Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for sugar free ketchup, what each one does in my recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Tomato Paste – This is the base and the main flavor. I prefer a can of tomato paste combined with a cup of water, rather than tomato sauce, because the flavor is more intense that way. But if all you’ve got is tomato sauce, use 2 cups of tomato sauce and 2/3 cup of water instead — and you’ll need to simmer for much longer to let it reduce. Besti Powdered Monk Fruit Allulose Blend – The key to making low carb ketchup or keto ketchup is really just the sweetener. This one dissolves effortlessly, and tastes and measures like sugar, so it’s the only one I like in my sugar free ketchup. Notes on other options: Powdered allulose also works great, but add 1 1/2 extra tablespoons. Most other sugar substitutes will crystallize, leaving a gritty or grainy texture. (This includes most brands labeled “monk fruit” or “stevia”, which are usually mainly erythritol or maltodextrin — check the ingredient list and you’ll notice it’s listed first.) Concentrated liquid sweeteners, like liquid monk fruit extract or stevia, would work, but these will leave an aftertaste and you’d need to use much less. White Vinegar – To make the ketchup tangy. Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar make a decent substitutes, they’re just a bit less neutral in flavor. Spices – You’ll need sea salt, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, ground cloves, and mustard powder. I modeled these after Heinz, but had to improvise because they don’t publish the exact spices. Funny enough, some readers are telling me mine tastes better — so thank you! 😊
How To Make Sugar Free Ketchup
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
Storage Options
Store: Pour your keto ketchup into a mason jar or other airtight container (I like to use a squeezable bottle with a flip cap!), and stash it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. If you notice any separation, just shake or stir it, and it’ll be good as new. Freeze: You can freeze the whole batch in zip lock bags, but I prefer a silicone ice cube tray, so I can pop out individual portions. (I do this for my sugar-free BBQ sauce as well.) Either way, this sugar free ketchup will keep in the freezer for up to 3-6 months. Canning: I haven’t tried it yet, but you should be able to can this in a water bath.
Serving Ideas
You probably already know the most common ways to use ketchup, but here are my healthier versions of the classics:
Stir occasionally, but otherwise keep it covered. The sugar free ketchup can splatter as it simmers, especially as it gets thick, so a lid prevents a big mess. Simmering time can vary widely. It can depend on the size of your pan, the exact heat of your stove, and even your brand of tomato paste. Bigger pans will need less time. Cooked it too long? Just add more water to thin it out. Adjust to your taste. You can always tweak it at the end! If it’s too tart, add a bit more powdered Besti. If it’s too flat, a pinch more salt could do the trick. If it’s too salty, a splash of vinegar can perk it up.
Burgers – Slather this ketchup and homemade mayo on your hamburgers tucked between low carb hamburger buns, along with lettuce, tomatoes, and red onions. If you’re grilling for a cookout, my creamy cauliflower potato salad is the perfect pairing. Hot Dogs – Make hot dogs on my keto hot dog buns, or try my bacon wrapped hot dogs for something new. Chicken – Dip your keto chicken nuggets (pictured above) or crispy low carb chicken tenders into my sugar free ketchup. My kids love them. Fries – My fave low carb options are rutabaga fries, jicama fries, or cauliflower tots. If you’re reducing sugar but not strict on carbs, dunk garlic parmesan fries or air fryer french fries instead. Meatloaf – Whether it’s a classic meatloaf or my special keto meatloaf, don’t forget to top it with a generous layer of this sugar free ketchup. It adds that perfect tangy finish!
More Homemade Sugar Free Condiments
Did you know how many sauces and dressings you can make at home (with much cleaner ingredients)? Try my versions, all sugar-free and super simple: Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email.
The entire recipe makes 3/4 cup, or 12 tablespoons.
📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Easy Keto Carboholics’ Cookbook. Lately I’ve been thinking about how much I miss making those videos, something I thought I’d never say. As a pretty shy introvert, they were so hard! But they also stretched me to grow, and for that I’m grateful. In case you missed it, I put a pause on YouTube when we moved to Florida. I needed time to get settled, get new equipment… oh, and figure out how to shoot those videos myself for the first time ever, instead of having help from my videographer friend. It’s going to be a whole new learning experience, but I can’t wait! So if you want to be the first to know when I post my next recipe video, subscribe to my channel here.
