Heinz Tomato Sauce Nutrition Facts: Complete Breakdown

Heinz Tomato Ketchup contains 15 calories per tablespoon (17g), with 3.5g of sugar, 150mg of sodium, and 4g of total carbohydrates. It's fat-free, gluten-free, and contains no artificial preservatives according to the official Heinz nutritional facts. The primary ingredients are tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, and spices.

Understanding exactly what's in your favorite condiments matters more than ever. Whether you're monitoring sodium intake, tracking sugar consumption, or simply making informed choices about everyday pantry staples, accurate nutritional information is essential. This comprehensive breakdown of Heinz tomato sauce nutritional information gives you the facts you need to incorporate this popular condiment into your diet wisely.

Complete Nutritional Profile Per Serving

Let's examine the detailed nutritional composition of standard Heinz Tomato Ketchup based on the most current product labeling and verified USDA FoodData Central data.

Nutrient	Amount Per Tbsp (17g)	% Daily Value*
Calories	15
Total Fat	0g	<1%
Sodium	150mg	7%
Total Carbohydrate	4g	1%
Dietary Fiber	0g	0%
Sugars	3.5g
Protein	0g
Vitamin C	2%
Potassium	2%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Ingredient Analysis: What's Really Inside

Heinz Tomato Ketchup's ingredient list provides important context for understanding its nutritional profile. According to the official Heinz website, the complete ingredient list includes:

• Tomato concentrate from red ripe tomatoes
• Vinegar
• High fructose corn syrup
• Corn syrup
• Distilled vinegar
• Salt
• Spice
• Onion powder
• Natural flavoring

The first ingredient being tomato concentrate indicates tomatoes form the base of this product. The presence of both high fructose corn syrup and corn syrup explains the sugar content. This formulation has remained relatively consistent since Heinz standardized their recipe in the early 20th century, though minor adjustments have occurred in response to consumer preferences and ingredient availability.

Understanding Sodium Content in Context

With 150mg of sodium per tablespoon, Heinz ketchup contributes approximately 7% of the recommended daily sodium intake based on a 2,000-calorie diet. To put this in perspective:

• A single serving contains less sodium than most processed snack foods
• It contains about half the sodium of many soy sauce varieties (which typically have 300-400mg per teaspoon)
• The American Heart Association recommends no more than 2,300mg of sodium daily, with an ideal limit of 1,500mg for most adults

For those monitoring sodium intake, using Heinz ketchup in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet generally presents minimal concern. However, individuals with specific health conditions like hypertension should consult their healthcare provider about appropriate consumption levels.

Sugar Considerations and Health Implications

The 3.5g of sugar per tablespoon represents approximately 7% of the American Heart Association's recommended daily added sugar limit for women (25g) and about 4% for men (36g). While this may seem modest, it's important to consider cumulative effects:

• Using multiple tablespoons on burgers or fries can quickly increase sugar intake
• Children often consume ketchup liberally with foods like chicken nuggets and fries
• Compared to fresh tomatoes, which contain about 2.6g of sugar per 100g, ketchup has concentrated sugar from added sweeteners

Heinz has introduced lower-sugar versions in response to consumer demand, including their "Simply Heinz" line which uses cane sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup. These alternatives typically contain about 25% less sugar than the traditional formula.

How Heinz Compares to Other Brands

When evaluating Heinz tomato sauce nutritional information, comparison with other popular brands provides valuable context:

Brand	Calories (per tbsp)	Sugar (g)	Sodium (mg)
Heinz Regular	15	3.5	150
Heinz Simply	20	4	140
Del Monte	20	4	160
Store Brand	15-20	3-4	140-160
Homemade (basic)	10-15	2-3	50-100

Data sourced from USDA FoodData Central (accessed September 2023) shows minimal nutritional differences between major commercial ketchup brands. The most significant variation appears in homemade versions, which typically contain less sugar and sodium when prepared without added sweeteners.

Practical Usage Recommendations

Based on this nutritional analysis, here are practical suggestions for incorporating Heinz tomato sauce into your diet:

• Measure portions rather than pouring freely to maintain awareness of consumption
• Consider using half the typical amount and supplementing with fresh tomato slices for similar flavor with less sugar
• Pair with high-protein foods to balance the carbohydrate content
• For children, use smaller portion sizes (1 teaspoon instead of 1 tablespoon)
• Check expiration dates as nutritional content can degrade over time in opened containers

Special Dietary Considerations

Heinz Tomato Ketchup meets several common dietary requirements:

• Gluten-free: Verified by the manufacturer and certified by the Gluten Intolerance Group
• Vegan: Contains no animal products (verified by PETA's corporate criteria)
• Kosher: Certified by the Orthodox Union (OU)
• Halal: Certified by the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America

However, individuals following specific therapeutic diets like keto or low-FODMAP should note the carbohydrate content. While the 4g of carbs per tablespoon may fit within some dietary frameworks, those on strict carbohydrate-restricted diets may need to limit consumption.

Evolution of the Heinz Formula

Understanding how Heinz tomato sauce nutritional information has changed over time provides valuable context. The original Heinz formula from 1876 contained:

• Higher vinegar content (for preservation)
• No added sugar (relying solely on tomato sweetness)
• Lower tomato concentration
• Various preservatives no longer used

The modern formula evolved through the 20th century to balance flavor preferences, preservation needs, and manufacturing efficiency. The most significant change occurred in the 1980s when high fructose corn syrup replaced some cane sugar to reduce costs. This shift increased the sugar content slightly while maintaining the distinctive Heinz flavor profile that consumers expect.

Reading Between the Nutrition Label Lines

Nutrition labels tell part of the story, but understanding what's not stated matters too. Heinz Tomato Ketchup contains no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors according to their website. The "spice" ingredient typically includes allspice, cinnamon, and cloves in proprietary proportions that contribute to Heinz's distinctive taste without significantly affecting the nutritional profile.

Unlike some competing products, Heinz does not use artificial sweeteners in their standard formula. Their lower-sugar alternatives achieve reduced sweetness through formulation adjustments rather than artificial substitutes.

Storage and Nutritional Stability

Proper storage affects nutritional integrity. According to food safety guidelines from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, opened Heinz ketchup maintains optimal quality and nutritional value for 6 months when refrigerated. After this period, vitamin C content gradually decreases, though safety remains intact for much longer.

Temperature fluctuations during storage can accelerate nutrient degradation. For best results, keep your ketchup bottle tightly sealed and stored consistently in the refrigerator door rather than on room temperature shelves.