What are the main ingredients in commercial ketchup?
Commercial ketchup typically includes tomato concentrate, sugar, vinegar, salt, and spices, though formulations vary by region: in the US, high-fructose corn syrup is commonly used as a sweetener, while European brands often opt for cane sugar or reduce sugar content. In Asian markets, ingredients like garlic or ginger may be added for local flavor profiles. Regardless of region, tomato concentrate (with 28-30% solids) remains the core ingredient, and most products include preservatives like sodium benzoate to extend shelf life, with organic variants replacing synthetic preservatives with natural alternatives like vinegar.