Which ketchup should you avoid buying and what to pay attention to - read in the article by RBK-Ukraine (Styler project). This information is reported by Contracts.UA.
Why can some ketchups be harmful?
Some manufacturers add excessive amounts of sugar to ketchup, making it not only harmful to your figure but can also negatively affect the health of people with diabetes or insulin resistance.
Dyes, flavorings, preservatives, and other artificial additives can cause allergic reactions and other health problems.
E129 and E124 are dyes that provide a bright red color. They are usually added when there is a lack of tomatoes in the ketchup, as it is necessary to give the jelly-like mass a natural appearance.
These dyes (granules or powder) are synthetic and derived from petroleum products. They are not prohibited for use in the food industry. However, studies have shown that in allergy-prone individuals, especially children, they can provoke skin rashes, hives, and shortness of breath. Medical professionals warn their patients against products containing such additives.
E124 also contains sodium salts, which are considered potential carcinogens. Therefore, this dye is banned in countries such as the USA, Norway, and Finland. So if you see these dyes in the ketchup's ingredients, it's better not to buy it.
It is worth noting that some manufacturers may use low-quality tomatoes or tomato paste, which affects the taste and nutritional value of the ketchup.
Additionally, manufacturers may provide false information on the label about the product's composition, misleading consumers.
How to choose quality ketchup?
Read the label carefully
Pay attention to the product's composition. Ketchup should contain a minimal number of ingredients, with tomatoes or tomato paste listed first.
Choose ketchup with low sugar content
Prefer ketchups with low sugar content or none at all.
Avoid ketchups with a high amount of artificial additives
Try to choose ketchups with minimal artificial colors, flavorings, and preservatives.
Choose well-known manufacturers
Prefer ketchups from reputable brands that value their reputation and control the quality of their products.
Pay attention to the price
Quality ketchup is never cheap! An unusually low price may indicate the use of low-quality ingredients. For example, in Ukrainian stores, the price of quality ketchup starts at 50 hryvnias. If you're offered a "promotional product" priced at, say, 12 hryvnias, this should raise serious concerns.
Which ketchups should you avoid?
Unfortunately, we cannot name specific ketchup brands that should not be bought, as this could be considered negative advertising. However, there are certain tips that, if followed, can help you avoid "falling into the trap" and purchasing a low-quality product.
The ketchup has an overly bright color
A bright red color in ketchup may indicate the use of artificial dyes. Be wary of such products and do not purchase them.
The ketchup has an unnatural smell
An unpleasant or chemical smell from the ketchup may indicate the use of low-quality ingredients or violations in the production process. It's best to avoid such products.
The ketchup has an overly thick or runny consistency
An overly thick or runny consistency of ketchup may indicate the use of thickeners or insufficient tomatoes. Typically, good sauces are sold in glass bottles, while cheaper ones come in plastic packaging.
Of course, a product in a glass container will cost more than the same one in plastic packaging.
The ketchup label lacks information about the composition
This is a red flag when choosing any product! The absence of information about the ketchup's composition on the label is a serious violation and may indicate a low-quality product.