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The official start of summer may be a few weeks away, but in my book, June means it’s officially summer. That means, grilling season! And, you’re going to need this low carb sugar-free ketchup recipe for all your cookouts this summer.
Keto ketchup pairs perfectly with some juicy burgers on top of low carb hamburger buns. And if you like mayo on your burgers along with the sugar-free ketchup, check out my homemade avocado mayo recipe.
I think a refreshing salad makes a great side for summertime. But, I also want to do more grilling this year. Admittedly I’m relatively new to it, but am definitely enjoying the learning process. Not to mention convincing my husband to do more of it. 😉
We tested a new recipe for grilled cabbage steaks over Memorial Day weekend, so go add those to your list to try!
For now, let’s talk about why I created this sugar-free ketchup recipe…
Is Ketchup Low Carb?
There are various reasons that you could be looking for sugar-free ketchup. Some people just want to reduce their sugar intake (which is great!), while others may be eating low carb or keto.
So, can you eat ketchup on a low carb diet? The answer is, it depends, but usually no.
Traditional store bought ketchup is not low carb or keto. It’s made with added sugar, or even worse, corn syrup. The nutrition info varies by brand, but it’s roughly 4 to 5 grams of sugar per tablespoon of ketchup. That may not sound like much, but it can really add up! And because it’s mostly simple, added sugar, it definitely spikes insulin.
There are some sugar-free ketchup brands, but most of them use artificial sweeteners, which I prefer to avoid.
Fortunately, there is still a way to enjoy ketchup on a low carb diet and avoid sugar. Just use my sugar-free ketchup recipe instead! It has only 1 gram of sugar per serving, which comes only from the tomatoes.
The Key To Low Carb Ketchup or Keto Ketchup
The key to making low carb ketchup or keto ketchup is really just the sweetener. Instead of sugar, or syrup, we use powdered monk fruit or powdered erythritol.
Why powdered and not granulated? Because this ensures that the ketchup is smooth, and not grainy.
You can also use a concentrated liquid sweetener if you prefer. Liquid monk fruit extract is my favorite. Otherwise, you can also make this sugar-free ketchup with stevia. Make sure it’s the liquid or concentrated powdered form, not a granulated blend.
Ingredients for a Sugar-free Ketchup Recipe
To figure out the ingredients for a homemade sugar-free ketchup recipe, I simply looked at the bottles of several popular brands of regular ketchup.
Of course they didn’t specify amounts, and some of the listings for spices were nondescript. But, it was a good starting point.
Here are the ingredients I ended up with in my low carb ketchup recipe:
- Tomato paste
- Water
- Powdered sweetener (see notes about sweeteners above!)
- White vinegar (or use apple cider vinegar for paleo)
- Sea salt
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Ground cloves
- Mustard powder
How To Make Sugar-free Ketchup from Scratch
The process for how to make sugar-free ketchup is super simple! It’s actually somewhat similar to my favorite low carb sugar-free BBQ sauce.
Start by whisking all the ingredients together in a small saucepan. Then, simmer over low heat for about 30 minutes. The mixture will reduce, meaning some of the water evaporates, the flavors will combine, and the sugar-free ketchup will thicken.
The amount of time needed for the keto ketchup to reduce and thicken will vary widely. It will depend on the size of your pan and the temperature of your stove. Just continue simmering gently, stirring occasionally, until it’s as thick as you want it.
Finally, puree the sugar-free ketchup in a blender. (A high-power blender works best.) This step is not required, but I highly recommend it for the smoothest texture that is most similar to the ketchup you’re probably used to.
How To Store Homemade Sugar-free Ketchup
Homemade sugar-free ketchup stores very well in the fridge. It will keep for at least a week, maybe even longer. The vinegar really helps to preserve it.
Sometimes, this low carb ketchup can separate a bit if it sits for a while. Give it a stir and it will return to normal.
If you’re wondering what that is in the picture below, they’re paleo low carb chicken nuggets. You totally have to try them with this homemade sugar-free ketchup!
More Low Carb Recipes To Love
RECIPE CARD
Keto Low Carb Sugar-free Ketchup Recipe
Everyone will love this homemade sugar-free ketchup recipe! If you want to reduce sugar, or are looking for keto low carb ketchup, this is for you. Just a few minutes prep with simple ingredients, and it tastes just like the regular kind!
