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Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List
Get It NowGrilling season has officially kicked off, and I’ve got the perfect companion for all your cookout favorites: My sugar free ketchup! I was never happy with the ingredients in the store-bought stuff, so — many, many taste tests later — this has been my go-to homemade ketchup recipe for years. Guests (and even kids) can’t tell it has no added sugar. And it’s keto, too! Make it with me, and get ready to elevate your burgers, hot dogs, and everything in between.
Why You Need My Sugar Free Ketchup
- Tastes like the real thing – This isn’t just the best sugar free ketchup I’ve ever had… honestly, it’s the best ketchup I’ve had, period. It’s sweet and tangy, it’s smooth and thick, it’s even got umami notes. You’re going to love it.
- Quick and easy to make – Just mix all the ingredients and let them simmer away. It’s so simple. And it lasts beautifully for weeks in my fridge.
- Naturally sweetened, keto, gluten-free, and diabetic friendly – Most store-bought ketchups are packed with added sugars, corn syrup, or artificial sweeteners, like sucralose. Not mine! With just 2 grams of net carbs per serving, this is a true keto ketchup. (In fact, you’ll find it in my Easy Keto Carboholics’ Cookbook with some of my other fave sauces and spreads.) But even if that’s not your jam, this healthy ketchup is also just better for you than those processed ones!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for sugar free ketchup, what each one does in my recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
- Tomato Paste – This is the base and the main flavor. I prefer a can of tomato paste combined with a cup of water, rather than tomato sauce, because the flavor is more intense that way. But if all you’ve got is tomato sauce, use 2 cups of tomato sauce and 2/3 cup of water instead — and you’ll need to simmer for much longer to let it reduce.
- Besti Powdered Monk Fruit Allulose Blend – The key to making low carb ketchup or keto ketchup is really just the sweetener. This one dissolves effortlessly, and tastes and measures like sugar, so it’s the only one I like in my sugar free ketchup. Notes on other options:
- Powdered allulose also works great, but add 1 1/2 extra tablespoons.
- Most other sugar substitutes will crystallize, leaving a gritty or grainy texture. (This includes most brands labeled “monk fruit” or “stevia”, which are usually mainly erythritol or maltodextrin — check the ingredient list and you’ll notice it’s listed first.)
- Concentrated liquid sweeteners, like liquid monk fruit extract or stevia, would work, but these will leave an aftertaste and you’d need to use much less.
- White Vinegar – To make the ketchup tangy. Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar make a decent substitutes, they’re just a bit less neutral in flavor.
- Spices – You’ll need sea salt, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, ground cloves, and mustard powder. I modeled these after Heinz, but had to improvise because they don’t publish the exact spices. Funny enough, some readers are telling me mine tastes better — so thank you! 😊
How To Make Sugar Free Ketchup
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
- Combine the ingredients. Grab a small saucepan and whisk all your ingredients together, until smooth.
- Simmer the mixture. Let it gently bubble over low heat, covered, until it thickens up to just how you like it. Don’t forget to give it a stir now and then.
- Blend until smooth. For the smoothest, silkiest sugar free keto ketchup, pour it into a high-powered blender (I swear by this one!) and puree. This step is optional, but it makes all the difference if you’re after that classic ketchup texture.
My Recipe Tips
- Stir occasionally, but otherwise keep it covered. The sugar free ketchup can splatter as it simmers, especially as it gets thick, so a lid prevents a big mess.
- Simmering time can vary widely. It can depend on the size of your pan, the exact heat of your stove, and even your brand of tomato paste. Bigger pans will need less time.
- Cooked it too long? Just add more water to thin it out.
- Adjust to your taste. You can always tweak it at the end! If it’s too tart, add a bit more powdered Besti. If it’s too flat, a pinch more salt could do the trick. If it’s too salty, a splash of vinegar can perk it up.
Storage Options
- Store: Pour your keto ketchup into a mason jar or other airtight container (I like to use a squeezable bottle with a flip cap!), and stash it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. If you notice any separation, just shake or stir it, and it’ll be good as new.
- Freeze: You can freeze the whole batch in zip lock bags, but I prefer a silicone ice cube tray, so I can pop out individual portions. (I do this for my sugar-free BBQ sauce as well.) Either way, this sugar free ketchup will keep in the freezer for up to 3-6 months.
- Canning: I haven’t tried it yet, but you should be able to can this in a water bath.
Serving Ideas
You probably already know the most common ways to use ketchup, but here are my healthier versions of the classics:
- Burgers – Slather this ketchup and homemade mayo on your hamburgers tucked between low carb hamburger buns, along with lettuce, tomatoes, and red onions. If you’re grilling for a cookout, my creamy cauliflower potato salad is the perfect pairing.
- Hot Dogs – Make hot dogs on my keto hot dog buns, or try my bacon wrapped hot dogs for something new.
- Chicken – Dip your keto chicken nuggets (pictured above) or crispy low carb chicken tenders into my sugar free ketchup. My kids love them.
- Fries – My fave low carb options are rutabaga fries, jicama fries, or cauliflower tots. If you’re reducing sugar but not strict on carbs, dunk garlic parmesan fries or air fryer french fries instead.
- Meatloaf – Whether it’s a classic meatloaf or my special keto meatloaf, don’t forget to top it with a generous layer of this sugar free ketchup. It adds that perfect tangy finish!
More Homemade Sugar Free Condiments
Did you know how many sauces and dressings you can make at home (with much cleaner ingredients)? Try my versions, all sugar-free and super simple:
Sugar Free Ketchup
My sugar free ketchup tastes sweet & tangy like the regular kind! It's easy to make, with simple, natural ingredients and just 2g net carbs.
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Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.
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Whisk all ingredients in a small saucepan, until smooth.
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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.
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For the best consistency, puree the ketchup in a high-power blender for at least 30 seconds, until smooth. (This step is optional, but I recommend it for a smooth texture.)
Did You Like It?
Leave a rating to help other readers (this also helps me continue to provide free recipes on my site), or get the recipe sent to your inbox.
Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 tablespoon
- The entire recipe makes 3/4 cup, or 12 tablespoons.
📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Easy Keto Carboholics’ Cookbook.
I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy.
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© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.
Sugar Free Ketchup
Gratitude Moment
Here’s me a couple years ago during a YouTube video shoot of making my low carb meatloaf, with this keto ketchup on top as a glaze.
Lately I’ve been thinking about how much I miss making those videos, something I thought I’d never say. As a pretty shy introvert, they were so hard! But they also stretched me to grow, and for that I’m grateful.
In case you missed it, I put a pause on YouTube when we moved to Florida. I needed time to get settled, get new equipment… oh, and figure out how to shoot those videos myself for the first time ever, instead of having help from my videographer friend.
It’s going to be a whole new learning experience, but I can’t wait! So if you want to be the first to know when I post my next recipe video, subscribe to my channel here.
198 Comments
KELLY ECKERT
0I made this Tomato sauce today and it was so much better than the purchased Keto sauce that I had to chuck out because it was horrible. I did make some minor changes, no cloves, dijon mustard, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg instead of cloves…. delicious, thank you so much. Blitzed with a stick mixer and put in a squeezie bottle. Looks just like sauce and tastes great.
Wholesome Yum D
0I’m happy to hear that, Kelly! Love your tweaks too, nutmeg and Dijon sound like such a nice touch. So glad it turned out better than store-bought!
Judy M
0This is my go to recipe for ketchup! Saves me a ton of money over that bottle that I can buy at Sprouts. Is there something I can add to part of it to turn it into barbecue sauce? I have a recipe that calls for ketchup, and then another recipe that calls for only 2 TBSP bbq sauce. Thank you for all your hard work and help.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0I’m so happy this is your go-to, Judy! I have a sugar free BBQ sauce recipe here.
Lar
0I’m learning about sweeteners. I really want to try your ketchup, but I have had awful experiences with erythritol recrystallizing into unfortunate crunchy bits especially in dishes like lemon curd or jams. If it doesn’t happen with your ketchup, can you help me learn and give some insight into why it didn’t, or won’t?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Lar, You’re absolutely right that erythritol has this issue and that’s why I don’t recommend it. I make this sugar free ketchup with Besti Monk Fruit Allulose Blend, which does not have any erythritol and therefore does not have this issue. You can learn more in my sweetener guide here. Hope this helps!
