Tomato Sauce vs Tomato Ketchup – What’s The Difference?
We’ve all been there—you reach into the fridge for a bottle of tomato sauce and grab ketchup instead. But what’s the difference between the two? On the surface, they both taste similar and have a consistency that is equally as spreadable, however, there are some key differences between tomato sauce and ketchup that you may not know. We’ll put them to the test – tomato sauce vs tomato ketchup! Let’s take a look at the recipes of these two condiments and what makes them different from each other.
Tomato Sauce
Tomato sauce is usually made with fresh ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, onions, herbs, and spices that are cooked together slowly over medium to low heat for several hours before being blended into a smooth consistency. It’s thinner than ketchup and has more of a savory flavor than sweet. It can be used as a tomato substitute on everything from lasagna to tacos to burgers. Further, a key area where tomato sauce is used is as a base ingredient in our Classic Pizza Sauce and Italian Pizza Paste Sauce.
Tomato Ketchup
Tomato ketchup is made with crushed tomatoes that have been cooked quickly then strained and mixed with vinegar, sugar, salt and other seasonings until it reaches its signature thick consistency. It’s much sweeter than tomato sauce due to the added sugar content. While it can be used to add flavor to many dishes, it is most commonly used as a dip for french fries or other fried foods.
The Main Difference: Sugar Content
Tomato sauce usually contains less sugar than tomato ketchup. This is because traditional tomato sauce tends to be made with just tomatoes, herbs, onion, garlic, oil, vinegar, salt and pepper. On the other hand, ketchup usually has added sugar in it (usually cane or corn syrup) which gives it its sweeter flavor profile. The added sugar also helps to thicken up the ketchup so that it is thicker and stickier than tomato sauce.
The Other Differences
Use of spices
Tomato sauce is typically spicier than ketchup as it relies on herbs like oregano to give it flavor while ketchup gets its flavor from spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
Texture
Tomato sauces tend to have chunks of vegetables in them while ketchups are always smooth in texture due to their longer cooking times.
Acidity level
Ketchup has a higher acidity level resulting from its vinegar content which makes it a perfect companion for french fries and hamburgers because of its tangy taste. It can also be used as a marinade or glaze for meats since it can penetrate deeper into meat due to its lower viscosity when compared to regular tomato sauce.
There you have it, a jocose contest between flavors and sweetness – Tomato sauce vs Tomato Ketchup. All in all, we can see that there are quite a few differences between tomato sauces and ketchups even though they can look very similar on store shelves and require similar preparation methods when cooked at home.
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FAQs
Sugar is the main component that differentiates tomato ketchup and tomato sauce. Tomato sauce is often made with only tomatoes, seasonings, onion, garlic, oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Ketchup, on the other hand, typically has additional sugar, which contributes to its sweeter flavour.
Is Tomato Ketchup the same as tomato sauce? ›
Despite what many people think, tomato sauce and ketchup are not the same thing. Ketchup (sometimes called catsup) is known for its sweet and tangy flavour, but just to confuse things can also be sold as tomato sauce. While tomatoes are the primary ingredient, many commercial ketchup brands also include added sugar.
Can I use Tomato Ketchup instead of tomato sauce? ›
For this reason, ketchup is best used as a swap in recipes that already feature a degree of sweetness. Still, in a pinch, it can be used as a 1:1 substitute for tomato sauce in a variety of dishes—just use your judgment and be sure to taste as you go and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Why do Americans call tomato sauce ketchup? ›
Ketchup may have entered the English language from the Malay word kicap (pronounced [kitʃap], sometimes spelled kecap or ketjap). Originally meaning 'soy sauce', the word itself derives from Chinese. In Indonesian cuisine, which is similar to Malay, the term kecap refers to fermented savory sauces.
What's the difference between Tomato Ketchup and tomato paste? ›
Tomato sauce and tomato paste are made of tomatoes and usually salt, and that's about it. In contrast, ketchup contains (at the very least) tomatoes, vinegar, some kind of sweetener, salt, spices and various other flavorings. And yes, it's absolutely possible to make it at home.
What can be used in place of tomato sauce? ›
7 Substitutes for Tomato Sauce If You Run Out of the Pantry Staple
- Canned Tomatoes.
- Fresh Tomatoes.
- Tomato Paste.
- Tomato Soup.
- Ketchup.
- Tomato Purée.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes.
Whereas a pizza sauce is a tomato sauce, it's raw and uncooked with more herbs. Hence, many people want to know, "can you use ketchup on pizza?" The answer - yes. And we're going to help you find out how to do so perfectly, without making your pizza soggy or bad.
Can I substitute ketchup for tomato sauce in chili? ›
For a 12-serving pot of chili, up to a cup of ketchup will add the sweet and tangy flavors to each bowl. A smaller pot of chili, or one that uses diced tomatoes along with the juice, might only need ½-cup of ketchup instead.
What do British people call tomato sauce? ›
In Britain, the word ketchup is used, but it's also often called tomato sauce, which sounds confusing if you're a fan of Italian food; in North America tomato sauce goes on pasta and pizza, not French fries.
What's the difference between ketchup and catsup? ›
As it turns out, they're the same thing!
Ketchup and catsup are both Westernized terms for a condiment that has origins in China: fish sauce. Ketchup as we know it today is a modernized version of fish sauce, which was made in port towns on the South China Sea with salted and fermented anchovies.
American horticulturist James Mease created the first known recipe for tomato ketchup in 1812. His version of sauce included brandy but lacked regular vinegar and sugar. Soon, many tomato-based ketchup recipes appeared in Europe and the USA. Yet, many of them contained previous additions, like oysters or anchovies.
Can I use tomato ketchup instead of sauce? ›
Yes, you can use ketchup as a substitute for tomato sauce in some recipes, but keep in mind that they have different flavors and consistencies. Ketchup is typically sweeter and thicker than plain tomato sauce, so it may alter the taste and texture of the dish you're preparing.
Does ketchup and tomato sauce taste the same? ›
Sugar is the main component that differentiates tomato ketchup and tomato sauce. Tomato sauce is often made with only tomatoes, seasonings, onion, garlic, oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Ketchup, on the other hand, typically has additional sugar, which contributes to its sweeter flavour.
Is tomato sauce the same as marinara? ›
While the two sauces share many ingredients, the main difference is in the consistency and depth of flavor. Marinara is brighter, thinner, and more tomato forward than tomato sauce. Tomato sauce is thicker, creamier, and bears some similarity with gravy, hence why some Italians call it “Sunday gravy”.
Can you call ketchup tomato sauce? ›
In countries such as the United Kingdom, India, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, the term tomato sauce is used to describe a condiment similar to what Americans call ketchup. In some of these countries, both terms are used for the condiment.
Can I use ketchup instead of tomato sauce in chili? ›
For a 12-serving pot of chili, up to a cup of ketchup will add the sweet and tangy flavors to each bowl. A smaller pot of chili, or one that uses diced tomatoes along with the juice, might only need ½-cup of ketchup instead.
What makes tomato ketchup fancy? ›
Fancy ketchup is a U.S. grade A ketchup that has good color, good consistency, good flavor, and is free from defects, according to the USDA. Grade A ketchup must also have at least 33% tomato solids — making it thick enough to stay in place on your food.
Is canned tomato sauce just tomatoes? ›
This basic canned (or jarred) tomato sauce contains just tomatoes, salt, and lemon juice, which assures a proper acidic environment for canning.
