Is Ketchup good for an anti-inflammatory diet?

Ketchup scores +1.4, which is pro-inflammatory. Consider lower-inflammation alternatives such as tomato paste, salsa.

What is the inflammation score of Ketchup?

Ketchup has an Inflamous inflammation score of +1.4. Scores below -1 are anti-inflammatory, -1 to +1 are neutral, and above +1 are pro-inflammatory. This score is based on ingredient-level analysis using DII-inspired methodology.

What are healthier alternatives to Ketchup?

Lower-inflammation alternatives to Ketchup include tomato paste, salsa. These options tend to have lower inflammatory profiles based on their ingredient composition.

Is Ketchup Inflammatory?

+1.4 — pro-inflammatoryprocessed

Yes — Ketchup is mildly pro-inflammatory, with a score of +1.4. Commercial ketchup delivers inflammatory high-fructose corn syrup alongside lycopene-rich tomatoes, creating a mixed profile that leans pro-inflammatory.

Ketchup — pro-inflammatory food with inflammation score +1.4

Ingredient Score Breakdown

Each ingredient is scored based on DII-inspired evidence. Negative values are anti-inflammatory; positive values are pro-inflammatory.

High-fructose corn syrup

+1.5

Added HFCS promotes hepatic lipogenesis, uric acid production, and systemic inflammatory markers.

Excess sodium

+0.6

High salt content can elevate blood pressure and trigger vascular inflammation.

Tomato lycopene

-0.6

Concentrated lycopene acts as a potent antioxidant, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.

Acetic acid (vinegar)

-0.1

Vinegar may improve postprandial glucose response and support gut health.

Why This Score

Ketchup's inflammation score of +1.4 is calculated from ingredient-level data weighted by DII-inspired evidence. Foods with added sugar, refined starches, and heavy processing trend higher; foods with fiber, omega-3, and polyphenols trend lower.

FODMAP Note

Low FODMAP in servings up to 1 tablespoon, but larger amounts may trigger symptoms due to concentrated fructose.

Healthier Alternatives

tomato paste
salsa

Key Compounds

Tomato concentrateHigh-fructose corn syrupVinegar

Related Foods

Mayonnaise

Is it inflammatory? Score: +1.6

Ranch Dressing

Is it inflammatory? Score: +1.7

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ketchup inflammatory?: Yes. Ketchup scores +1.4 on the Inflamous inflammation scale, making it pro-inflammatory. Commercial ketchup delivers inflammatory high-fructose corn syrup alongside lycopene-rich tomatoes, creating a mixed profile that leans pro-inflammatory.
Is Ketchup good for an anti-inflammatory diet?: Ketchup scores +1.4, which is pro-inflammatory. Consider lower-inflammation alternatives such as tomato paste, salsa.
What is the inflammation score of Ketchup?: Ketchup has an Inflamous inflammation score of +1.4. Scores below -1 are anti-inflammatory, -1 to +1 are neutral, and above +1 are pro-inflammatory. This score is based on ingredient-level analysis using DII-inspired methodology.
What are healthier alternatives to Ketchup?: Lower-inflammation alternatives to Ketchup include tomato paste, salsa. These options tend to have lower inflammatory profiles based on their ingredient composition.
Does Ketchup affect FODMAP sensitivity?: Low FODMAP in servings up to 1 tablespoon, but larger amounts may trigger symptoms due to concentrated fructose.

See the full food profile: Ketchup Inflammation Score & Details

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