Publix Tomato Ketchup — TREAT

Munch or Dump rates Publix Tomato Ketchup by Publix TREAT — score 43/90.

Standard HFCS-sweetened ketchup — tomato concentrate followed immediately by high fructose corn syrup, with a second dose of corn syrup further down the list. It's essentially sweetened tomato paste. Fine as an occasional condiment, but two stacked sweeteners are why it's not better.

Why this verdict

• High fructose corn syrup is the second ingredient
• Multiple sweeteners — sweetness engineered, not simple (HFCS plus corn syrup)
• Tomato concentrate is the real base
• Ultra-processed condiment (NOVA 4)

Ingredients (8)

• TOMATO CONCENTRATE (safe) — The real tomato base, made from red ripe tomatoes.
• High Fructose Corn Syrup (caution) — Third sweetener. Its presence in a 'deluxe' ice cream signals cost-cutting, not craft.
• DISTILLED VINEGAR (safe) — Acidifier for tang and preservation.
• Corn Syrup (caution) — Second ingredient; a refined liquid sugar that binds the bar and drives the sugar total up.
• Salt (moderate) — Main sodium source; keep an eye on it if you use large amounts.
• spice (safe) — Generic seasoning blend, no additive concern.
• ONION POWDER (safe) — Dehydrated seasoning.
• Natural Flavors (moderate) — Nonspecific flavoring typical of formulated convenience meals.

Healthier alternatives

• Vegetable Ketchup
• Heinz Organic Tomato Ketchup (BIO)
• Tiptree Tomato Ketchup
• Good & Gather Organic Ketchup Reduced Sugar and Sodium
• Central Market Private Reserve Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil