Ketchup Price Guide UK: Best Deals, Top Brands & Smart Shopping Tips

Why ketchup still rules the condiment shelf

Ketchup is the unsung hero of many meals — from chips and burgers to marinades and glazes. It’s simple, familiar, and oddly comforting, like a warm blanket for your taste buds. But with so many brands, bottle sizes, and price points across UK stores, finding the best value can feel like hunting for treasure. This guide walks you through where to buy ketchup in the UK, which stores tend to offer the best deals, and how to choose the right bottle for your pantry without paying more than you need to.

How to think about ketchup value

Before you start comparing shelves, get clear on what “value” means to you. Is it the lowest price per ounce, the cleanest ingredient list, or a flavour profile that elevates your cooking? Treat a ketchup purchase like buying fuel: you want the most useful energy for your money. That means looking at price per ounce, bottle size in ounces (fl oz), and whether the ketchup is designed for dipping, cooking, or both.

Price per ounce: the simplest yardstick

Divide the price by the number of ounces to get the cost per ounce. A large 32 oz bottle at a slightly higher price may be cheaper per ounce than a small 10 oz bottle priced low. Buying in bulk can save money if you use ketchup often, but beware of bottles that sit unused and then lose flavour over time.

Ingredients and purpose

If you’re cooking a sticky barbecue glaze versus dipping chips, you might prioritise different things. High-fructose variations or extra sugar can be great for glazes, while reduced-sugar or organic options suit people watching their intake. Always check the label for tomato concentration and added sweeteners — it’s the flavour engine of the ketchup.

Top ketchup brands you’ll see across UK stores

The UK shelf is dominated by a few familiar names, but there’s more variety than you might think. Big brands often carry a premium, but supermarket own-label ketchups have seriously improved. Here are the kinds you’ll meet while shopping.

Heinz: the classic benchmark

Heinz is the yardstick for traditional ketchup. Its glass or squeeze bottles often come in sizes like 14 oz or larger, and when it’s on offer it can be great value. Look for multipacks or larger 32 oz bottles at wholesalers to cut the price per ounce.

Supermarket own brands

Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, Lidl, and Aldi all offer their own ketchup variants. These can be surprisingly close in taste to name brands and typically come at a lower price per ounce. If you’re on a budget, the supermarket basics or “everyday” range are worth testing in a blind taste test.

Artisan and organic labels

Smaller brands and organic lines target shoppers who want richer tomato flavour, less sugar, or local ingredients. Expect to pay more per ounce, but you may get a distinct flavour profile that’s worth it for special dishes.

Where to buy ketchup in the UK: store-by-store breakdown

Different retailers serve different needs: budget, premium, bulk, or convenience. Below I break down what you can expect from each major UK option, including typical bottle sizes in ounces and shopping tips to get the best deal.

Tesco

Tesco offers a full range: premium brands, Tesco Value, and Tesco Finest options. Watch their clubcard deals and multibuy offers. Typical bottle sizes are 14 oz to 32 oz, and Clubcard prices often cut the per-ounce cost significantly.

Sainsbury’s

Sainsbury’s balances mainstream brands with its own Taste the Difference or Basics lines. There are frequent promotions on name brands, and the own-brand ketchup is a smart budget pick if you want solid flavour at a lower price per ounce.

Asda

Asda is strong on value and often has low-cost large bottles ideal for families. Look for rollback prices and multipack deals — a 32 oz bottle during a sale can be one of the cheapest per ounce on the market.

Morrisons

Morrisons tends to offer competitive pricing and seasonal promotions. Their Savers range is consistently cheap, while the Market Street or premium lines cater to shoppers wanting higher-quality ingredients.

Waitrose

If you’re chasing organic or artisan ketchups, Waitrose stocks more premium and niche brands. Prices are higher per ounce, but quality tends to match. Waitrose often runs taste-focused promotions where you can try smaller bottles before splashing out on larger sizes.

Aldi and Lidl

These discounters excel at value. Their own-brand ketchups often beat name-brand prices and come in sensible sizes like 14 oz. The trick is to buy when they’re in stock — Aldi and Lidl rotate special buys frequently.

Ocado

Ocado is great for variety, including imports and niche brands. If you want a specific bottle size or specialist ketchup, Ocado’s online listing makes comparison easy. Look for offers and buy in bulk to reduce the per-ounce cost.

Amazon and online marketplaces

Online platforms can be handy for bulk packs and out-of-season deals. Remember to check the per-ounce price including postage if applicable; sometimes a seemingly cheap pack turns out pricier once shipping is added.

