This 5-minute sugar-free ketchup is rich, tangy, and made from clean pantry staples — no sugar, no corn syrup, no weird extras. Tomato paste, white vinegar, and a warm trio of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg whisk together into a proper ketchup. Just 2.1 g net carbs per serving, and it keeps for three weeks.
The Best 5-Minute Sugar-Free Ketchup
Have you ever checked the label on your favorite ketchup? It’s often packed with hidden sugars and high-fructose corn syrup. But what if I told you that you could whip up a delicious, rich, and tangy ketchup in just 5 minutes using clean, simple pantry staples? This recipe is a game-changer. It’s so incredibly easy, and I have a feeling that once you taste the fresh, vibrant flavor of homemade ketchup, you’ll never go back to the bottled stuff. Plus, I’ve got a secret for turning this into the most amazing smoky barbecue sauce with just one extra ingredient from my site, peaceloveandlowcarb.com!
Ingredients
• MAKES: 2 cups (480 ml) (2 tablespoons per serving) · PREP TIME: 5 minutes
• 1 6-ounce can / 170g (6 oz) tomato paste
• ¾ cup / 180ml water
• ¼ cup / 60ml (2 fl oz) white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon granular erythritol
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml / 0.2 fl oz) brown sugar erythritol
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml / 0.2 fl oz) sea salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
• ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
1. Directions1. In a medium mixing bowl, add the tomato paste, water, white vinegar, sweeteners, salt, and all spices.2. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and all are fully incorporated.3. Transfer the ketchup to an airtight container, such as a mason jar or squeeze bottle, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Nutritional Information
• Nutrition InformationPer 2 tablespoon (30 ml / 1 fl oz) serving:CALORIES: 10FAT: 0gPROTEIN: 0.3gTOTAL CARBS: 2.4gFIBER: 0.3gNET CARBS: 2.1gERYTHRITOL: 1g (0.04 oz)
Pro Tips
• For a less intense molasses flavor, feel free to omit the brown sugar erythritol.
• If the ketchup is too thick after refrigerating, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes or thin it out by whisking in a teaspoon of water at a time.
• Create an incredible smoky barbecue sauce by mixing this ketchup with my Dry Rub Barbecue Seasoning.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the mix.
FAQ
Q: How long does this homemade sugar-free ketchup last
A: You can store this ketchup in an airtight container, like a mason jar or squeeze bottle, in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Q: What makes this ketchup recipe sugar-free
A: This recipe uses sugar substitutes, specifically granular erythritol and brown sugar erythritol, instead of traditional sugar or high-fructose corn syrup.
Q: Can I make this ketchup spicy
A: Yes, for a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the mixture.
Q: What should I do if my ketchup is too thick
A: If the ketchup is too thick after refrigerating, you can let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes or thin it out by whisking in a teaspoon of water at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
Pro Tips
- Whisk vigorously until completely smooth — tomato paste is thick, and a few minutes of elbow grease is what gets you a silky squeeze-bottle texture without blending.
- If the ketchup thickens too much after refrigerating, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes or whisk in a teaspoon of water at a time.
- For a less intense molasses flavor, omit the brown sugar erythritol; the granular erythritol alone keeps the sweetness balanced and keto.
- Add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce when you want a spicier kick — it changes the character without changing the macros.
- Mix a batch with dry rub barbecue seasoning for an instant smoky barbecue sauce that is still sugar-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does homemade sugar-free ketchup keep?
Store it in an airtight container such as a mason jar or squeeze bottle in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Is this ketchup really keto?
Per 2-tablespoon serving it has 2.4 g total carbs with 0.3 g fiber, about 2.1 g net carbs, and the sweeteners are erythritol-based rather than sugar.
Can I leave out the brown sugar erythritol?
Yes — it only adds a deeper molasses note. Omit it and the ketchup is still sweet, tangy, and noticeably cleaner tasting than bottled versions.
Why is my ketchup too thick?
Tomato paste brands vary and the ketchup firms up in the fridge. Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes, or whisk in a teaspoon of water at a time until it pours the way you like.
Recipe card below.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Fresh & Bright Lemony Vinaigrette
- Triple Berry Coconut Cream
- Instant Pot Shredded Chicken with Shiitake
The Best 5-Minute Sugar-Free Ketchup
Ingredients
Method
- Directions1.
- In a medium mixing bowl, add the tomato paste, water, white vinegar, sweeteners, salt, and all spices. 2.
- Whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and all are fully incorporated. 3.
- Transfer the ketchup to an airtight container, such as a mason jar or squeeze bottle, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