Dee K-W
0This is ridiculously good. I suspect that I’ll be using this as a base for some other sauce-types as well. I keep the WY monkfruit allulose on hand and use it for nearly everything that calls for refined sugar and it’s honestly the best refined sugar substitute I’ve found to date. When I say “on hand” I mean that literally, I immediately dump it into my glass keepers when I get it.
Wholesome Yum D
0That’s awesome, Dee! I’m so glad you’re enjoying it. Totally agree with you on Besti, it’s such a reliable swap for sugar.
Wendy
0Maya, I’ve been looking for a sugar free ketchup to buy every week when I go grocery shopping but every one I looked at contained sucrolose which I am allergic to (my tongue and throat swell up). I had the idea to look here since I only use your Besti products for cooking and baking and thought you might have a recipe and lo and behold, you do!
It didn’t look too hard to make and I had all the spices so I decided to make it last night while I was making your recipe for potato wedges and they were baking in the oven.
This recipe was quite easy to make although I did whisk all the ingredients together first in a stainless steel bowl before placing them in the pan, instead of whisking them in the pan. I followed the cooking directions exactly as you had written it since I had never made it before and I have to say you were spot on with your timing. Simmering it for 30 minutes was just right as the ketchup was the perfect thickness. Both my wife and I love it!! We ate it last night and tonight with both the potato wedges and the onion rings I made. This recipe will be very easy to adjust if we ever want to make it spicier, hotter, or flavor it.
We now have the perfect sugar-free ketchup to use, and we won’t be buying or using any other kind of ketchup from now on!!
Once again, Maya, you have created an amazing and fabulous recipe for a food that is tastier than anything I can get in the store!!! I wish I could give it more than 5 stars!!!
Wholesome Yum D
0Wendy, I’m so glad you found this recipe and gave it a try — especially with your sucralose allergy. It makes me so happy to hear you and your wife loved it and that it paired perfectly with your wedges and onion rings! I really appreciate all the details you shared, and I hope it becomes a staple in your kitchen. Thank you for trusting my recipes and Besti products!
Lisa
0Best sugar free ketchup ever ! Even if you don’t use the sugar substitute, it’s still really good
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Thank you, Lisa! Enjoy!
Juanita
0What a great recipe. I freeze in ice cube trays til ready to use.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Thank you, Juanita! I use ice cube trays too.
Carla @ Gluten Free Recipe Box
0If you ever try a zero-carb sweetener with this recipe, I’d love to hear about what you used and the quantity. At 3 carbs per teaspoon, the sweetener you chose wouldn’t work for my low-carb diet. Thanks for the idea though. Perhaps I can experiment soon.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Carla, Besti is zero net carbs per teaspoon, not 3. 🙂
Lisa
0It’s good even without the sugar substitute
Ro
0Any thoughts on how to adapt this recipe to Instant Pot?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Ro, I’ve only made this on the stovetop. You could certainly simmer it the same way on the Instant Pot’s Saute setting, but that wouldn’t actually save you any time. I don’t know how long it would take if actually pressure cooking. If you find a time that works well, please let me know!
Marlene Kane
0I’ve enjoyed many of your recipes and look forward to trying this one. My question is how long does this stay good in the refrigerator? I don’t use ketchup that often, and have given up buying the sugar free because of expense and waste.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Marlene, It lasts up to 2 weeks in the fridge for me. I always have storage info in the post for each recipe, including this one. 🙂
Polly
0I love how this turned out! I will def keep this in my rotation. It has a heavy tomato flavor that I really like and I love subbing out the high fructose corn syrup version and the no sugar shelf varieties don’t taste this good.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Thank you, Polly! Agree, I think homemade tastes so much better than store-bought, without all the sugar and processed ingredients.
Daisy Phan
0Your journey with youtube sounds like quite an adventure! Always looking forward to your new content! One of my favorites is this sugar-free ketchup– perfect on burgers and meatloaf. Plus, pairing it with keto chicken nuggets. My whole family loves it.
Alexa
0Such an inspiring journey! Growth often comes from stepping out of our comfort zones. Can’t wait to see your new videos. Subscribed and ready for more delicious recipes! The homemade ketchup turned out deliciously tangy and sweet. I used apple cider vinegar.
