Heinz ketchup tops NYT Wirecutter list

Get your fries ready — Heinz ketchup could be in high demand after topping the New York Times Wirecutter’s list of best ketchup.

Heinz Tomato Ketchup took first place in the best classic ketchup category, with the denotation of “our favorite ketchup” on the list. It was compared to 13 other contenders, including two other Heinz varieties: Simply and Organic.

“A classic for a reason, the original Heinz ketchup is smooth, glossy, substantial, and has a lip-smacking balance of sweetness and tang,” the Times said.

To decide, 27 children and some adults sampled the 13 ketchups and noted the texture and flavor, as well as how widely available and good with other foods the ketchup was.

“The original Heinz Tomato Ketchup rose uncannily to the top. It impressed us with its balance of sweetness, acidity and savoriness that was the Goldilocks ideal of just right,” the NYT said. “When squeezed onto a plate, it was smooth, shiny, and held an appealing dollop with a soft peak.”

The young testers were children of Wirecutter employees, and they also chose Heinz as their near-unanimous favorite ketchup.

Its ingredients include tomato concentrate, distilled vinegar, high-fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, salt, spice, onion powder and natural flavoring.

One kid tester said Heinz “tastes regular,” like “normal ketchup,” the NYT said.

Great Value Tomato Ketchup won best budget ketchup, and Trader Joe’s Organic Ketchup won best organic ketchup as well.

Other ketchups tested included:

• 365 by Whole Foods Market Tomato Ketchup
• Hunt’s Classic Tomato Ketchup
• French’s Tomato Ketchup
• Heinz Simply Tomato Ketchup
• Heinz Organiz Tomato Ketchup
• Amazon Fresh Tomato Ketchup
• Annie’s Organic Ketchup
• Market Pantry Tomato Ketchup
• Good & Gather Organic Ketchup
• Burman’s Tomato Ketchup