Heinz Vs. Hunt's: Which Brand Makes The Best Ketchup?
When it comes to ketchup, most of us might have a go-to brand that we rarely deviate from, unless it happens to be out of stock or the shop we're in doesn't carry it. But what do you do then? What's the next best brand? If you're a Heinz brand fan, you might be tempted to go with Hunt's or vice versa, but which is really better?
Well, according to a blind taste test conducted by The Takeout, they really couldn't be more different. The blind tasters immediately identified the Heinz ketchup from the lineup because of its sweetness and texture, which was smoother and glossier than the six other varieties of ketchup that were on offer. If you're curious about the Heinz Organic Ketchup, which was also part of the taste test, no one could distinguish it from the original, so keep that in mind the next time you're at the store and they only have one or the other. Surprisingly, neither came in first place despite Heinz taking up 60 percent of the ketchup market (via Serious Eats), and Hunt's did even worse.
The real differences between Heinz and Hunt's ketchups
Hunt's was the worst-scoring ketchup among the eight sampled (which also included Hellmans, Sir Kensington, Whole Foods 365 Organic, Heinz, Heinz organic, Annie's Organic, and French's). The tasters identified it as being more vinegary while at the same time being "pretty dull" and even "muted" compared to the other brands. If you're a fan of Hunt's, don't get too discouraged. Another blind ketchup taste test conducted by The Kitchn had better things to say about the brand, including "has a nice acidic kick," and "delicious," even if one person claimed it tasted "like fake Heinz." They, like the other blind taste-testers, identified the Heinz immediately, commenting on its great balance of sweet and slightly acidic flavors.
Heinz Organic was the big winner of yet another blind taste test conducted by Serious Eats (Hunt's came in fourth, again marked down for the vinegary flavor). Even Epicurious chose Heinz Organic as the best of 13 different ketchups, including Hunt's, which makes sense considering it's the most popular brand on the market. So, if you're looking for that classic smooth, glossy, sweet ketchup, go for Heinz, and if you want a little extra vinegar, Hunt's is probably your best bet.