How Many Calories in Ketchup?
1 lingură (17g) = 17 kcal
Nutritional Values per 100g
Standard Serving
1 lingură (17g) contains 17 calories.
Best time: In small amounts, as an occasional condiment, not as a main source of vegetables in your diet
Benefits
- ✓Contains lycopene, a carotenoid antioxidant from tomatoes, whose bioavailability increases through the thermal processing of tomatoes
- ✓Relatively low calorie content per typical serving (a tablespoon), compared to other sauces and condiments
- ✓Practically fat-free (0.3g/100g), useful for those closely tracking fat intake
- ✓Intense flavor that can reduce the need for separately added salt in some dishes
- ✓Also available in reduced-sugar versions, for those monitoring added sugar intake
Considerations
- !High added sugar content (about 20g/100g) - a significant portion of ketchup's calories come from sugar, not tomatoes
- !High sodium in many commercial versions (about 900-1100mg/100g) - relevant for people monitoring blood pressure
- !Real-world portions are often underestimated - 2-3 tablespoons at a fast-food meal can add 50-75 calories and 15g of sugar unnoticed
FitAzi Tip
FitAzi recommends limiting ketchup to 1-2 tablespoons per meal and checking the label for added sugar content - some "no added sugar" versions use alternative sweeteners with a better calorie profile. Don't mistake ketchup for a vegetable serving - processed tomatoes in sauce don't provide the same fiber and micronutrients as a fresh tomato.
Frequently Asked Questions
A tablespoon of ketchup (17g) has 17 calories, coming mainly from added sugar (about 3.4g). It's a small amount of calories per serving, but the sugar adds up quickly if you use 3-4 tablespoons.
100g of ketchup has 101 calories, with about 25g of carbohydrates, of which 20g is added sugar. Although it seems like a "vegetable" sauce, most of its calories come from sugar added during manufacturing, not from tomatoes.
Yes, most commercial ketchup varieties have a relatively high sodium content, around 900-1100mg/100g. Combined with its sugar content, ketchup is a condiment worth using in moderation, especially for people monitoring blood pressure or added sugar intake.
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Disclaimer
Nutritional values shown are approximate and may vary depending on preparation method and origin. Consult a nutrition specialist for personalized recommendations.