Tomato ketchup

Tesco Value Tomato Ketchup €1.23 for 1 kilo

Highs: This is the cheapest of the sauces tasted, by a fairly substantial margin, yet there is not that much to distinguish it from the more upmarket brands. Its consistency is good and thick, making it adhere well to a chip, and its family-friendly size will appeal to many.

Lows: While the salt content of 1.2 grams per 100g seems a little high when compared with its rivals, the taste of vinegar almost overpowers every other flavour in the mix. It also had to be jimmied open with a blade.

Verdict: Great value.

Star rating: ****

Daddies Tomato Ketchup €1.76 for 685g; €2.57 per kilo

Highs: Of all the condiments tried, this gets the flavour balance spot-on. No single ingredient dominates proceedings, and a hint of a tomato taste remains. It has a "compound vitamin mix", which allows it to shout loudly about its wholesome and healthy properties.

Lows: Tomato sauce may be many things, but suggesting it is good for you would appear to be stretching it slightly. Grown-ups without kids to feed may be put off by the cartoon kids clowning around on the bottle.

Verdict: Great taste.

Star rating: ****

Heinz Tomato Ketchup €1.69 for 460g; €3.67 per kilo

Highs: On the market for more than a century, this is undoubtedly the great granddaddy of the ketchup market. It has a fresh and familiar taste and is a good deal less gloopy than some of the other brands tried, which makes it easier to pour.

Lows: It is the most expensive of the ketchups tried (Roma's hot tomato sauce is pricier still), which means those on a budget won't be so quick to chuck it into their trolley. It is also incredibly sweet-tasting, which some people might find unpleasant.

Verdict: Over-priced and over-sweet.

Star rating: ***

Roma Hot Tomato Sauce €2.89 for 510g; €5.67 per kilo

Highs: While it looks not dissimilar to the ketchups, it is a world away in terms of taste. This has a serious kick to it thanks to the still-visible jalapeno peppers; chilli lovers may be tempted to replace their run-of-the-mill ketchup with this considerably more fiery alternative.

Lows: The chilli totally dominates the flavour balance, so you may want to think twice before using it as an accompaniment. It is almost four times dearer than the cheapest of the tomato sauces tried.

Verdict: Spicy and pricey

Star rating: ***

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