Hellmann’s Tomato Ketchup Sweetened only with Honey testers feedback thread NOW CLOSED

[AnnMumsnet]

This thread is for the MNers who are trying this new ketchup with their families - read on to find out what they think!

Hellmann’s say “Hellmann’s Ketchup sweetened only with Honey. An all-natural recipe offering Mum’s more of the ingredients they want, and less of the ingredients they don’t – 36% more tomatoes, and 30% less sugar (vs. market leader standard tomato ketchup)”

Testers, please share your thoughts on the questions below and feel free to also tweet your comments and photos to @HellmannsUK (include @mumsnetinsight!)

What did you think overall about the product?
What appealed to you about trying it? - was it the all natural recipe, only being sweetened by honey, 36% more tomatoes + 30% less sugar (vs. market leader)
How did it taste? What did other members of your family think about the taste?
Are you likely to buy it again? And why?
And are you likely to recommend it to someone else - if it came up in conversation - and why?

Everyone who takes part and who shares feedback on the thread and by completing the survey will be entered into a prize draw where one tester will win a £300 supermarket voucher for the store of their choice.

Thanks and good luck!
MNHQ

Standard Insight T&Cs Apply

What did you think overall about the product?

We all thought it was lovely - tasted less synthetic than other ketchups and all of us thoroughly enjoyed it.

What appealed to you about trying it? - was it the all natural recipe, only being sweetened by honey, 36% more tomatoes + 30% less sugar (vs. market leader)

Definitely the lack of refined sugars and preservatives.

How did it taste? What did other members of your family think about the taste?

It tasted really lovely - we all thought the same thing. Similar to All Gold Ketchup, which is one we all enjoy too!

Are you likely to buy it again? And why?

Yes - I would feel like I was making a more sensible choice for my family.

And are you likely to recommend it to someone else - if it came up in conversation - and why?

Yes I would - because we all enjoyed it and it certainly felt like a better decision than our usual brand.

What did you think overall about the product?
I liked it. I felt it was more tangy than normal ketchup. I had three children try it out. One didn’t like it. One said it was okay but preferred normal ketchup. One liked it as she loves ketchup and said she wanted to go with the healthy choice.

What appealed to you about trying it? - was it the all natural recipe, only being sweetened by honey, 36% more tomatoes + 30% less sugar (vs. market leader)
Yes – I liked the all natural recipe.

How did it taste? What did other members of your family think about the taste?
I thought it was more tangy than normal ketchup. It doesn’t taste like the market leader one, but that was okay. One child said it was too sweet – then tried the market leader and realised it wasn’t as sweet as that!

Are you likely to buy it again? And why?
Yes – as more healthy/less sugar.

And are you likely to recommend it to someone else - if it came up in conversation - and why?
Yes – if the conversation was about trying to reduce sugar.

What did you think overall about the product?
Great, just like normal ketchup.
What appealed to you about trying it? - was it the all natural recipe, only being sweetened by honey, 36% more tomatoes + 30% less sugar (vs. market leader)
Yes, all the above
How did it taste? What did other members of your family think about the taste? Fine, a little sweeter than usual so the sweetness could be reduced. Son liked it, said it tasted like Heinz.
Are you likely to buy it again? And why? Possibly though I found it a bit sweet.
And are you likely to recommend it to someone else - if it came up in conversation - and why? I would for those trying to find a 'healthier' ketchup.

What did you think overall about the product? Very impressed, I personally hardly noticed a difference. My children were all very happy and didn't seem to notice

What appealed to you about trying it? - was it the all natural recipe, only being sweetened by honey, 36% more tomatoes + 30% less sugar (vs. market leader)

For me it was definitely the sugar being replaced by honey.

How did it taste?

Tasted lovely, even better than the usual brand we have used

What did other members of your family think about the taste?

I didn't tell them and they didn't notice, they really enjoyed it

Are you likely to buy it again? And why?

Definitely, anyway I can reduce sugar intake then I will

And are you likely to recommend it to someone else - if it came up in conversation - and why?

Yes because I speak to lots of mummy friends and we all watch our children's sugar intake. They will all be interested in this

Thanks for the bottle of ketchup. Here are my family's thoughts

1. I thought the product looked just like any other bottle of tomato ketchup, nothing really stood out for me. I do like these squeezy bottles though.
2. The lack of sugar and the amount of tomatoes appealed to me. Also I love condiments and it's rare for me to have a meal without ketchup.
3. I didn't really like the taste. I thought it had a weird chemical after taste. My boys (2) loved it. My husband thought there was nothing different from Heinz! 4)I wouldn't buy it again as I much prefer Heinz over any other brand.
4. I would not recommend it sorry.

