The best specialty flavored ketchup
Since we are expanding our horizons beyond only mustards (because it’s hard to love mustard as much as we do around here at Fancy Mustard HQ without also loving all the other condiments around it) it seems only right to look at the condiment so often paired with mustard: ketchup. But, of course, we are not about to look at the basic supermarket varieties though, in writing this post, we learned we will die on two hills: Trader Joe’s Organic ketchupand Whataburger’s Ketchup (available in classicor spicy) are the best, most flavorful and beloved basic ketchup blends out there.
Here are some of our favorite specialty ketchups:
For straight-up fanciness, De Nigris Gourmet Italian Ketchup with Balsamic Vinegar Of Modena is a clear frontrunner. It just tastes special.
Funtable Kimchi Ketchup: This product is high on our list for a reason and that reason is that this kimchi ketchup is delicious and hits so many flavor notes, you will very likely find yourself putting it on stuff for which you’d never dream of reaching for ketchup otherwise.
Geo Watkins Mushroom Ketchup: Mushrooms really are magic in this ketchup, because they bring a deep earthiness to the ketchup blend that is versatile and delicious and especially good as a marinade.
Cleveland Ketchup’s Classic Ketchup is a solid choice, but the company really shines with the fantastic ketchup blends they also make. We’ve only recently learned they come in a variety pack: Garlic-Dill, Bacon & Bourbon, and Ghost Pepper. (Though don’t sleep on their Balsamic Black Pepper and Harissa varieties, either.)
As for bacon-specific ketchup flavors, though, out top pick is Green Jay Gourmet Bacon Ketchup.
Banana ketchup is a whole deal. And, as Eater wrote in 2024: banana ketchup should be everywhere, because while it’s popular in the Philippines and Caribbean, it’s wildly good and goes with so many things. Two we really like: Baron’s Banana Ketchupand Fila Manila Banana Ketchup.
No ketchup list would be complete without a good curry ketchup, and for that, our pick is Hela Curry Gewurz Ketchup.
Melinda’s Habanero Ketchup is our top pick for hot pepper variety ketchup, because habaneros are both spicy and complex of flavor, but Uncle Keith’s Habanero Ketchup is a close, close second for us.
We should also mention some ketchup alternatives, and our favorite among them is Black Cavern Ketchup Alternative, Tomato-Free Condiment. It’s weird in the best way and absolutely fantastic. But, Black Cavern is ties with Miss Watson Nightshade Free Classic Style Condimentwhich is delicious and nuanced in all the right ways, too. KC Natural makes Carrup (ketchup made with carrots) that one member of Team Fancy Mustard is obsessed with, so that one definitely makes the cut, too. Nomato’s Ketchup Alternative is also delicious with a spiced (think more cinnamon-like than pepper heat) complexity we like.
