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Get It NowGrilling season has officially kicked off, and I’ve got the perfect companion for all your cookout favorites: My sugar free ketchup! I was never happy with the ingredients in the store-bought stuff, so — many, many taste tests later — this has been my go-to homemade ketchup recipe for years. Guests (and even kids) can’t tell it has no added sugar. And it’s keto, too! Make it with me, and get ready to elevate your burgers, hot dogs, and everything in between.
Why You Need My Sugar Free Ketchup

- Tastes like the real thing – This isn’t just the best sugar free ketchup I’ve ever had… honestly, it’s the best ketchup I’ve had, period. It’s sweet and tangy, it’s smooth and thick, it’s even got umami notes. You’re going to love it.
- Quick and easy to make – Just mix all the ingredients and let them simmer away. It’s so simple. And it lasts beautifully for weeks in my fridge.
- Naturally sweetened, keto, gluten-free, and diabetic friendly – Most store-bought ketchups are packed with added sugars, corn syrup, or artificial sweeteners, like sucralose. Not mine! With just 2 grams of net carbs per serving, this is a true keto ketchup. (In fact, you’ll find it in my Easy Keto Carboholics’ Cookbook with some of my other fave sauces and spreads.) But even if that’s not your jam, this healthy ketchup is also just better for you than those processed ones!

Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for sugar free ketchup, what each one does in my recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
- Tomato Paste – This is the base and the main flavor. I prefer a can of tomato paste combined with a cup of water, rather than tomato sauce, because the flavor is more intense that way. But if all you’ve got is tomato sauce, use 2 cups of tomato sauce and 2/3 cup of water instead — and you’ll need to simmer for much longer to let it reduce.
- Besti Powdered Monk Fruit Allulose Blend – The key to making low carb ketchup or keto ketchup is really just the sweetener. This one dissolves effortlessly, and tastes and measures like sugar, so it’s the only one I like in my sugar free ketchup. Notes on other options:
- Powdered allulose also works great, but add 1 1/2 extra tablespoons.
- Most other sugar substitutes will crystallize, leaving a gritty or grainy texture. (This includes most brands labeled “monk fruit” or “stevia”, which are usually mainly erythritol or maltodextrin — check the ingredient list and you’ll notice it’s listed first.)
- Concentrated liquid sweeteners, like liquid monk fruit extract or stevia, would work, but these will leave an aftertaste and you’d need to use much less.
- White Vinegar – To make the ketchup tangy. Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar make a decent substitutes, they’re just a bit less neutral in flavor.
- Spices – You’ll need sea salt, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, ground cloves, and mustard powder. I modeled these after Heinz, but had to improvise because they don’t publish the exact spices. Funny enough, some readers are telling me mine tastes better — so thank you! 😊

How To Make Sugar Free Ketchup
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
- Combine the ingredients. Grab a small saucepan and whisk all your ingredients together, until smooth.
- Simmer the mixture. Let it gently bubble over low heat, covered, until it thickens up to just how you like it. Don’t forget to give it a stir now and then.


- Blend until smooth. For the smoothest, silkiest sugar free keto ketchup, pour it into a high-powered blender (I swear by this one!) and puree. This step is optional, but it makes all the difference if you’re after that classic ketchup texture.



My Recipe Tips
- Stir occasionally, but otherwise keep it covered. The sugar free ketchup can splatter as it simmers, especially as it gets thick, so a lid prevents a big mess.
- Simmering time can vary widely. It can depend on the size of your pan, the exact heat of your stove, and even your brand of tomato paste. Bigger pans will need less time.
- Cooked it too long? Just add more water to thin it out.
- Adjust to your taste. You can always tweak it at the end! If it’s too tart, add a bit more powdered Besti. If it’s too flat, a pinch more salt could do the trick. If it’s too salty, a splash of vinegar can perk it up.
Storage Options
- Store: Pour your keto ketchup into a mason jar or other airtight container (I like to use a squeezable bottle with a flip cap!), and stash it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. If you notice any separation, just shake or stir it, and it’ll be good as new.
- Freeze: You can freeze the whole batch in zip lock bags, but I prefer a silicone ice cube tray, so I can pop out individual portions. (I do this for my sugar-free BBQ sauce as well.) Either way, this sugar free ketchup will keep in the freezer for up to 3-6 months.
- Canning: I haven’t tried it yet, but you should be able to can this in a water bath.

Serving Ideas
You probably already know the most common ways to use ketchup, but here are my healthier versions of the classics:
- Burgers – Slather this ketchup and homemade mayo on your hamburgers tucked between low carb hamburger buns, along with lettuce, tomatoes, and red onions. If you’re grilling for a cookout, my creamy cauliflower potato salad is the perfect pairing.
- Hot Dogs – Make hot dogs on my keto hot dog buns, or try my bacon wrapped hot dogs for something new.
- Chicken – Dip your keto chicken nuggets (pictured above) or crispy low carb chicken tenders into my sugar free ketchup. My kids love them.
- Fries – My fave low carb options are rutabaga fries, jicama fries, or cauliflower tots. If you’re reducing sugar but not strict on carbs, dunk garlic parmesan fries or air fryer french fries instead.
- Meatloaf – Whether it’s a classic meatloaf or my special keto meatloaf, don’t forget to top it with a generous layer of this sugar free ketchup. It adds that perfect tangy finish!
More Homemade Sugar Free Condiments
Did you know how many sauces and dressings you can make at home (with much cleaner ingredients)? Try my versions, all sugar-free and super simple:
Sugar Free Ketchup
My sugar free ketchup tastes sweet & tangy like the regular kind! It's easy to make, with simple, natural ingredients and just 2g net carbs.
Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.
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Whisk all ingredients in a small saucepan, until smooth.
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Simmer for about 30 minutes over low heat, with a cover, until the ketchup thickens (reduces) to your desired thickness. (Time will vary widely depending on the size of your pan.) Stir occasionally while simmering. Taste, and adjust salt and sweetener if needed.
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For the best consistency, puree the ketchup in a high-power blender for at least 30 seconds, until smooth. (This step is optional, but I recommend it for a smooth texture.)
Did You Like It?
Leave a rating to help other readers (this also helps me continue to provide free recipes on my site), or get the recipe sent to your inbox.
Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 tablespoon
- The entire recipe makes 3/4 cup, or 12 tablespoons.
📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Easy Keto Carboholics’ Cookbook.
I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy.
Add Your Notes Your Notes
© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.
Sugar Free Ketchup

