What is it? 3 Men in a Trailer Artisan Irish Original Ketchup (rrp €3.49; 280g).
What’s good about it? Barbecue season sees sales of tomato ketchup spike, but what consumers may not be aware of is the amount of sugar contained in that delicious adornment for sausages, burgers and more. This brand was created to address that. The 3 Men in a Trailer original variety ketchup has 14g of sugar per 100g. In comparison, Heinz tomato ketchup has 22.8g of sugar per 100g. The range also includes spicy and smoked versions of the ketchup. Apart from having less sugar, this brand is also very tasty, with a fruity and deeply savoury flavour profile.
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Who makes it? The product was developed by three friends from Co Tipperary, who bought a trailer as a food development unit. Eamon Crowe is a pork butcher, JK Walshe is a farmer and JJ Healy is a former chef now lecturer at Cork Institute of Technology. Production is now outsouced to G’s Gourmet Jams in Abbeyleix, Co Laois.
How do I use it? It is a multipurpose condiment, good with chips, of course, and also with burgers and sausages. A spoonful added to home-made Bolognese sauce adds a little sweetness and depth of flavour.
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Where can I buy it? It is available from independent food stores and butchers, mainly in Munster, as well as some SuperValu branches. The producers are actively seeking more stockists, so ask for it where you shop.
Anything else? The brand was selected for the SuperValu Food Academy programme and was one of 24 finalists in the 2023 Grow With Aldi campaign. You may still find it in some branches of Aldi, with a decision awaited as to whether it will become a core listing.
Send your Shelf Help product suggestions to marieclaire.digby@irishtimes.com