Thanks again for the opportunity.

What did you think overall about the product?

All the family liked it that's 2 adults and 8 children between 17 - 1 years old. I couldn't taste the honey in it at all and like the flavour of it.

What appealed to you about trying it? - was it the all natural recipe, only being sweetened by honey, 36% more tomatoes + 30% less sugar (vs. market leader)

I loved the idea of less sugar as I am always looking for ways to cut it down in my family. My teens especially love condiments with their food and my ds said he couldn't tell the difference I normally buy heinz and the ketchup was standard.

How did it taste? What did other members of your family think about the taste?
I liked the taste, i found it slightly tangy but I kept on waiting to get a hint of the honey but I didn't. It was rich tomotoey flavour it was thumbs up from all.

Are you likely to buy it again? And why?

Yes I think I'd buy it if i saw it in the supermarket.

And are you likely to recommend it to someone else - if it came up in conversation - and why

Yes I'd recommend it to all as the flavour was nice and as a society we should all cut down of added sugar in our diets.

Thank you very much for letting us test.

What did you think overall about the product?
The verdict was mixed in our house. DD and I liked it, but DH and DS didn't.

What appealed to you about trying it? - was it the all natural recipe, only being sweetened by honey, 36% more tomatoes + 30% less sugar (vs. market leader)
The natural sweetness of honey rather than anything processed, and the higher percentage of tomatoes.

How did it taste? What did other members of your family think about the taste?
DD and I liked it. We usually have two types of ketchup on the go, M&S own brand and Stokes. The Hellman's was paler in colour to both of them, which I thought of as more 'natural' (M&S is very dark in colour, which I think looks very synthetic). It was nice and thick, and even if the bottle wasn't shaken, the sauce didn't separate and spurt out liquid first like others (yuk!). DH and DS didn't like it, they both thaught is wasn't sweet enough and had a tangy, slightly sharp taste. I liked the packaging too, the lid didn't clog up with excess sauce, and it was easy to recognise in our dark and cavernous larder.

Are you likely to buy it again? And why?

I would certainly buy it again. None of the family can agree on one particular brand of ketchup, so I would buy it to add to our existing choices. It was very similar in colour and taste to the Stokes brand, so I would probably buy it instead of that. The cost would not affect my decision, as we consider ketchup as essential, thus will pay whatever it costs to have a good taste/texture.

And are you likely to recommend it to someone else - if it came up in conversation - and why?

I would recommend it to others, it looks and tastes less processed than other brands, and the sweetness of the honey adds an extra twist.

Hello

We've only just had chance to try this out so here goes:

What did you think overall about the product?
I loved it and was completely surprised that I did (as a devoted Heinz buyer). It tasted really tomatoey and like a posh ketchup.

What appealed to you about trying it? - was it the all natural recipe, only being sweetened by honey, 36% more tomatoes + 30% less sugar (vs. market leader)
I think that it was sweetened by natural sugar. DH studied the ingredients and % at dinner and declared it better than our usual!

How did it taste? What did other members of your family think about the taste?
I loved it, as did my girls. Husband said it was ok but Ds wasn't a fan. He said it was too sweet.

Are you likely to buy it again? And why?
Yes as I was really surprised that it was so lovely. Would love it to be in an offer with their mayo.

And are you likely to recommend it to someone else - if it came up in conversation - and why?
Yes I would because I was pleasantly surprised being a Heinz ketchup addict. I also like the fact that it doesn't seem to contain as many nasties as the alternative, meaning less guilt at meal times.

Thank you for letting us try it out

We had it tonight on hot dogs.

How did it taste? Slightly sweeter than our usual heinz but was nice
What did other members of your family think about the taste?dd says It was good cos it just tasted like a normal ketchup
Are you likely to buy it again? Possibly, price dependent And why? It was nice and reducing sugar can only be good
And are you likely to recommend it to someone else - if it came up in conversation - and why? Probably, again due to concerns about sugar levels

What did you think overall about the product?

Great taste, whole family liked it and we normally only like Heinz or Aldi.

What appealed to you about trying it? - was it the all natural recipe, only being sweetened by honey, 36% more tomatoes + 30% less sugar (vs. market leader)

Only being sweetened by honey which is meant to be a lot healthier. No artificial sweeteners which in my experience are worse than sugar despite being diabetic!

