Your Ketchup Addiction Is Basically A Sugar Addiction

Your Ketchup Addiction Is Basically A Sugar Addiction

Almost everything tastes better with ketchup.

For some, fried foods and the like are mere vessels to transport the delight that is ketchup from plate to mouth. Justifiably, the condiment is a near-requirement when it comes to French fries.

It's not often considered a diet-buster, but topping food with ketchup actually involves a lot more sugar than most people realize. That's because a single fast food-style packet of ketchup contains a mere two grams of sugar -- and while that's not a lot of sugar by any means, you're probably even now admitting to yourself that a single packet is rarely enough to satisfy your ketchup-to-fry ratio requirements.

If you're squeezing from a bottle of Heinz, a serving size is one tablespoon, and contains a still-modest four grams of sugar. But this is what one serving looks like next to a small order of McDonald's fries:

If you're fond of ketchup, that is probably not enough ketchup. No way, no how. This is what two servings of ketchup looks like next to the same order of fries:

Still not enough? Why not give the bottle an extra squeeze, adding another serving of ketchup?

Dip into every last drop, and you've consumed more sugar than the amount in a Krispy Kreme donut. Did you put ketchup on your burger as well? Let's add another serving to the plate:


You could could have eaten more than half of a Snickers bar for this amount of sugar. But you'd never put ketchup in the same category as candy, right? Let's say you're the type to put ketchup on everything, and add just one more serving:


If you ate half a cup of Haagen-Daaz ice cream, you'd be consuming fewer grams of sugar than you would eating this much ketchup.

This isn't to say you should relinquish your love for ketchup. But the visualization could encourage you to squeeze a serving less if you're attempting to limit your sugar intake. Sugar is partly to blame for much of America's obesity epidemic; Consuming too much can increase person's risk for other ailments, including depression, diabetes and heart disease. Don't let the sneaky culprit undo your health efforts without you even knowing: Read labels, and remember that portion size matters.

Before You Go

Arizona Raspberry Iced Tea
Amazon.com
These recognizable-anywhere cans are bad news: They contain 23.5 ounces, nearly three times the suggested serving size for the tea inside. With 90 calories per 8 ounces, finishing an entire can adds up to almost 270.

Photo from Amazon.com
Starbucks Bottled Mocha Frappuccino
Amazon.com
The 9.5-ounce Starbucks to go contains 180 calories.

Photo from Amazon.com
Jamba Juice Smoothies
Granted, Jamba Juice All Fruit smoothies are made with much better-for-you ingredients than a can of cola. However, it's still easy to mindlessly sip your calories when a 16-ounce size clocks in at least 210 calories.

Flickr photo by libookperson
Minute Maid Lemonade
Amazon.com
A 12-ounce can of the summer favorite clocks in at 150 calories, more than a can of Coke and the same as a can of Pepsi.

Photo from Amazon.com
Snapple Apple Fruit Drink
Amazon.com
There are 100 calories in every 8 ounces of this fruity pick, but the bottle is deceiving, since it packs 16 ounces.

Photo from Amazon.com
Sunkist Orange Soda
Amazon.com
There are 170 calories per 12-ounce can of this sweet drink.

Photo from Amazon.com
Dr. Pepper
Amazon.com
A 12-ounce can clocks in at 150 calories, more than a can of Coke and the same as a can of Pepsi.

Photo from Amazon.com
Dunkin' Donuts Strawberry Coolatta
Even the small size of this frozen concoction from the coffee chain is a diet danger, with 230 calories in 16 ounces.

Flickr photo by ReneS
Monster Energy Drink
Amazon.com
There are only 100 calories in 8 ounces of this pick-me-up, but who only drinks half a can? The whole thing will set you back 200 calories.

Photo from Amazon.com
Nesquik Lowfat Chocolate Milk
Amazon.com
An 8-ounce bottle of this sweet sip adds up to 170 calories. Beware of larger sizes that encourage bigger portions.

Photo from Amazon.com
Barq's Root Beer
Amazon.com
Each 12-ounce can contains 160 calories.

Photo from Amazon.com
Related Video

Popular in the Community

Close

HuffPost Shopping’s Best Finds

MORE IN LIFE