Tomato ketchup is one of the most kid-loved foods out there. Some kids (mine!) will eat anything (including liver) with ketchup on it. Unfortunately, most store-bought versions are packed with mystery spices and high fructose corn syrup.
It really is worthwhile to make your own ketchup. The taste, texture, and flavor blow store-bought ketchup out of the water! My kids love how flavorful it is and put ketchup on everything when we have a batch of this in the fridge. This is one well-loved condiment in our house.
Spice Is Nice!
Condiments are not to be ignored in a healthy kitchen. Dried herbs and spices in dressing and condiments bring antioxidant benefits as well as flavor to the table. Itâs a nice way too to add variety without reinventing the tried and true meal plan.
Sweet potato french fries, grain-free fish sticks, or chicken fingers are interesting again when served with ranch instead of BBQ sauce âĤ or, with ketchup! Plus there are the ever classic American hot dogs and hamburgers (from grass-fed beef of course).
P.S. Want healthier ketchup but donât want to make it? Try this organic, unsweetened version from Primal Kitchen!
How to Make Homemade Ketchup
Thankfully, this ketchup recipe is one of the easiest condiments to make at home with basic ingredients. It doesnât take fancy equipment either. All you need is a blender or food processor.
Some homemade ketchup recipes call for cooking tomato sauce with spices and brown sugar on the stove. Iâve found that simply blending everything together and letting it meld in the fridge works just as well to get that classic tomato flavor.
I make this ketchup every few weeks so I can have it on hand to add to dishes or serve with almost any meat or vegetable (fruit may be taking it too far âĤ).
Ketchup Recipe Ingredients
I use raw honey as my sweetener of choice, but you could also use maple syrup or some stevia for a low-sugar version. It helps mellow the acidity without adding tons of corn syrup (Iâm looking at you Heinz ketchup!). The homemade version has an even better ketchup taste than what youâll find at most grocery stores.
Our family also likes just a pinch of cayenne pepper in this recipe to give it a little heat. You could use black pepper or red pepper instead if preferred. If your family really doesnât like spicy then skip this ingredient. However, itâs a subtle spicy taste and even my younger kids love it.
Storing Your Ketchup
This recipe keeps in the fridge for about a month just like regular ketchup.
And another bonus: as with most homemade recipes (be it for laundry, beauty, or food), you do the world the additional favor of skipping plastic packaging and using recyclable, reusable containers instead. Not to mention your fridge wonât be cluttered with condiment bottles because you can make just as little or as much as you want.
I usually store mine in a mason jar, but I also found some really cute glass condiment bottles here.
Ready to try your hand at some homemade ketchup?
Easy Homemade Ketchup Recipe
A natural and simple homemade ketchup recipe that kids love.
32 Servings (2 TBSP)
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Grind chia seeds in a blender or food processor on high speed for 30 seconds or until finely powdered.
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Add all remaining ingredients to blender or food processor and blend on high for 2 to 3 minutes.
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Put in an airtight quart jar and refrigerate 2 hours or overnight to let flavors meld.
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Store in the refrigerator and use as you would regular ketchup.
Nutrition Facts
Easy Homemade Ketchup Recipe
Amount Per Serving (1 serving)
Calories 23
Calories from Fat 1
% Daily Value*
Fat 0.1g0%
Saturated Fat 0.02g0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Monounsaturated Fat 0.03g
Sodium 200mg9%
Potassium 185mg5%
Carbohydrates 5g2%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 4g4%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 245IU5%
Vitamin C 4mg5%
Calcium 11mg1%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Can be stored in the refrigerator for at least 1 month.