Judy
0We love this recipe. I use a little bit of Stevia drops to sweeten it. I ended up using a whole batch on a moist keto turkey loaf recipe. We just absolutely love it. Ketchup took it over the top.
Thank you so much! I’m going to take a look at your teriyaki sauce now.
Lance
0Great Recipe! Love the flavour. My son likes it better than Heinz! Simple recipe and delicious!
Renae
0Made adjustments based on what I had on hand. I used 2 cans hunts tomato sauce in place of tomato paste and water. Slightly reduced salt because it was in sauce. Used spicy brown mustard, because no mustard powder, slightly reduced allulose for sweetener and apple cider vinegar. Sorry it seems like a different recipe but this one was definitely a wonderful guide.
Cindy
0I loved this recipe! I will add a little less sweetener. Just a tad less. My grandson said it’s better than the big brand we buy.
Sarah
030 minutes to simmer 6 oz. of tomato paste? That seems incorrect…
Thanks for your great recipes and ideas! ❤️
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Sarah, The time is correct. There is a cup of water in the recipe, as well as other ingredients, so you’re not just simmering tomato paste.
Joanne
0This was delicious! I made it to use on the Wholesome Yum keto meatloaf, which was also wonderful. I’m very glad I went ahead and made a double batch tonight for the first try of this recipe, because we all loved it! Both recipes will be regulars in our house!
Steve Volker
0Will Truvia work? I use it in all my recipes to date.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Steve, I don’t recommend Truvia, as it’s over 99% erythritol, which has issues as explained in the post above. The ketchup can turn out gritty initially, and if it doesn’t, it will often crystallize when storing.
Pam
0Could I use Canning salt and Swerve or Splenda in place of Allulose?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Pam, Swerve will not work well, as the ketchup will be gritty. Splenda might work, but I don’t recommend sucralose for health reasons.
Janice
0I can say that this keto, sugar-free ketchup is a lifesaver. I am always looking for alternative condiments for my meals, and luckily I came across your recipe! I prefer this homemade ketchup to store-bought ones! I would definitely save this recipe for future use!
Joshua Weberg
0I was super happy to find this recipe. I have grown tired of the ketchups at the store that are loaded full of sugars. This ketchup was tasty and made for the perfect replacement ketchup on my burgers.
Jane
0I have tried both Heinz and Keto Sugar-Free Ketchup, and I definitely prefer Keto. It has a much stronger, more savory flavor than Heinz.
Jessica
0I love ketchup and my young kids do as well, but I’ve been so concerned about all the sugar in the store-bought stuff. I gave this recipe a try and my whole family liked it. We’ll be doing homemade from now on!
Lisa
0I’ve been having so much trouble finding a sugar-free ketchup, so I tried this recipe. It’s so much fresher and tastier than any store-bought ones.
pilar valle
0Best recipe for ketchup that I have found. I double the recipe most of the time.
jojobe
0I’m not a ketchup fan as a rule but am using this recipe as part of the Shrimp Cocktail recipe. I added smoked paprika and ginger instead of plain paprika and cloves. I like the deeper complication of the smoke and I just didn’t have any cloves. The ginger works well.
Newscarver
0I don’t like monkfruit nor any of the alternative “sugars”. I bought Primal Kitchen Organic and Unsweetened Ketchup and it tastes great. It’s very expensive though. Tomato paste, however, is cheap. I think I will tweak this recipe and just omit the sweetener. I may need to add some water if the result is too acidic.
Judy
0Hi! Thank you for the recipe. I will be making it today. Can you tell me how long it lasts in the fridge? Thanks again! Judy
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Judy, This should last about a week.
Janet
0This is the best ketchup recipe. I will never buy a prepared ketchup ever again. I have made this time and time again, always comes out perfectly. I love to use a brown sugar as well. Thank you so much for all your amazing suggestions and information. It certainly helps making eating healthy even more delicious!!
G G
0I used Rotel tomatoes instead of tomato paste, because we love spicy! I used Stevia for sweetener.
Delicious for meatloaf sauce!
Bryan
0Erythritol has zero nets carbs. Because erythritol is a sugar alcohol, the carbs aren’t able to be processed by the body.
jojobe
0Erythritol is not recommended to those of us with heart conditions or high blood pressure.
