Buzz
Take a look at these ingredient lists:
McDonald's Fancy Ketchup: Tomato concentrate from ripe red tomatoes, distilled vinegar, high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, water, salt, and natural flavors (derived from vegetables).
Heinz: Tomato concentrate made from red ripe tomatoes, distilled vinegar, high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, salt, spices, onion powder, and natural flavoring.
Hunt’s: Tomato concentrate from vine-ripened tomatoes, high fructose corn syrup, distilled vinegar, corn syrup, salt, and less than 2% onion powder, garlic powder, and natural flavors.
While the ingredient proportions vary slightly and the spice blends differ, all three ketchups are essentially the same. So, what makes McDonald's ketchup stand out as the fancier option?
It turns out there's nothing particularly unique about the ingredient list. According to Heinz, “fancy” is simply a USDA classification that producers can use for marketing purposes if their product meets the criteria for US Grade A/US Fancy tomato ketchup. This grade indicates superior color, consistency, and flavor, with fewer specks and particles, and less separation between the liquid and solid contents compared to US Grade B/US Extra Standard Ketchup and US Grade C/US Standard Ketchup.
What factors determine ketchup grading? Testers assess the product for the absence of tomato skins and seeds, a smooth, consistent texture, and a total acidity greater than one percent, among other factors. For a detailed explanation of ketchup grading, refer to this USDA manual.