How did it taste? What did other members of your family think about the taste?

Tasted great, just the right level of sweetness to complement a range of foods.

Are you likely to buy it again? And why?

Yes, would purchase, price point dependent.

And are you likely to recommend it to someone else - if it came up in conversation - and why?

Yes would recommend to others, already have to other parents who are keen to reduce sugar intake.

What did you think overall about the product?
Really nice tasting, smooth and no background taste of honey.

What appealed to you about trying it? - was it the all natural recipe, only being sweetened by honey, 36% more tomatoes + 30% less sugar (vs. market leader)
I've a son who treats ketchup like an entirely separate food group and consumes huge quantities of it! He's recently had braces fitted and we've been told to cut sugar from his diet, this is the easiest way to start weaning him off the beloved ketchup!

How did it taste? What did other members of your family think about the taste?
I liked it, I don't eat a great deal of ketchup but I'd chose this over other brands. Kids all loved it, we went to beach and took it with us to have with a fish and chip supper and came home with half the bottle gone. All 4 kids ate copious amounts!

Are you likely to buy it again? And why?
Yes for the reduced sugar content as long as it's not stupidity expensive.

And are you likely to recommend it to someone else - if it came up in conversation - and why?
Yes, I actually gave the rest of the bottle away to my best friend for her kids. Much to my kids disgust!

My daughters both ate it without comment. My OH looked suspicious but ate it. I found it a bit sweeter then I'm used to and a bit sharper. If it was a good competitive price I'd buy it again. Especially for the children

What did you think overall about the product?

Liked the product, liked the idea of using honey as a sweetner.

What appealed to you about trying it? - was it the all natural recipe, only being sweetened by honey, 36% more tomatoes + 30% less sugar (vs. market leader)

It was that it was naturally sweetened, and also contained more tomato, it appealed as the children eat a fair amount

How did it taste? What did other members of your family think about the taste?
I thought it tasted nice slightly different to our normal brand. My elder child said it tasted different but was still nice and my youngest said it was nice

Are you likely to buy it again? And why?
And are you likely to recommend it to someone else - if it came up in conversation - and why?
I think I would buy it again because I liked the idea that it contained more tomato and less sugar than our usual brand

What did you think overall about the product?
We all (2 adults and toddler) enjoyed the ketchup. Good consistency, colour and tasted really lovely.

What appealed to you about trying it? - was it the all natural recipe, only being sweetened by honey, 36% more tomatoes + 30% less sugar (vs. market leader)
I like the idea that it had 30% less sugar and more tomatoes. An all natural recipe is very appealing too. I like to feed my LO foods which are as natural as possible.

How did it taste?
It definitely tasted more natural, more tomatoey. We could taste the honey and really liked it.

What did other members of your family think about the taste?
Everyone in clouding the toddler enjoyed it

Are you likely to buy it again? And why?
We will definitely buy it again. Its really tasty. I've made my own ketchup before but it was a faff, this is a great alternative.

And are you likely to recommend it to someone else - if it came up in conversation - and why?
I would certainly recommend it for all the above reasons.

What did you think overall about the product?
It looks good, nicely packaged and the taste is great
What appealed to you about trying it? - was it the all natural recipe, only being sweetened by honey, 36% more tomatoes + 30% less sugar (vs. market leader)
The natural sugars, as a good way to reduce family sugar intake
How did it taste? What did other members of your family think about the taste?
Pleasantly surprised, high quality ketchup flavour
Are you likely to buy it again? And why?
Yes, dependant on price as it's a healthier alternative to standard ketchups
And are you likely to recommend it to someone else - if it came up in conversation - and why
Yes as it's a good flavour and healthier option

What did you think overall about the product?
I like the packaging - easy to use, attractive and kept nice and neat and clean! The ketchup itself was tasty - more tomatoey tasting than most other ketchups I've tasted. As my toddler loves ketchup too, I like the idea of it being sweetened naturally with honey rather than artificial sweeteners.