PrintIngredients
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- 6 oz Tomato paste
- 1 cup Water
- 1/4 cup Powdered erythritol (or powdered monk fruit)
- 3 tbsp White vinegar (or apple cider vinegar for paleo)
- 1 tsp Sea salt
- 3/4 tsp Onion powder
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp Paprika
- 1/8 tsp Ground cloves
- 1/8 tsp Mustard powder
Instructions
More TIPS about this recipe in the post above!
VIDEO + NUTRITION INFO + RECIPE NOTES below!
Whisk all ingredients in a small saucepan, until smooth.
Simmer for about 30 minutes over low heat, with a cover, until the ketchup thickens (reduces) to your desired thickness. (Time will vary widely depending on the size of your pan.) Stir occasionally while simmering. Taste, and adjust salt and sweetener if needed.
For the best consistency, puree the ketchup in a high-power blender for at least 30 seconds, until smooth. (This step is optional, but recommended for texture.)
SIMILAR KETO LOW CARB RECIPES
Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 tbsp
Entire recipe makes 3/4 cup, or 12 tablespoons.
Video Showing How To Make Low Carb Ketchup:
Click or tap on the image below to play the video. It's the easiest way to learn how to make Low Carb Ketchup!
NUTRITION INFORMATION PER SERVING
Where does nutrition info come from? Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy, sourced from the USDA Food Database. You can find individual ingredient carb counts we use in the Low Carb & Keto Food List. Carb count excludes sugar alcohols. Net carb count excludes both fiber and sugar alcohols, because these do not affect blood sugar in most people. We try to be accurate, but feel free to make your own calculations.
More Low Carb & Keto Support!
If you want to know more about how to start a low carb diet, want to substitute sweeteners, need a food list, or need support, check these guides:
Low Carb & Keto Diet Plan
Starter Guide 
Sweetener Conversion Calculator 
Keto Low Carb Macro Calculator 
Low Carb Keto Food List
© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. We'd LOVE for you to share a link to this recipe, but please DO NOT COPY/PASTE the recipe instructions to social media or websites. You may share a photo with a link back instead.
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47 Comments
Carolyn Fox
I made this and find it very vinegary. Love the tomato taste though. What can I add to cut down on the vinegar taste? Thank you.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Carolyn, You can reduce the vinegar next time if you’d like. For the current batch, sometimes more salt helps cut the vinegar.
Barbara
Perfect! You’ve changed my Keto life! Ketchup is a necessity and before this recipe I was struggling- now I can enjoy my food. Thank you!!!
Donna
Awesome. I wont buy ketchup again. I only use half the monkfruit.
Lauren
Hi there, I’m just wondering how long this keeps in the fridge and have you tried to freeze the leftovers? Tastes great! Cheers, Lauren
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Lauren, The storage info is in the post above. It keeps for at least a week in the fridge, sometimes even longer. The vinegar preserves it well. You can freeze it, too!
RLB
HOLY COW THIS IS AMAZING….love the hint of cloves. Why would I ever buy packaged ketchup anyone. Super easy to make.
Kristine
I can’t wait to try this… I didn’t see asked and apologize if it’s a dupe question… how long will this keep in the fridge once assembled?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Kristine, This info is in the post above. It will keep for at least a week.
Kim Krueger
Delicious! I’ve been missing ketchup and here it is!
Tina
I made this and it’s absolutely delicious. Thank you.
Sandra
Maya: Our son has a physical issue with some tomato products; I was wondering how to use something else for a topping. So, I thought about using 2 or three slices of bacon on top, just around the perimeter of the loaf instead. Yes, these will add extra counts to all of the nutrition facts. We also could try this w/o anything on top as well.
Your thoughts, please. Also, if there’s anyone out there w/suggestions, feel free to comment. Thank You to Maya & commenters.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Sandra, You left the comment for a ketchup recipe. 🙂 Are you asking about topping for a meatloaf? If so, I’m sure you could do it with bacon or even omit the topping altogether.
Summer
I love this homemade recipe because it has so much less salt than store bought ketchup!
This recipe is so creative! Thank you for sharing.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
I am happy you liked it, Summer! Have a nice day!
Jaweriya
This is a brilliant recipe – I am definitely going to try it.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Thank you, Jaweriya! Hope you like it!
