Is Tomato Ketchup Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Hellmann's
Hellmann's's Tomato Ketchup is reviewed here as a sauce condiment. Zerotox gives it 60/100 based on the current ingredient profile, so it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The ingredient review below focuses especially on Sodium Benzoate.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes sodium benzoate as a synthetic preservative and sugar, raising concerns about processed ingredients. The presence of modified maize starch also indicates processing.
Main concern
Sodium benzoate is a synthetic preservative that raises quality concerns.
Why it matters: This ingredient is flagged in our analysis based on regulatory and scientific sources. Check the Ingredients section for details and see Data sources for methodology.
Regulation status: Ingredient safety is assessed from EU/EPA/CIR and similar databases; formulations may vary. Always read the product label.
Pros
- Contains tomato paste (26%), providing a natural base and flavor.
- Includes vinegar, which can enhance taste and acts as a preservative.
- Spices like cloves and cinnamon add flavor complexity.
- Citric acid serves as an acidity regulator, balancing the flavor.
Concerns
- Sodium benzoate is a synthetic preservative that raises quality concerns.
- Sugar is present, indicating a processed ingredient that may not be ideal.
- Modified maize starch is a thickener that suggests processing.
- Salt is added, which may not be suitable for all dietary preferences.
Ingredients breakdown
Below, each ingredient is described in the context of this sauce condiment, not just listed as a raw label.
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Is Water safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Water is used here as base. Water serves as the primary solvent in this ketchup, providing the necessary liquid base for the other ingredients.
Role in formula: base
Original: Water
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Is Tomato Paste safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Tomato Paste is used here as base. Tomato paste (26%) is a concentrated form of tomatoes, providing flavor and color, contributing positively to the product's quality.
Role in formula: base
Original: tomato paste (26%)
-
Is Sugar safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is added for sweetness, but its presence indicates a processed ingredient that may not align with health-conscious choices.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: sugar
-
Is Vinegar safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Vinegar is used here as flavor. Vinegar adds acidity and flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile while also acting as a preservative.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: vinegar
-
Is Modified Maize Starch safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Modified Maize Starch is used here as thickener. Modified maize starch is used as a thickener, indicating some level of processing which may raise quality concerns.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: thickener (modified maize starch)
-
Is Salt safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt is added for flavor enhancement, but its inclusion may not be suitable for all dietary restrictions.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: salt
-
Is Citric Acid safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Citric Acid is used here as acidulant. Citric acid acts as an acidity regulator, balancing flavors and enhancing preservation without significant safety concerns.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: acidity regulator (citric acid)
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Is Sodium Benzoate safe in this sauce condiment?
Bad
Sodium Benzoate is used here as preservative. Sodium benzoate is a synthetic preservative used to extend shelf life, raising concerns about synthetic additives in the product.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: preservative (sodium benzoate)
-
Is Spices safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Spices is used here as flavor. Spices such as cloves, pimento, and cinnamon contribute to the flavor profile, enhancing the product's overall taste without safety concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: spices (cloves, pimento, cinnamon)
How we score
Our safety scores and ingredient breakdowns are based on regulatory and scientific sources. See Data sources & methodology and How Zerotox works for full details.
Product info
Product ID: 4032345
More from this brand: Hellmann's products in Zerotox
Similar products: sauce_condiment in Zerotox database
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.