What appealed to you about trying it? - was it the all natural recipe, only being sweetened by honey, 36% more tomatoes + 30% less sugar (vs. market leader)
I was intrigued to know what the ketchup would taste like, when sweetened with honey - I don't think you can taste any honey flavour, although there was a kind of smokey after taste that I presume is due to the honey?? Otherwise, it did taste more tomatoey and given my toddler loves ketchup too, I liked that it had more tomatoes and fewer artificial ingredients. I wasn't really clear about the reduction in sugar though - do you count honey as a sugar (which it ultimately is albeit natural) when you say the sugar content is reduced? I did notice the number of calories was a little less than most other ketchups (11 vs 17 per 15g serving)

How did it taste?
More tomatoey than usual with a sort of smokey after taste. Not as sweet as our usual ketchup - a bit more natural tasting I'd say.

What did other members of your family think about the taste?
We all enjoyed the taste - even my fussy toddler didn't reject it like a lot of things we give her these days so thumbs up there!

Are you likely to buy it again? And why?
Yes I would buy it again depending on the price. I like the idea of more tomatoes and less artificial ingredients and that it wasn't quite as calorific.

And are you likely to recommend it to someone else - if it came up in conversation - and why?
Yes I would recommend it, especially if you prefer a more natural tasting ketchup. The only thing I think needs clarifying is the reduction of sugar content and whether you count honey as a sugar or not when you say the sugar content has been reduced (I think honey has to be considered as a form of sugar myself)

What did you think overall about the product?

I really enjoyed it. A definite improvement on regular ketchup which I find too sweet and artificial.

What appealed to you about trying it? - was it the all natural recipe, only being sweetened by honey, 36% more tomatoes + 30% less sugar (vs. market leader)

I have two children that eat ketchup with virtually everything, but whose second love is honey so this sounded like the perfect combination. A healthier option too which is always good.

How did it taste?

It tasted much 'fresher' and more natural than normal ketchup. You could definitely tell there were more tomatoes in there. Although it's still sweet, the flavour isn't drowned out by the sweetness and vinegar.

What did other members of your family think about the taste?

They enjoyed it too. DS claimed he could really taste the honey (you can't!) and it was a bit strange...but that was only after he'd read the bottle. Both he and DD wolfed it down when I just put it on their food.

Are you likely to buy it again? And why?

Definitely-I much prefer the taste of this ketchup. Still has the ketchup flavour you'd expect but slightly more tangy.

And are you likely to recommend it to someone else - if it came up in conversation - and why?

Yes-I know lots of parents that would be keen to give their children a healthier version of a childhood staple. Some might be put off by the honey factor (I'm not a fan either) but you really can't taste it.

What did you think overall about the product? I quite liked it, it was a stronger flavour than our normal brand, more tomatoey. I liked the wider lid as it was less likely to fall over.
What appealed to you about trying it? - The lower sugar and more tomatoes.
How did it taste? What did other members of your family think about the taste? I liked it but DD thought it tasted too muck like tomato soup. DS who is the ketchup fiend liked it.
Are you likely to buy it again? And why? Yes if the price is comparable.
And are you likely to recommend it to someone else - if it came up in conversation - and why? I have suggested it to my sister as I preferred it to her lower sugar ketchup.

What did you think overall about the product?

Well packaged and the squeezy bottle works well. I really liked the taste of the ketchup and it was a hit with two out of three DC.

What appealed to you about trying it? - was it the all natural recipe, only being sweetened by honey, 36% more tomatoes + 30% less sugar (vs. market leader).

I have 3 DC who all eat A LOT of ketchup. I have been starting to worry about the amount of sugar and salt that they are taking in. I have also started to find the smell of Heinz really, really strong and unpleasant!

How did it taste? What did other members of your family think about the taste?

I thought it tasted nice, quite tangy compared to regular ketchup. Both of my DDs liked it and said they would prefer it to our regular Heinz. DS did not like it and asked for the 'normal' ketchup.

Are you likely to buy it again? And why?

I probably would buy it again but it would alongside our regular ketchup. Perhaps we can convert DS?!

And are you likely to recommend it to someone else - if it came up in conversation - and why?

I would definitely recommend it - great idea for those watching their refined sugar intake and I actually prefer the taste to regular ketchup regardless.

Thank you for the ketchup!

What did you think overall about the product?
Well presented, nice bottle that keeps clean and easy for the kids to use.

What appealed to you about trying it? - was it the all natural recipe, only being sweetened by honey, 36% more tomatoes + 30% less sugar (vs. market leader)

The more tomatoes was a big incentive. I'm not keen on Heinz as it tastes to sweet and cloying. The other brand I prefer however aren't particularly tomato based, and the kids hate it. Using honey as a sweetener was a big plus too.