Dani
Hey Maya, I just wanted to let you know your nutrition info is pretty off. 6oz of tomato paste has roughly 25 net carbs (even the one you linked to has 24 net carbs), so theres no possible way that 1/12th of the resulting ketchup has 0 net carbs.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Dani, The nutrition info listed is not 0g net carbs, it’s 2g net carbs per serving. Thanks!
Maria
I made this tonight for burgers and fries. it doesn’t really taste like storebought ketchup, but it is really good! Much stronger flavor, and the tomato really shines through. I liked it a lot, especially how quick it was to make.nice sharing. thanks for the recipe. good one.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Thank you so much, Maria! I’m glad you liked it.
Diana
Hi I already get your emails. I love them but I also would love the recipe ebook.
Thank you
Diana
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Thank you so much, Diana! The free e-book is found in the members area – there’s a link to it at the bottom of every newsletter email. 🙂
Diane
Love this keto ketchup. So good. Used a Monk/erythritol blend from Bulk Barn, and did blemd for smoothness. A keeper! Thank you.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
I am so glad to hear that, Diane! Thank you!
Lily
Thanks for sharing the secret recipe with us. The tomato ketchup recipe looks thick and flavorful with those lovely ingredients. It sounds wonderful. As usual, the pictures look stunning. Thanks a lot! I love simple recipes so much. How long does this last? Can it be made ahead?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Lily, Yes, you can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for at least a week, possibly longer.
Angela
I made this for dinner tonight to go with my keto meatloaf. Absolutly delicious! Thank you.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
I am so happy you liked the ketchup, Angela! Thanks for stopping by!
Erika D
How much liquid stevia should I use instead of the powdered? I’m afraid 1/4 would probably be too much!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Erika, You’d definitely need a lot less if using liquid stevia. Check the conversion chart here.
Debbie Angell
I’m so happy to find this recipe! Using regular ketchup is not good for me on Keto; store bought sugar free ones either contain bad ingredients or cost an astronomical amount of money. This is great! I love the flavor and the amount produced from the recipe is perfect for my household. Thank you so much! 5 star rating!!!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
I am so happy to hear that, Debbie! Thanks for stopping by!
Shauna
This is FABULOUS as are all your recipes I’ve tried! We will be making this on a regular basis!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
I am so happy to hear that, Shauna! Please come back again soon! Have a nice day!
Andrea
How long does it stay good? Can you make a bigger batch and put it in the fridge or freezer?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Andrea, It’s good in the fridge for at least a week, maybe even a couple weeks.
Laura
I just made this and it is delicious! No more store bought for me.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
I am so happy to hear that, Laura! Please come back again soon!
Michele
Maya, I was concerned about the tomato paste. I have a can in my pantry that has 6g of carbs in 1 Tbsp (total). Is that OK to use in this recipe?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Michele, Yes, it’s ok to use (assuming there is no added sugar in the ingredient list). Tomato paste is just very concentrated tomatoes, hence the relatively high carb count, but by the time you add water and other ingredients, it turns out fine. You can see the nutrition info for the actual ketchup on the recipe card above.
Eric D. Meehan
This really taste great, thanks for posting this recipe. When I made mine I ended up with way more than 3/4 of a cup though, more like 1 1/4 cup not sure why. I am thinking that this will also change the nutrition value as well? Less calories, less sugar, and less carbs per serving/Tbsp?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Eric, I’m so glad you liked it! The amount can vary depending on how much the ketchup thickens / how much water evaporates during cooking. If you ended up with more servings than I did, then yes, the amount of calories/carbs/sugar/etc per serving would be less.
Christine Hughes
Oh, my!!! This was exactly what I was hoping for. I’ve been on the Keto diet for 5 1/2 weeks and, even though I don’t usually eat much ketchup, I was really craving some with my homemade hamburger patties. Your recipe is perfect! I even had my hubby try it and he gave it a thumbs up! Thank you SO MUCH!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
I am so happy you liked the ketchup, Christine! Thanks for stopping by!
Roberta
Super-easy! Do you think that it could be an option (to avoid heating and using stove) to thicken the sauce maintaining the same recipe, but instead of making it become more concentrated by evaporation, simply adding a tiny amount of xanthan gum? I usually use this method for some other sauces, blending them with my immersion blender to avoid having to clean my professional blender, and it works quite well…
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Thank you, Roberta! I haven’t tried that, it might work. Not sure if it would affect the texture a little, though, and heating does help the flavors develop a bit. Please let me know how it goes if you try your method with this one!