Ketchup or Mayo? Which is the Healthiest Condiment? (2024)

FAQs

What is healthier, mayonnaise or ketchup? ›

Yes? Ketchup is a low-calorie condiment, made from tomatoes, vinegar, salt, pepper, and spices. It contains 15 calories per tablespoon and vitamins A and C. Compared with its competitor mayonnaise, ketchup has no fat and far fewer calories per tablespoon (mayo contains 103 calories, 12 grams fat).

From a nutrition perspective, mustard typically is a better-for-you choice than ketchup. “Mustard is healthier than ketchup. It's lower in calories and does not have high fructose corn syrup like most ketchup brands.

It is mostly fat and calorie-dense, making it easy for calories and fat to quickly add up when you're not paying attention to portion sizes. In addition, some people steer clear of the popular condiment due to concerns that improperly stored mayonnaise may be a hotbed for bacteria.

If you enjoy ketchup, you may be happy to hear that because it's made with tomatoes, it's a good source of lycopene. Adding more lycopene to your diet may help protect you from cancer, heart disease, and other chronic conditions. However, some ketchup varieties prove high in sugar and salt.

That's right—mayonnaise! According to sales figures, the creamy sandwich spread regularly accounts for more than $2 billion in annual revenue. Many consider mayo to be the top condiment in the U.S. What's the top condiment worldwide?

Good sandwich choices include sliced deli or rotisserie chicken, turkey, ham, lean roast beef, canned salmon or tuna, nut butter, grilled tempeh or tofu, smashed cooked beans, and reduced-fat cheese. Unsure about serving size?

Canola oil, avocado oil and olive oil mayonnaise are available as “healthier” options. Both are higher in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, but the calories are the same. Additionally, olive oil-based versions tend to combine olive oil with other vegetable oils so that the flavor isn't too overpowering.

It contains high quantities of sugar, salt, fructose, preservatives and corn syrup. All of these ingredients when combined together have an adverse effect on the body.

What is the unhealthiest sauce? ›

What is the healthiest condiment? Vinegar was the top pick of both dietitians. Drizzling it over beef, poultry or vegetables can boost taste without adding many calories.

Mayonnaise alone will not cause weight gain or loss. You can incorporate mayonnaise into your eating plan in moderation, similar to sugar, chocolate, and other added fats. Choosing a reduced or non-fat version may include more mayonnaise without as many calories as traditional mayonnaise.

Some healthy mayo alternatives would be using a full fat, plain Greek yogurt, mashed avocado, or just a mix of olive oil and an acidic liquid like red wine vinegar or lemon juice, like in this favorite potato salad recipe. These healthy fats also provide essential nutrients for a balanced diet, so it's a win-win.

Endurance athletes need to consume carbohydrates for sustained energy during prolonged activities. Carbs are the body's go-to energy source, especially during intense activities, and Heinz ketchup contains carbs primarily in the form of sugar from the tomatoes.

Both are calorie-and fat-dense spreads that should be used in moderation, says Melissa Joy Dobbins, RD, of the American Dietetic Association. But your better bet is mayonnaise, which contains less saturated fat than butter (1.5 g per tablespoon versus 7.3 g in butter).