You may think it sounds crazy, but McDonald's food tastes different than most other fast food restaurants. Sure, most of them all have the same basic menu: burgers, chicken, and French fries. But there's something about the way McDonald's makes its food that makes it top tier.
We already know that the co*ke and apple pie from McDonald's are next level. But what about something that you probably enjoy more frequently than a soda or dessert? Ketchup.
That's right, McDonald's ketchup tastes different — and some may say, better — than what you get at the store. And, no, it's not just Heinz ketchup masquerading in a McDonald's packet. McDonald's actually makes its own ketchup.
The Sticky History of McDonald's Ketchup
The first McDonald's opened in 1955 and in the 1970s, Mickey D's struck up a partnership with the ketchup giant Heinz. Heinz supplied McDonald's customers with its fan-favorite ketchup packets for more than 40 years. However, in 2013 Heinz was acquired by a new company with a new CEO, Bernado Hees.
Hees was the former CEO of Burger King, McDonald's fast food rival. Because of Hees' history with Burger King, McDonald's decided to end its 40-year partnership with Heinz and produce its own ketchup instead. Thus, this new tomato gold was made.
How Is McDonald's Ketchup Different?
After the McDonald's-Heinz partnership ended in 2013, McDonald's began handing out its own "Fancy" ketchup. Fancy is a qualification from the USDA that certifies it as high-quality ketchup (Heinz is also considered Fancy ketchup).
Fancy ketchup is a U.S. grade A ketchup that has good color, good consistency, good flavor, and is free from defects, according to the USDA. Grade A ketchup must also have at least 33% tomato solids — making it thick enough to stay in place on your food.
Admittedly, there are only three differing ingredients between McDonald's ketchup and Heinz ketchup, but it makes a difference. McDonald's ketchup consists of tomato concentrate from red ripe tomatoes, distilled vinegar, high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, water, salt, and natural flavors. Heinz doesn't have the water, like McDonald's does, and Heinz contains onion powder and "spice," while McDonald's does not.
McDonald's Ketchup vs. Heinz Ketchup
To put the ketchups to the test, we performed a taste test between McDonald's ketchup and Heinz ketchup. We dipped McDonald's French fries in room-temperature McDonald's ketchup, then room-temperature Heinz ketchup (we wanted to keep the temperatures the same in case it changed the consistency or flavors). Here are the results:
Heinz: The Heinz ketchup was thick and coated the fries well. It tasted tomato-y but had a big punch of spice.
McDonald's: The McDonald's ketchup was a little thinner, so it didn't coat the fry as much. It tasted mostly like sweet tomatoes without much spice. Almost like a tomato soup.
Even though there are only minor differences in the ingredient list, these two ketchups taste noticeably different. And if you like a sweeter, more tomato-heavy flavor, then the McDonald's ketchup is the one for you.
OK, so, maybe you've never thought about this ketchup question before. But next time you order your Quarter Pounder, you'll definitely notice it.
FAQs
McDonald's ketchup consists of tomato concentrate from red ripe tomatoes, distilled vinegar, high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, water, salt, and natural flavors. Heinz doesn't have the water, like McDonald's does, and Heinz contains onion powder and "spice," while McDonald's does not.
Why is McDonald's ketchup better? ›
According to the McDonald's website, its ketchup is made from "Tomato Concentrate From Red Ripe Tomatoes, Distilled Vinegar, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Corn Syrup, Water, Salt, and Natural Flavors." Meanwhile, the recipe on the back of the Heinz bottle includes all of the above, plus onion powder and an unnamed spice.
What brand of ketchup does McDonald's use? ›
However, McDonald's only uses Heinz products in two major markets — Heinz's hometown, Pittsburgh, and Minneapolis — within the U.S. The majority of the U.S. receives the restaurant's house brand of the tomato-based condiment called “fancy ketchup.” For McDonald's, the move most likely won't hurt its bottom line much, ...
Which ketchup tastes most like McDonald's? ›
McDonald's Ketchup Is Basically Heinz But With Fewer Ingredients.
Has McDonald's changed their ketchup? ›
There was a time when the Heinz logo decorated each packet, but now, McDonald's actually makes its own ketchup. Although the ingredients of the chain's old ketchup and new ketchup are almost identical, there are a few ingredients that aren't shared between the two brands.
What is the number one ketchup in the world? ›
1. Heinz Tomato Ketchup. Heinz Tomato Ketchup sets the standard against which all other ketchup brands are measured. Kitchn has this to say, “Nearly all of the tasters immediately pegged this ketchup as Heinz.
Who makes McDonald's condiments? ›
In 2014 CHUMAK started manufacturing of sauces for McDonald's, namely ketchup, mayonnaise, and later –Sauce “Ukrainskyi”. This year we again extended the cooperation, having manufactured Cheese Sauce by order of McDonald's. Today, CHUMAK supplies more than 10 kinds of products to McDonald's restaurants.
Is there a difference between ketchup and catsup? ›
As it turns out, they're the same thing!
The condiment made its way west via European merchants, taking with it Westernized pronunciations.
Is McDonald's ketchup gf? ›
Of the sauces offered at McDonald's, spicy buffalo, creamy ranch, honey mustard, honey, ketchup, mustard and mayonnaise are all gluten free. The tangy BBQ and sweet 'n sour sauces are not. (Although not listed in this section, the Big Mac sauce also contains gluten.)
Why did McDonald's stop Heinz ketchup? ›
However, in 2013 Heinz was acquired by a new company with a new CEO, Bernado Hees. Hees was the former CEO of Burger King, McDonald's fast food rival. Because of Hees' history with Burger King, McDonald's decided to end its 40-year partnership with Heinz and produce its own ketchup instead.
6 Better-for-You Ketchup Brands
- Organicville Organic Ketchup. Sweetened with organic agave nectar, this plant-based ketchup is our go-to condiment! ...
- Primal Kitchen Organic Unsweetened Ketchup. ...
- Annie's Homegrown Organic Ketchup. ...
- True Made No Sugar Ketchup. ...
- Fody Unsweetened Ketchup. ...
- Lakanto Monk Fruit Sweetened Ketchup.
Heinz Tomato Ketchup is made only from sweet, juicy, red ripe tomatoes for the signature thick and rich taste of Americas Favorite Ketchup.
Why did McDonald's stop using tomatoes? ›
In July, fast food chain McDonald's had said it has stopped using tomatoes in its food preparations at most of the stores in northern and eastern parts of the country citing the non-availability of quality products.
What ketchup does Wendy's use? ›
We're thrilled that our fans now don't have to choose, because when it comes to ketchup, room temperature or cold, it has to be Heinz.”
Can McDonald's charge for ketchup? ›
While it might seem like a game of chance whether you get those coveted sauce packets without charge, there's actually a method to the madness. According to the McDonald's FAQs, "some restaurants charge for ketchup and some don't", reports The Express.
Why does come taste better at McDonald's? ›
The Temperature
The stainless steel used to store the syrup is extremely effective when it comes to temperature control, so the syrup always stays cold (and fresh). The water used in McDonald's soda fountains is also pre-chilled before it's carbonated.
Why do you have to ask for ketchup at McDonald's? ›
The McDonald's website clarifies: "The reason is that a significant proportion of our restaurants are owned by franchisees who set their own prices some charge for extra sauces if they are not part of a meal option."
Why doesn't McDonald's use tomatoes? ›
Due to the skyrocketing prices of tomatoes, popular fast food chain McDonald's has stopped using the popular vegetable in their burgers and wraps, which brings a unique flavour to the dishes.
