or thin compared to Heinz. But most agreed Primal Kitchen delivers excellent ketchup flavor using natural ingredients.
Based on reviews, it seems Primal Kitchen has succeeded in creating an artisan ketchup with noticeably better flavor than standard ketchups. The richness and fresh tomato taste comes through despite having less sugar.
Potential Benefits and Drawbacks
Potential benefits of Primal Kitchen ketchup:
- No high fructose corn syrup or artificial ingredients
- Lower in sugar than conventional ketchups
- Rich, vibrant tomato flavor
- Thicker, more complex texture
- Phytonutrients from organic spices and tomatoes
- Probiotics from unfiltered apple cider vinegar
Potential drawbacks:
- Higher price than standard ketchup
- May have more spice/pepper flavor than some consumers want
- Some report watery separation if bottles sit too long
- Not widely available in brick-and-mortar stores
For most people seeking a natural ketchup with better flavor, the pros seem to outweigh any cons of Primal Kitchen ketchup. But it may not suit ketchup lovers who want an ultra-smooth, mild product.
How to Use Primal Kitchen Ketchup
Primal Kitchen ketchup can be used in all the same ways as regular ketchup:
- As a condiment for burgers, fries, tacos, eggs, etc.
- In sauces and dips like barbecue sauce, chili, and cocktail sauce.
- In cooking for flavors like meatloaf, stews, chili, etc.
- As an ingredient in baked goods like ketchup brownies or cookies.
Because of its richer tomato flavor, Primal Kitchen ketchup may be preferred for recipes where the ketchup takes center stage. Its texture also holds up well when cooked.
Many people recommend using it as a dip for sweet potato fries, carrots, or chicken tenders to let the tomato flavor shine. The ketchup’s spice blend also complements grilled meats like steak tips or ribs.
Overall, it can be swapped in anywhere regular ketchup is used. Some extra uses are:
- Mix with mayo for quick Russian or Fry sauce
- Use as the base for tomato soup
- Marinate meat, fish, or mushrooms
- Make a tomato vinaigrette dressing
- Mix with olive oil and balsamic for a quick salad dressing
Because it has less sugar and more spice than typical ketchups, creative uses allow Primal Kitchen’s ketchup to really stand out.
Where to Buy Primal Kitchen Ketchup
Primal Kitchen ketchup can be purchased from these sources:
- Online – Primal Kitchen website, Amazon, Thrive Market
- Stores – Whole Foods, Sprouts, Wegmans, Publix, Kroger, Safeway, Stop & Shop, Giant, etc.
- Co-ops – Many local food co-ops, especially on the coasts
Primal Kitchen has grown in distribution over the years, but is still not as widely available as Heinz and other big brands. The best bet for finding it is upscale grocery chains like Whole Foods and independent co-ops.
If a local store doesn’t carry Primal Kitchen, you can request they order it or purchase online instead. Buying directly from Primal Kitchen’s website offers a subscription discount.
Cost Comparison to Regular Ketchup
Primal Kitchen ketchup costs more than conventional mass market ketchups but is competitively priced compared to other premium/organic ketchups:
| Brand | Price |
|---|---|
| Heinz | $2.50 per 20oz |
| Primal Kitchen | $6 per 24oz |
| Sir Kensington’s | $7 per 20oz |
The increased cost comes from Primal Kitchen’s use of certified organic, non-GMO ingredients and small batch production methods. For consumers already accustomed to paying premium prices for health foods, Primal Kitchen ketchup is competitively priced compared to similar organic/natural brands.
Is Primal Kitchen Ketchup Worth the Cost?
Whether Primal Kitchen organic ketchup is worth the higher price depends on your tastes, priorities, and budget:
- If you want to avoid HFCS and artificial ingredients, it may be worth it.
- If you prefer richer, fresher tomato flavor, it could be worth the extra cost.
- If you eat ketchup frequently, the upgrade may have a big impact.
- If you’re on a tight budget, standard ketchup may make more sense.
Compared to other similar organic ketchups, Primal Kitchen pricing is reasonable. And for some, paying more for higher quality ingredients is important.
For frequent ketchup users wanting a fresh, natural product, the consensus seems to be that Primal Kitchen is worth the extra investment. But it depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Conclusion
Primal Kitchen ketchup stands out for its short list of recognizable ingredients, lack of artificial additives, and vibrant tomato flavor. By using high quality vegetables, vinegars, spices, and organic sugar, Primal Kitchen can create a tasty ketchup without unnecessary junk.
While it costs more than conventional ketchup, Primal Kitchen ketchup delivers an elevated taste experience reminiscent of homemade. Its flavors and texture strike an excellent balance.
For those wanting to avoid health-compromising additives and experience real, fresh tomato ketchup flavor, Primal Kitchen is a smart choice. Just be aware it has more spice and less sugary sweetness than typical ketchups.
Overall, Primal Kitchen ketchup lives up to its promise of being a healthier and more flavorful alternative to standard ketchups. Its thoughtful ingredients and artisan preparation allow the natural tomato taste to shine through beautifully.
