7 Key Differences Between Sauce And Ketchup

By Niveditha Kalyanaraman

November 5th, 2023

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Sauce and ketchup are terms we mistakenly use interchangeably. However, both of them are poles apart and it can be confusing. Here are 7 key differences between sauce and ketchup.

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Ingredients

Ketchup is made from tomato paste, vinegar, sugar, and various spices and seasonings. Sauce is made from tomatoes, onions, garlic, and other vegetables and herbs.

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Taste

Ketchup is a sweet and tangy condiment whereas sauce is savory in taste.

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Usage

Ketchup is commonly used as a dipping sauce for French fries, burgers, hot dogs, and other fast foods. Sauce is used as a topping for pasta dishes such as spaghetti and lasagna.

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Consistency

Sauce is thinner and smoother in texture. Tomato ketchup has a thick, homogeneous consistency.

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Serving

Sauces of many varieties are served hot. Tomato ketchup is naturally cold and is never served hot.

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Color

Tomato sauce often is vivid red, whereas tomato ketchup is generally deep red in colour.

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Spice Level

Tomato sauce is often spicier than ketchup because it is flavoured with herbs such as oregano, whereas tomato ketchup is flavoured with spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg.

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