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Mustard and ketchup are different condiments: prepared mustard is made from ground mustard seed, while ketchup has its own U.S. food standard of identity. To compare them, check the ingredients and nutrition panel on the specific products, then consider their flavor, style, intended use and any allergen concerns.
What is the difference between mustard and ketchup?
Prepared mustard has a mustard-seed base. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidance describes it as a paste made with ground mustard seed, mustard flour or mustard cake, salt and vinegar. Sugar or dextrose, spices and other condiments may also be included. FDA food-labeling guidance explains the composition and labeling of prepared mustard.
Ketchup is a separate condiment category. The FDA identifies ketchup as a food with a standard of identity, meaning a regulation may set out required or optional ingredients, proportions or production methods. That standard does not mean every brand or variety uses the same recipe. The USDA standards directory lists both catsup (ketchup or catchup) and prepared mustard.
How to compare specific products
There is no sound basis here for saying mustard is always healthier than ketchup, or vice versa. The sources do not provide matched nutrition values for particular products; use their own labels to compare them.
#1 Best Overall
- One Grill Pack of Heinz Ketchup, Sweet Relish & Yellow Mustard, 37.5 oz, 16.5 fl oz
- Heinz Ketchup, Sweet Relish & Yellow Mustard Grill Pack includes all your favorite condiments
- Tomato ketchup, sweet pickle relish and yellow mustard are made with the highest quality ingredients
- Perfect for grilling, family picnics, barbecues and camping trips
- Great on burgers, hot dogs, sausages, grilled chicken, fries and more
- Read the ingredient lists. In the United States, FDA guidance says ingredients are listed by common or usual name in descending order of predominance by weight. Prepared mustard can include optional ingredients, so check the container rather than assume a standard recipe.
- Compare nutrition panels. Look at the specific nutrients that matter to you on the two products. A broad category label cannot tell you how their nutrition compares.
- Consider style and dish. Codex describes mustard as a ground-seed condiment sauce and gives Dijon and hot mustard as examples. These are examples, not a complete list or a guarantee that products with the same style name have identical formulations. Choose according to the flavor and food you want.
- Check allergen needs. Mustard is a priority food allergen under Canadian guidance. People with mustard allergy should avoid products containing it; if ingredients are unclear, Health Canada advises contacting the manufacturer. This is Canadian guidance, so follow the relevant rules and medical advice where you live.
Why ketchup has a food standard
Food standards of identity define aspects of how a named food is made or what it contains; they can specify required and optional ingredients, proportions or production methods. Ketchup’s inclusion in the FDA’s standards does not make every ketchup identical. The FDA overview of food standards of identity explains the purpose of these standards.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.A note on ketchup’s history
The Library of Congress’s January 31, 2025 article, “Playing Ketchup: A Condiment and the Pure Food Movement,” describes ketchup’s scrutiny as U.S. food-manufacturing regulation developed and relates that story to the growth of canned food after the Civil War. It is a history of ketchup and food regulation, not evidence of a detailed history of the ketchup-and-mustard pairing.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Contains one 20-ounce squeeze bottle of Hunt's Tomato Ketchup
- Taste the difference with Hunt's vine-ripened tomatoes, choice seasonings and spices
- This classic ketchup is delicious to dip or top burgers, nuggets, tots, fries and more
- Full of flavor, Hunt's Ketchup makes the perfect tomato condiment or ingredient for your favorite recipes
- Enjoy this tasty, thick ketchup with no preservatives
Rank #4
- CLASSIC FLAVOR: Consistently smooth and tangy yellow mustard condiment, crafted by master grinders with stone-ground, #1 grade mustard seeds.
- CONVENIENT CONDIMENT: Great for bringing a brighter bite to favorite foods at the tailgate, backyard cookout, picnic, ballpark, and more.
- VERSATILE MUSTARD: Squeeze mustard onto cheeseburgers. Dip or dunk chicken tenders and French fries. Spread over sandwiches or stir into potato salad. The list goes on and on when it comes to creative and fun ways to enjoy the tang!
- FOR EVERYTHING & EVERYONE: Delivers classic taste and tang to turkey sandwiches, cheeseburgers, bratwurst, hot dogs, and more.
- FEEL-GOOD TANG: Classic Yellow Mustard is gluten free with no artificial flavors making it a condiment you can feel good about sharing with family and friends.
Rank #3
- HEINZ TOMATO KETCHUP: One 32 oz inverted squeeze bottle expertly crafted from vine-ripened tomatoes
- MADE FROM RED RIPE TOMATOES: Heinz Ketchup tomatoes are perfectly ripe when they leave the field to capture optimal freshness and flavor
- THICK TEXTURE AND RICH TASTE: Enjoy on burgers, hot dogs, fries and eggs
- GROWN NOT MADE: Every bottle of Heinz Ketchup only uses tomatoes grown from Heinz seeds
- KOSHER KETCHUP: Prepared with kosher preferences in mind
Rank #2
- One 20 oz bottle of Heinz Yellow Mustard
- Heinz Yellow Mustard delivers the perfect balance of flavor and tang
- Offers the thick and rich taste you expect from Heinz
- Contains 0 calories per serving
- Made with #1 grade mustard seeds
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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