Costco and wholesale clubs

Buying wholesale is ideal if you use ketchup a lot. Costco sells large jars or multipacks that might be the best per-ounce value, especially if you’re feeding a crowd or stocking a small business. You’ll pay more up front but less per ounce overall.

Types of ketchup and what they’re best for

Not all ketchups are created equal. Here are popular types and when to choose them.

Classic tomato ketchup

This is your everyday all-rounder for bangers, burgers, chips, and sandwiches. It’s balanced, slightly sweet, and tomato-forward. If versatility is your aim, stick with a trusted classic in a size that suits your household.

Reduced-sugar and low-salt versions

If you’re cutting sugar or salt for health reasons, these options let you keep the ketchup habit with fewer extras. They may taste a touch sharper, so try a small bottle first to see if it suits your palate.

Organic and natural ketchups

Made with organic tomatoes and fewer preservatives, these can have a fresher taste. They’re pricier per ounce, but many people prefer them for ingredient transparency and flavour nuances.

Flavoured or spicy ketchups

Chipotle, sriracha, or curry-flavoured ketchups add a twist to classic dishes. Buy a small bottle first — they’re great for experimenting but might not become a daily staple.

Squeeze bottles vs glass jars: pros and cons

Packaging affects price, convenience, and shelf life.

Squeeze bottles

Squeeze bottles (14 oz and up) are convenient and reduce mess. They’re often cheaper per ounce in plastic. However, flavours may change slightly faster once opened because of oxygen exposure when the cap is off frequently.

Glass jars

Glass jars can feel more premium and sometimes better preserve flavour. They’re heavier and may cost more per ounce to buy and ship, but glass is great if you prefer the look and slightly firmer texture of the ketchup.

Smart shopping tactics to save money

Want to lower your ketchup bill without sacrificing taste? Here are practical tips that actually work.

Compare price per ounce, not just sticker price

Small bottles can be tempting because of a low sticker price, but large bottles usually win on cost per ounce. Do the simple maths: price ÷ ounces = cost per ounce. That tells the true value.

Watch multibuy and clubcard offers

Supermarket loyalty clubs and multibuy deals can collapse the per-ounce cost dramatically. Keep an eye on your favourite store apps for targeted discounts that make a premium brand cheaper than a supermarket own label.

Buy big if you use a lot, but don’t let it go stale

Large bottles save money, but if your ketchup rarely leaves the shelf, you might lose freshness. For occasional users, buy medium sizes or shop-around packs that have a long shelf life once opened.

Mix name-brand and own-label strategies

For everyday cooking, supermarket own-brand ketchup often does the job. Save name-brand bottles for when the flavour is critical, like a special barbecue or party dish.

How to store and get the most from a bottle

Simple storage practices keep ketchup tasting its best and make a bottle last longer.

Keep it cool and sealed

Store opened bottles in the fridge to slow flavour degradation. Squeeze bottles should be kept upright on their cap so they’re ready when you need them — and to avoid having a pool of ketchup in the neck.

Shake before use and use clean utensils

Give the bottle a shake to bring flavours together and avoid double-dipping with dirty knives or spoons — that helps the ketchup stay fresher longer.

Creative uses for ketchup beyond the chip shop

Ketchup is more versatile than you think. Here are a few ways to use it beyond dipping fries.

Marinades and glazes

Combine ketchup with a bit of sugar or honey, soy sauce, and vinegar for a quick sticky glaze for ribs or chicken. It’s like turning a humble bottle into a chef’s shortcut.

Quick sauces and dressings

Mix ketchup with mayonnaise and a squeeze of lemon for a speedy burger sauce. It’s the simplest flavour hack that tastes like effort without the fuss.

Final checklist before you buy

Use this quick checklist to avoid buyer’s remorse at the checkouts.

Calculate price per ounce

Always do a quick divide to compare values across sizes and brands.

Decide on type and purpose

Are you buying for everyday dipping, cooking, or entertaining? Match the bottle to the job.

Check promotions and loyalty apps

Scan for coupons, clubcard deals, or online discounts before you pay — you might be closer to a bargain than you think.

Conclusion: Ketchup shopping doesn’t have to be a mystery. Whether you choose a trusted Heinz classic, a supermarket own-brand bargain, or an artisan organic bottle, the best purchase depends on how you use ketchup and how much you want to spend per ounce. Shop smart by comparing cost per ounce, trying smaller bottles first for new varieties, and taking advantage of loyalty deals and bulk discounts when they make sense. With a few simple tactics, you’ll keep your kitchen stocked with the right ketchup at the right price — and that’s a small win that makes meals taste a bit brighter.