How did it taste? What did other members of your family think about the taste?
I was surprised at the kids not only did they like it, they said they preferred it. I very much like it too, nice to find a ketchup we can all enjoy. The honey makes a much less cloying than the other major brand ketchup.

Are you likely to buy it again? And why?

Definitely will buy it again as we all enjoyed it.

And are you likely to recommend it to someone else - if it came up in conversation - and why?

Already have to my friend , came up in a conversation about hidden sugars and the flavour of sweeteners.

What did you think overall about the product?
I really liked it, dd wasn't sure

What appealed to you about trying it? - was it the all natural recipe, only being sweetened by honey, 36% more tomatoes + 30% less sugar (vs. market leader)
The honey appealed to me. I'm never sure about less sugar and more tomato claims as it is, as you say, compared to the market leader not what we normally eat.

How did it taste? What did other members of your family think about the taste?
The adults loved it, it had a deeper taste, more like a BBQ sauce. Dd didn't like it but this may have been psychological as she decided as it had honey in she wasn't going to like it.

Are you likely to buy it again? And why?
Yes - it tasted nicer than our usual brand and I like that it has honey in it

And are you likely to recommend it to someone else - if it came up in conversation - and why?
Yes - because of the honey content

What did you think overall about the product?

We liked it - came out nicely without that watery stuff that normally comes out first and looked a good colour

What appealed to you about trying it? - was it the all natural recipe, only being sweetened by honey, 36% more tomatoes + 30% less sugar (vs. market leader)

Liked the idea of there being less 'junk' in it

How did it taste? What did other members of your family think about the taste?

DS1 said he liked it 'about the same' as the ketchup we normally buy and ds2 ate fingerfulls of it from his plate so I'd say it went down well!

Are you likely to buy it again? And why?

If it was competitively priced I would buy again

And are you likely to recommend it to someone else - if it came up in conversation - and why?

Would possibly recommend, especially in the early 'eating food' stages

What did you think overall about the product?
We liked it. We didn't find it tasted much different to the one we usually have - supermarket own lower sugar.

What appealed to you about trying it? - was it the all natural recipe, only being sweetened by honey, 36% more tomatoes + 30% less sugar (vs. market leader)
It was the sweetened with honey so no other added sugar, especially as my 3yo DD loves tomato ketchup and eats it more regularly than I had ever planned!

How did it taste? What did other members of your family think about the taste?
It tasted good. As I said before, same as others we have tried (we are not brand loyal really), definitely no complaints.

Are you likely to buy it again? And why?
Yes if it was a decent price - that would be the limiting factor I think.

And are you likely to recommend it to someone else - if it came up in conversation - and why?
Yes I would as it seems better than the sugary versions.

What did you think overall about the product?

I enjoyed the tangy taste. The product looked like a 'grown up' condiment rather than ketchup.

What appealed to you about trying it? - was it the all natural recipe, only being sweetened by honey, 36% more tomatoes + 30% less sugar (vs. market leader)

I'm trying to reduce the sugar content in my family's diet, so was keen to try a ketchup with a natural sweetener to see how it compared to the low sugar market leader we usually buy.

How did it taste?

delicious, more of a tangy tomato flavour than my usual ketchup. The honey to sweeten was good, and definitely more tasty and sweeter than my usual low sugar ketchup.

What did other members of your family think about the taste? My husband enjoyed it and my son said it was yummy!

Are you likely to buy it again? And why? Definitely, a tasty low sugar option for my family.

And are you likely to recommend it to someone else - if it came up in conversation - and why? Yes, because it is healthier and delicious

What did you think overall about the product? Great, tasted really nice, think I preferred it to usual ketchup I use. Kids loved it too. The only thing was disappointing was on ingredients it was 'tomato puree' rather than 'tomatoes' which my usual ketchup is made from. I'm trying to work out if this means it's less healthy/not as good! I would prefer it if was tomatoes rather than purée! Nonetheless did live flavor and less sugar somalways good!
What appealed to you about trying it? - was it the all natural recipe, only being sweetened by honey, 36% more tomatoes + 30% less sugar (vs. market leader).
More tomatoes and less sugar really appealed.
How did it taste? What did other members of your family think about the taste? We all loved it!
Are you likely to buy it again? And why? Yes because of taste but will also buy my usual one too because it's made out of tonatiescratger than tomato purée!
And are you likely to recommend it to someone else - if it came up in conversation - and why? I think I would as it gas lovely flavor!