Heinz Latest Ketchup Variant Offers 50% Less Sugar

01 Sep 2014 --- Heinz has become the latest food manufacturer to introduce stevia as a method of reducing sugar in its products. The company has announced it will be adding the natural sweetener stevia to its Heinz Tomato Ketchup portfolio, to create a new product called 'Heinz Tomato Ketchup 50% Less Sugars' in order to slash the sugar content of the condiment to 11.4% per 100g (down from 22.8%).

Later on this month the new variant will replace the company’s ‘Reduced Salt & Sugar’ ketchup, which offers 25% less salt and 30% less sugar than the standard brand. The new stevia variant will also offer a salt reduction down to 1.3% per 100g from 1.8%.

“We want to cater for all our consumers, including mums who are looking for healthier choices,” explained Katherine Broadley, Senior Brand Manager, Heinz Tomato Ketchup. “That’s why we’re leading the way by producing a ketchup that has 50% less sugars – not something that is currently readily available in the supermarkets.”
 
“However, what’s also important to us is that we don’t compromise on taste. Consumers can be  reassured that every squeeze of Heinz Tomato Ketchup 50% Less Sugars contains the unmistakable taste of Heinz and a third of a tomato.”

The new variant, which has reportedly been in development for the past 18 months, aims to address the growing concern in the UK about obesity levels. The company also claims that the new variant will meet the 2017 Government salt targets, with 25% less salt than regular Heinz Tomato Ketchup. 

Katharine Jenner, campaign director for Action on Sugar, said of Heinz's new product: "At 11.4% per 100g sugar it is far lower than most other commercially available ketchups, which are around 25% sugar. This just shows that huge reductions can be made in everyday foods.

"We hope Heinz won’t stop there. We would like to see all their products lower in sugar, especially their main lines, and to reduce the sweetness too so our tastebuds can get used to less sugar.”

The new product will go into stores from 8 September.