Tomato-based Sauces & Ketchup
Tomato-based sauces and ketchup are versatile condiments and cooking bases made primarily from tomatoes, often seasoned with vinegar, sugar, salt, and spices. Ketchup is a specific, sweet-and-tangy version of this category, originating from a fermented fish sauce in Southeast Asia before evolving into the tomato-based staple we know today.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
These sauces are generally high in carbohydrates, primarily from added sugars and natural tomato sugars, and are low in fat and protein. They are a good source of the antioxidant lycopene and provide vitamins A and C, with a typical serving containing around 20-40 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 20 kcal |
| Protein | 0.2 g |
| Carbs | 5.6 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0.1 g |
| Sugar | 4.8 g |
| Sodium | 160 mg |
| Lycopene | 2.5 mg |
| Vitamin C | 1.8 mg |
| Vitamin A | 8 µg RAE |
| Potassium | 57 mg |
| Vitamin K | 1.5 µg |
Per 1 tablespoon (17 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Ketchup's ancestor was a savory, umami-rich fish sauce called 'kê-tsiap,' highlighting a fascinating journey of culinary adaptation. Nutritionally, the cooking process used in many tomato sauces can actually increase the bioavailability of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to heart health.