Gratitude Moment

Here’s me a couple years ago during a YouTube video shoot of making my low carb meatloaf, with this keto ketchup on top as a glaze.
Lately I’ve been thinking about how much I miss making those videos, something I thought I’d never say. As a pretty shy introvert, they were so hard! But they also stretched me to grow, and for that I’m grateful.
In case you missed it, I put a pause on YouTube when we moved to Florida. I needed time to get settled, get new equipment… oh, and figure out how to shoot those videos myself for the first time ever, instead of having help from my videographer friend.
It’s going to be a whole new learning experience, but I can’t wait! So if you want to be the first to know when I post my next recipe video, subscribe to my channel here.
183 Comments
Carla @ Gluten Free Recipe Box
0If you ever try a zero-carb sweetener with this recipe, I’d love to hear about what you used and the quantity. At 3 carbs per teaspoon, the sweetener you chose wouldn’t work for my low-carb diet. Thanks for the idea though. Perhaps I can experiment soon.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Carla, Besti is zero net carbs per teaspoon, not 3. 🙂
Ro
0Any thoughts on how to adapt this recipe to Instant Pot?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Ro, I’ve only made this on the stovetop. You could certainly simmer it the same way on the Instant Pot’s Saute setting, but that wouldn’t actually save you any time. I don’t know how long it would take if actually pressure cooking. If you find a time that works well, please let me know!
Marlene Kane
0I’ve enjoyed many of your recipes and look forward to trying this one. My question is how long does this stay good in the refrigerator? I don’t use ketchup that often, and have given up buying the sugar free because of expense and waste.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Marlene, It lasts up to 2 weeks in the fridge for me. I always have storage info in the post for each recipe, including this one. 🙂
Polly
0I love how this turned out! I will def keep this in my rotation. It has a heavy tomato flavor that I really like and I love subbing out the high fructose corn syrup version and the no sugar shelf varieties don’t taste this good.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Thank you, Polly! Agree, I think homemade tastes so much better than store-bought, without all the sugar and processed ingredients.
Daisy Phan
0Your journey with youtube sounds like quite an adventure! Always looking forward to your new content! One of my favorites is this sugar-free ketchup– perfect on burgers and meatloaf. Plus, pairing it with keto chicken nuggets. My whole family loves it.
Alexa
0Such an inspiring journey! Growth often comes from stepping out of our comfort zones. Can’t wait to see your new videos. Subscribed and ready for more delicious recipes! The homemade ketchup turned out deliciously tangy and sweet. I used apple cider vinegar.
Judy
0We love this recipe. I use a little bit of Stevia drops to sweeten it. I ended up using a whole batch on a moist keto turkey loaf recipe. We just absolutely love it. Ketchup took it over the top.
Thank you so much! I’m going to take a look at your teriyaki sauce now.
Lance
0Great Recipe! Love the flavour. My son likes it better than Heinz! Simple recipe and delicious!
Renae
0Made adjustments based on what I had on hand. I used 2 cans hunts tomato sauce in place of tomato paste and water. Slightly reduced salt because it was in sauce. Used spicy brown mustard, because no mustard powder, slightly reduced allulose for sweetener and apple cider vinegar. Sorry it seems like a different recipe but this one was definitely a wonderful guide.
Cindy
0I loved this recipe! I will add a little less sweetener. Just a tad less. My grandson said it’s better than the big brand we buy.
Sarah
030 minutes to simmer 6 oz. of tomato paste? That seems incorrect…
Thanks for your great recipes and ideas! ❤️
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Sarah, The time is correct. There is a cup of water in the recipe, as well as other ingredients, so you’re not just simmering tomato paste.
Joanne
0This was delicious! I made it to use on the Wholesome Yum keto meatloaf, which was also wonderful. I’m very glad I went ahead and made a double batch tonight for the first try of this recipe, because we all loved it! Both recipes will be regulars in our house!
Steve Volker
0Will Truvia work? I use it in all my recipes to date.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Steve, I don’t recommend Truvia, as it’s over 99% erythritol, which has issues as explained in the post above. The ketchup can turn out gritty initially, and if it doesn’t, it will often crystallize when storing.
Pam
0Could I use Canning salt and Swerve or Splenda in place of Allulose?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Pam, Swerve will not work well, as the ketchup will be gritty. Splenda might work, but I don’t recommend sucralose for health reasons.
Janice
0I can say that this keto, sugar-free ketchup is a lifesaver. I am always looking for alternative condiments for my meals, and luckily I came across your recipe! I prefer this homemade ketchup to store-bought ones! I would definitely save this recipe for future use!
Joshua Weberg
0I was super happy to find this recipe. I have grown tired of the ketchups at the store that are loaded full of sugars. This ketchup was tasty and made for the perfect replacement ketchup on my burgers.
Jane
0I have tried both Heinz and Keto Sugar-Free Ketchup, and I definitely prefer Keto. It has a much stronger, more savory flavor than Heinz.