Ketchup Price Hikes: Store Brand vs. Name Brand Taste Test

RefillWatch is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Price creep waits for no one, so we’re here to help you spot it.

Ketchup Price Hikes: Store Brand vs. Name Brand Taste Test

Ketchup. It’s a condiment staple in many households, slathered on everything from fries to burgers to meatloaf. But have you noticed your favorite bottle costing a little more lately? The price of ketchup, like many other grocery items, has been creeping upwards. Is it time to ditch the name brand and embrace the store brand to save some money?

We decided to put this to the test with a blind taste test. We compared a leading national brand (let’s call it “Brand A”) with a popular store brand from a major grocery chain (we’ll call it “Store Brand K”) to see if the taste difference is worth the price difference.

The Price Breakdown

Before we dive into the taste test, let’s look at the cold, hard numbers. We checked prices at a local grocery store (and online) to get an accurate comparison.

• Brand A (20 oz bottle): $4.29
• Store Brand K (20 oz bottle): $2.79

That’s a significant $1.50 difference per bottle! Over the course of a year, if you go through one bottle a month, that adds up to $18.00. If you’re a ketchup-loving family that consumes more than one bottle a month, the savings are even higher. This price difference alone makes Store Brand K a compelling option. Remember, these prices can vary by location and retailer, so it’s always a good idea to compare prices at your local stores. Keep an eye out for sales and coupons, too!

The Blind Taste Test: Can You Tell the Difference?

To conduct a fair taste test, we enlisted three volunteers with varying ketchup preferences. We presented them with small cups of Brand A and Store Brand K, clearly labeled with letters (to avoid bias). Participants were asked to rate each ketchup on a scale of 1 to 5 for the following criteria:

• Sweetness: How sweet is the ketchup?
• Tanginess: How tangy (acidic) is the ketchup?
• Tomato Flavor: How strong is the tomato flavor?
• Overall Preference: How much did you enjoy the ketchup overall?

We also asked them to guess which ketchup was the name brand.

Taste Test Results: A Surprising Outcome

Here’s a summary of the average scores from our taste testers:

Category	Brand A	Store Brand K
Sweetness	4.0	3.5
Tanginess	3.0	3.2
Tomato Flavor	3.5	3.0
Overall Preference	3.8	3.5

Interestingly, the overall preference scores were very close. Brand A scored slightly higher, but the difference was marginal. Testers reported Brand A as noticeably sweeter, while Store Brand K had a slightly more pronounced tangy flavor.

The Guessing Game: Brand Recognition Isn’t Everything

Only one out of three testers correctly identified Brand A. The other two were convinced that Store Brand K was the name brand, citing a bolder, more “complex” flavor. This highlights the subjective nature of taste and the fact that price doesn’t always equal quality.

Ketchup Shrinkflation: Are You Getting Less for More?

Beyond general price increases, it’s worth watching for shrinkflation. Shrinkflation is when manufacturers reduce the size or quantity of a product while keeping the price the same (or even increasing it). This is a sneaky way to raise prices without consumers immediately noticing.

Check the net weight or volume of your ketchup bottle each time you buy it. Has the size decreased over time? If so, you’re paying more per ounce, even if the price on the shelf hasn’t changed. RefillWatch is all about spotting these trends before they drain your wallet.

Consider buying larger bottles or even bulk ketchup if you use it frequently. While the initial cost might be higher, the price per ounce is often lower. Just make sure you have enough storage space and that you’ll use it before it expires.

Beyond the Bottle: Exploring Ketchup Alternatives

If you’re really looking to cut costs and reduce your reliance on processed foods, consider these ketchup alternatives:

• Homemade Ketchup: Making your own ketchup allows you to control the ingredients and adjust the flavor to your liking. There are tons of recipes available online, and it’s often cheaper than buying store-bought ketchup, especially if you grow your own tomatoes.

• Tomato Paste with Spices: For a quick and easy alternative, mix tomato paste with a little water, vinegar, sugar (or a sugar substitute), and your favorite spices. Experiment with different combinations to find a flavor that you enjoy.

• Other Condiments: Think outside the ketchup bottle! Experiment with other condiments like mustard, hot sauce, relish, or even plain tomato sauce. You might discover a new favorite.

Reusable Containers: Reduce Waste and Save Money

Whether you stick with store-bought ketchup or try making your own, consider using reusable squeeze bottles or condiment containers. This reduces plastic waste and can save you money in the long run. Instead of constantly buying new bottles of ketchup, simply refill your reusable containers. This practice combats shrinkflation in another way: you control the quantity.

You can even apply this logic to other condiments, like salad dressing. And while you’re reducing waste, consider replacing single-use plastic wrap with a reusable alternative like the [/products/b00gb95p54-chicwrap-veggies-refillable-plastic-wrap-dispenser-includes/] dispenser.

Tracking Prices: Stay Ahead of the Curve

The best way to beat ketchup price hikes (or any price hikes, for that matter) is to track prices over time. Keep an eye on the prices of your favorite brands at different stores. This will help you identify price trends and make informed decisions about when and where to buy.

Use a spreadsheet or a notebook to record prices. Many grocery store apps also allow you to track prices and create shopping lists. Knowing the typical price range for ketchup allows you to pounce when you see a sale.

By conducting a taste test, comparing prices, watching for shrinkflation, and exploring alternatives, you can make smart choices about your ketchup consumption and save money without sacrificing flavor. And remember, RefillWatch is here to help you spot price hikes and find smarter swaps for all your household staples, from ketchup to water (check out the cost of [/products/b00061capg-poland-spring-maine-spring-water-bottles-24-pack-crisp-still/]) and beyond.