Tris
0Some people, such as myself, cannot handle the erythritol. Allulose is also 0 n net carbs. There are natural sugars in the tomato paste.
Sally
0The cloves killed it. I will make again but leave the cloves out then I think it will be my favorite ketchup recipe.
Tris Elftman
0Cloves are what makes ketchup taste like ketchup but I definitely understand having any aversions. I hope it worked out!
Susan
0I think the carbs might be miscalculated.According to carb manager 1/4 cup of Besti Powdered Erythritol is 36 total carbs. That ingredient alone would make it 3 total carbs per the 1 tablespoon serving. With the carbs in the spices, it adds 3.1 more total carbs. For a total of 39.1 total carbs or 3.3 per 1 tablespoon serving. Please advise.
Recipe tastes very good.
jojobe
0I used monk fruit sweetened honey and it added no sugar alcohol and no carbs. The flavor is sweeter than sugar so I was careful and there is no obvious sweetness just a balanced flavor.
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Susan, Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy. If you have questions about calculations or why you got a different result please see our nutrition policy.
Susan
0I loved this recipe! I’ve already written it down and put it in my family recipe box. I plan on mixing the dry ingredients to keep on hand so I can make a quick batch when needed. The ground cloves added a nice dimension to this recipe; it was the perfect amount.
Mi
0Love it. So glad I found this. I also made the meatloaf that went along with it. Loved it also.
Sharon
0Just wondering how long it keeps in the fridge, please 😀 If its not used straight away, what is the best way to store it?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Sharon, There is a whole section in the article on how to store the sugar free ketchup.
Heather Collins
0Love this recipe and your BBQ sauce is to die for. Can I freeze these? We don’t use a lot of either sauce but I hate wasting anything.
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Heather, I have never tried to freeze this because I am not sure if it would be good after thawing due to the vinegar.
Haleigh
0Very excited to make this thanks!
Brian
0LOVE this ketchup. It’s all we use now… and my stepson even said he was “giving up H***z,” which used to be the only brand he’d eat. Just finished up a batch scaled up for a #10 can (6 lb 15 oz) of tomato paste. Made just over 6 quarts, 5 of which I put in a water bath for 15 minutes. I’m no expert, so don’t quote me on it, but as the pH was around 3.5, I figure it should be fine.
Nancy
0Love this recipe. I replaced erythritol with 4 dates (they cooked down and blended in perfectly). Plus, I added 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper to add a bit of a kick.
sam
0This is truly the best keto ketchup recipe, it far exceeds anything you can buy in the store. Thank you for sharing!
Beverly Brooks
0Can you make this salt free or there’s something else to substitute for salt?
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Beverly, There are several salt-free products you can use in place of salt. Potassium chloride is commonly used as a salt substitute.
Nifrey Tero
0If using liquid monkfruit, what quantities do we use for this same recipe?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Nifrey, Sorry, I have not tested that. Let me know how it goes if you do.
Sharla
0So good! I made this the first tine when I was out of Primal Kitchen ketchup. Making it again today. Taste is great!
Yayra Gunu
0Tried this for the first time and it’s really YUM
Keto_Creed
0Thanks for the recipe. Where do I get the tomato paste from? Do I need to buy it or make it myself?
Stacey
0This ketchup is my go to, and we love it in our house. What is the shelf life for this recipe when refrigerated? Thanks!
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Stacey, This recipe is good for a week+ in the fridge. Enjoy!
Wholesome Yum M
0If you are in the US, you can find tomato paste in any grocery store. It’s with the canned goods, but can be found in a tube as well. If you are located outside of the US, then you will want to look for a concentrated tomato product. It should have a thicker consistency than a tomato soup or tomato sauce products. I hope this helps to clarify what you are looking for!
Maureen
0I’m a little bit of a ketchup snob and this is bar none the BEST homemade ketchup I’ve ever made
Nancy Blanchard
0Love, love this ketchup…tastes amazing and I always make a double batch!
Thank you so much,
Nancy
Tonya Courchesne
0This ketchup is perfect. I prefer to any store bought brand which seem bitter. Thank you for creating this!