Ketchup is one of the most used condiments, enjoyed with fried snacks and other dishes. If you desire to have gluten-free ketchup, then you must be wondering to know that most ketchups are naturally gluten-free. But not every brand provides a safe one. So you have to be conscious while reading the label and checking the ingredients.
Traditional ketchup is made from simple ingredients like tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, salt, and spices. These items are gluten-free, but the main concern comes with the vinegar used. Distilled white vinegar or spirit vinegar is gluten-free, but malt vinegar contains gluten. Modifying food starch or flavoring has another area of being conscious, as they are occasionally sourced from wheat that also contains gluten.
Popular brands such as Heinz, Hunt’s, and Hellmann’s produce gluten-free ketchups and are safe options, except for products that specifically list malt vinegar. Some organic and specialty brands also clearly label their products as “Certified Gluten-Free,” making shopping easier.
The natural ingredients for making ketchups are generally gluten-free, and if you want to go for an organic shop or homemade option, then you will be able to find your gluten-free ketchup to enjoy the snacking time.
What is Ketchup Made Of?
Ketchup is a tomato-based condiment with sweetness and other flavors like tangy and savory. The main ingredient is tomato or tomato concentrate, provides the rich red color and natural sweetness. Vinegar adds tanginess and preserves freshness, commonly distilled vinegar, and not malt vinegar. Extra sugar adds the sweetness that is not the natural sweetness, though some brands use high-fructose corn syrup, cane sugar, or natural alternatives like honey rather than traditional sugar. Besides, salt enhances flavors. Other spices and seasonings like onion powder, garlic powder, cloves, cinnamon, and allspice are often used.
Popular Ketchup Brands in the UK
We know that the UK is a cultural hub, so there a plenty of brands providing ketchup. Some famous brands are:
- Heinz Tomato Ketchup
- Co-op Tomato Ketchup
- Hellmann’s
- Aldi’s Bramwells Tomato Ketchup
- Waitrose Essential Ketchup
- Lidl’s Batts Tomato Ketchup
- Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Asda
- M&S Tomato Ketchup
Certified Gluten-Free Ketchup Options
These brands are explicitly verified that these are certified gluten-free options that people can easily pick. Such as:
- Annie’s Organic Ketchup
- Organicville Ketchup
- Walden Farms Ketchup
- Hunt’s Ketchup
- Sir Kensington’s
- How to check the label
For checking the label, there are some tips and tricks. They are:
- Look for a Gluten-Free Certification or Statement
- Check the Vinegar Type, like Distilled vinegar/spirit vinegar / white vinegar
- Watch for Hidden Gluten Ingredients like whether it is modified food starch, natural flavors, or not.
- Check the Allergen Statement
- Look for Cross-Contamination Warnings
Gluten-Free Alternatives to Ketchup
Other condiments can serve as alternatives to ketchup, and they are also gluten-free. Some of them are:
- Homemade Ketchup where you can use distilled vinegar and other gluten-free ingredients as your choice.
- Mustard is naturally gluten-free.
- Mayonnaise, plain mayo, is gluten-free, made from eggs, oil, and vinegar.
- Salsa, fresh or jarred salsa, is naturally gluten-free.
- BBQ Sauce
- Chili Sauce or Sriracha
- Pesto or Tapenade
- Tomato Chutney or Relish
Tips for Buying Gluten-Free Ketchup in the UK
If you are shopping for gluten-free options in the UK, there are some practical tips you can follow. Such as:
- Prioritize Clear "Gluten-Free" Labeling
- Understand Cross-Contamination Labels
- Examine Ingredients & Allergen Formatting
- Be Wary of Label Variations Across Sizes
- Explore Trusted Gluten-Free Ketchup Options Available in the UK
- Lean on UK Gluten-Free Communities
Are Tomato Sauces Gluten-Free Too?
Yes, most tomato sauces are gluten-free because the core ingredients are tomatoes, olive oil, herbs, garlic, and onions, which don’t contain gluten. Store-bought or restaurant foods sometimes contain extra ingredients that may include gluten, such as wheat flour, roux, or modified starch. Otherwise, most of them are naturally gluten-free and safe.