How Many Calories in Ketchup? Nutrition Facts & Macros
A tablespoon of ketchup (17 g) has 17 calories
Protein 0.2g · Carbs 4.7g · Fat 0g
Ketchup is America's favorite condiment, but most people underestimate how much sugar it contains. With 21.27 g of sugar per 100 g, ketchup is roughly one-fifth sugar by weight — a single tablespoon packs about 3.6 g of sugar, nearly a full teaspoon. At 101 kcal per 100 g it seems harmless, but the calories add up quickly when you squeeze freely. It also delivers 907 mg of sodium per 100 g, making it one of the saltiest condiments on the shelf. Ketchup is about 68.5% water by weight.
423 kJ · per 100g · Water: 68.51 g
Calorie Calculator: Ketchup
17 g Ketchup contains 17 kcal
Calories by Portion Size
| Portion | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon (17 g) | 17 kcal | 0.2g | 4.7g | 0g |
| 1 packet (9 g) | 9 kcal | 0.1g | 2.5g | 0g |
| 100 grams | 101 kcal | 1g | 27.4g | 0.1g |
Ketchup — Nutrition Facts
| Ketchup | per 100g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 101 kcal |
| Protein | 1.04 g |
| Fat | 0.1 g |
| Carbs | 27.4 g |
| Fiber | 0.3 g |
| Sugar | 21.27 g |
| Sodium | 907 mg |
| Potassium | 281 mg |
| Magnesium | 13 mg |
| Phosphorus | 26 mg |
| Vitamin C | 4.1 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.158 mg |
| Folate | 9 mcg |
| Manganese | 0.084 mg |
| Water | 68.51 g |
Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC ID: 168556) · Data verified April 2026
Variations
Regular (default)
101 kcal per 100 g. The standard tomato ketchup with 21.27 g sugar and 907 mg sodium per 100 g. Made from tomato concentrate, vinegar, sugar, and salt. The most common variety found in restaurants and households.
Reduced-sugar
Approximately 60 kcal per 100 g. Contains about 50% less sugar than regular ketchup (~10 g vs 21 g per 100 g). Often sweetened with sucralose or stevia. Lower net carbs (~12–15 g per 100 g) make it a better option for low-carb diets, though still not ideal for strict keto. Sodium content remains similar.
Organic
Approximately 100 kcal per 100 g. Nutritionally nearly identical to regular ketchup. Uses organic tomatoes and organic cane sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup. Sugar content may be slightly lower (~18–20 g per 100 g) depending on the brand. The main difference is ingredient sourcing, not macronutrient content.
Dietary Perspectives
For Weight Loss
Ketchup itself is low in calories — 17 kcal per tablespoon — but the hidden sugar adds up. Three tablespoons deliver about 51 kcal and nearly 11 g of sugar with zero satiety benefit. The high sodium (907 mg per 100 g) can also cause water retention, masking fat loss on the scale. If you are tracking calories, measure your ketchup instead of free-pouring. Better yet, switch to mustard (3 kcal per tablespoon) or hot sauce (less than 1 kcal) for flavor without the sugar load.
For Athletic Performance
Ketchup is not a meaningful fuel source for athletes. At 101 kcal per 100 g with 1.04 g of protein and 0.1 g of fat, it provides almost no macronutrients useful for performance or recovery. The 27.4 g of carbs per 100 g are almost entirely simple sugars (21.27 g), offering a quick but short-lived energy spike. The high sodium (907 mg per 100 g) could theoretically help replace electrolytes during long endurance sessions, but there are far better options. If you use ketchup as a condiment with your post-workout meal, just be aware it contributes sugar, not protein.
For Keto
Regular ketchup is not keto-compatible. With 27.4 g total carbs and only 0.3 g fiber per 100 g, it has 27.1 g net carbs — more than a full day's allowance on strict keto. Even one tablespoon (17 g) adds 4.7 g net carbs. If you want ketchup on keto, look for sugar-free versions made with erythritol or stevia (typically 1-2 g net carbs per tablespoon). Alternatively, mustard has virtually zero net carbs and adds flavor without the carb hit. Hot sauce is another near-zero option.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in a tablespoon of ketchup?
One tablespoon of ketchup (17 g) contains approximately 17 calories. That sounds low, but most people use 2-3 tablespoons per serving, bringing the total to 34-51 calories. The calories come almost entirely from sugar — a tablespoon has about 3.6 g of sugar and virtually no fat or protein.
How much sugar is in ketchup?
Ketchup contains 21.27 g of sugar per 100 g — that is over one-fifth sugar by weight. A single tablespoon (17 g) has about 3.6 g of sugar, which is close to 1 teaspoon of pure sugar. If you use 3 tablespoons with your meal, you are adding nearly 11 g of sugar. This is the main reason ketchup is not considered a health food despite being made from tomatoes.
Is ketchup keto-friendly?
No — regular ketchup is not keto-friendly. With 27.4 g of total carbs per 100 g and 27.1 g net carbs (only 0.3 g fiber), even a tablespoon adds 4.7 g net carbs. Two tablespoons would use almost half of a strict 20 g daily keto carb limit. Reduced-sugar ketchup is a better option, but even that has about 2-3 g net carbs per tablespoon. Mustard (3 kcal per tablespoon, ~0.3 g net carbs) is a far more keto-friendly alternative.
Ketchup vs mustard — what is the nutritional difference?
Ketchup has 101 kcal per 100 g while yellow mustard has about 60 kcal. The biggest difference is sugar: ketchup has 21.27 g per 100 g versus just 3.6 g for mustard. Ketchup has more sodium (907 mg vs 1135 mg for mustard), but per typical serving mustard delivers less of both sugar and sodium because you use less. For weight loss or keto, mustard is the clear winner.
How much sodium is in ketchup?
Ketchup contains 907 mg of sodium per 100 g. One tablespoon (17 g) has about 154 mg of sodium — roughly 7% of the recommended daily limit (2300 mg). If you use 3 tablespoons, that is 462 mg of sodium from ketchup alone. People watching their blood pressure or sodium intake should use ketchup sparingly or switch to reduced-sodium varieties.
Is ketchup healthy?
Ketchup is made from tomatoes, which contain lycopene — an antioxidant linked to heart health. However, the high sugar content (21.27 g per 100 g) and sodium (907 mg) largely negate these benefits. A tablespoon of ketchup has about as much sugar as a chocolate chip cookie per gram. Fresh tomatoes (18 kcal per 100 g, 2.6 g sugar) deliver the same lycopene without the added sugar and salt. Use ketchup as an occasional flavor enhancer, not a health food.
Compare with Similar Foods
| Portion | kcal | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ketchup | 101 | 1.04g | 27.4g | 0.1g |
| Mayonnaise | 680 | 0.96g | 0.57g | 74.85g |
| Honey | 304 | 0.3g | 82.4g | 0g |
| Sugar (White) | 387 | 0g | 99.98g | 0g |
| Tomato | 18 | 0.88g | 3.89g | 0.2g |
per 100g
Per 100 g, ketchup has 101 kcal with 27.4 g of carbs (21.27 g sugar), 1.04 g of protein, and just 0.1 g of fat. A single tablespoon (17 g) contains about 17 kcal and 3.6 g of sugar — nearly a full teaspoon of pure sugar.