A ccording to the folks at the Eighth World Tomato Congress held in Toronto, Canada, approximately 35.8 million tons of ketchup were consumed worldwide in 2008. An Epicurious taste test designed to find the best brand of this wildly popular condiment yielded surprising results.

In our search for a favorite, we knew we wanted a smooth and full-bodied ketchup (to delicately embrace fries) but not an overly viscous one. It also must have a good balance of sweet, sour, and salty flavors. To find this ideal ketchup, we tasted 20 different varieties, all available at supermarkets or online. The products included those marketed as organic, kosher, no-salt, reduced-sugar, 1-carb, sugar-/calorie-free, unsweetened, and/or sweetened with agave. Yes, we included the top two brand-name sellers, Heinz and Hunt's, as well as lesser-known and private label brands.*

Methodology: In a blind taste test, six judges compared the appearance, flavor, and consistency of the ketchups (judges tasted the ketchups both on bland water crackers and on French fries). They then ranked them according to the standard Epicurious four-fork rating system (four being highest). One Epi Top Pick emerged from the group, earning a four-fork rating. Four others garnered recognition in their specific subcategories.

Best Overall Ketchup

Epi Top Pick: Hunt's Tomato Ketchup ($1.99 per 24 oz. plastic bottle)

Pros: This ketchup's boldly rich red color and its slick appearance had testers dipping their fries without hesitation. "It has an obvious tomato flavor with a mild tang, and it's not overly sweet," remarked one tester about this well-balanced ketchup. "It's not watery and not too thick," said another tester. "This is undeniably the ideal classic ketchup," said another.

Cons: Has 20 calories per tablespoon as opposed to the standard 15 found in most of the competition.

First Runner-up: America's Choice Tomato Ketchup ($2.55 per 36 oz. plastic bottle)

Pros: Aside from being the least expensive of all the winners, this ketchup was noted for its "smooth" look and balanced "mild" flavor. "Not too sweet and not too salty," stated one taster. "This one is so good that I'd eat it with a spoon," exclaimed another.

Cons: Many commented on its lack of tang.

Second Runner-up: Heinz Tomato Ketchup ($2.19 per 14 oz. plastic bottle)

Pros: Noted for its glistening texture and fire-engine-red color, this "tomatoey" ketchup with "tomato soup" aromas was considered pleasantly tangy and sweet.

Cons: Relatively watery consistency.

Best Healthy Tomato Ketchup

Four of the ketchups we tested were marketed as either unsweetened, low-carb, low-salt, or made with reduced sugar.

Winner: Reduced-Sugar Heinz ($3.59 per 14 oz. bottle)

Pros: Several judges appreciated this ketchup for its spiciness and thickness.

Cons: The orangey-red coloring made this choice's appearance somewhat unappetizing.

Best Organic Tomato Ketchup

Eight of the ketchups we tested were marketed as organic.

Winner: Organicville ($4.99 per 24 oz. bottle)

Pros: This ketchup's appeal is based on a natural and fresh looking appearance. "Its matte, nonreflective finish makes this one look like a dollop of puréed tomatoes," noticed one taster. "It looks and tastes healthy," said another.

Cons: Most expensive of all ketchups tasted. Some judges missed the standard ketchup viscosity and disliked its Worcestershire sauce–like flavor.

*Sales information provided by Information Resources, Inc., a Chicago-based market research firm.

Prices and availability subject to change.

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