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? Overall, I'm a bit divided. Inexplicably I've never bought honey and never really eaten honey apart from as an ingredient in something, so I'm not sure what it's meant to taste like. I'm a bit worried that it's not something we should be eating because it's meant to be for the bees, but I'm not ethical enough for that to have got in the way of testing a ketchup with less sugar. I thought I would taste the honey, but I don't think I did. It just tasted like good 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)
All natural ingredients and less sugar.
How did it taste? What did other members of your family think about the taste?
It tasted good. The kids enjoyed it too. They're used to having different ketchups, so don't complain that it's not their usual brand.
Are you likely to buy it again? And why?
I don't know. I love the idea, I'm just not sure about the honey.
And are you likely to recommend it to someone else - if it came up in conversation - and why?
If it came up in conversation I'd say it tasted good.

What did you think overall about the product?

We loved it! It is very tasty. Like ketchup but better.

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, was definitely the fact it had more tomatoes and less sugar. Plus DS1 absolutely loves anything with honey in!

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

It tasted just like ketchup but better. We all really liked it.

Are you likely to buy it again? And why?

Definitely. Unless it is stupidly expensive!

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

Yes, definitely, it is delicious and healthier too. What's not to Like?!

What did you think overall about the product?

I liked the easy to use packaging, but personally I prefer a glass bottle for ketchup, even though it does mean there is ketchup you can't get out at the end. The ketchup was a good even consistency and a great colour. I approved of the simple ingredient list with no weird additives in - just things you would have in your own kitchen.

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 am keen on anything that reduces the refined sugar content of my family's food and so this definitely appealed to me.

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

Unfortunately the taste was not a hit with most members of the family! The kids thought it tasted too strongly of tomatoes, which I was surprised by, as they usually like tomatoes. One commented that it was a bit sour, and two of them said it was not sweet enough. My husband said it was nice enough but that he preferred our usual brand.

Are you likely to buy it again? And why?

Unfortunately not, because I think they would moan about it. Left to my own devices I would buy it just because I think the ingredients list is healthier, but the taste didn't quite hit the spot with us. Sorry!

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

I would mention it as a potential way to cut down on processed sugar in their diets, yes. Other testers seem to be keen on the taste so possibly it was just my family being fussy... I would recommend a friend to try it and see what they thought themselves.

Thank you for letting us test the product!

Just wanted to add a further note to my original response after having a lovely cooked Sunday breakfast with Hellman's Ketchup. As the days have gone on this ketchup has become more and more popular in our house. Almost everyone has now converted from either ordinary ketchup or brown sauce to this. I think we're a Hellman's household now - it's Branston beans all over again!

What did you think overall about the product? It sounds like a good idea, using natural sweetness and more tomatoes

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) Everything just sounded very appealing, it is always good to try a new brand or variation.

How did it taste? What did other members of your family think about the taste? I personally found it a bit strong. I don't actually like tomatoes, but I love tomato sauce and am a big Heinz fan, so it would take a lot to convert me to a different taste. I think with regular use I would get used to this. My DC loved it.

Are you likely to buy it again? And why? Maybe, if it was on offer

And are you likely to recommend it to someone else - if it came up in conversation - and why? I would recommend it to others, to try it and see how it compares sugar wise to their normal brand

What did you think overall about the product?
I like the look of the product, the packaging, and liked the taste. Personally I found it a bit more tangy than normal ketchup, but in a good way.

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 ‘healthier’ recipe appealed to me, along with reduced sugar, but no use of artificial additives.

How did it taste? What did other members of your family think about the taste?
We like the taste. My three children are very fussy with their ketchup, usually only accepting Heinz. But they liked this one and said it tasted just the same.

Are you likely to buy it again? And why?
Yes I would buy it if the price was right as I’m always keen to reduce sugar where I can.

And are you likely to recommend it to someone else - if it came up in conversation - and why?
Yes I would definitely recommend people to give it a try as the taste is good and the recipe seems healthier than standard ketchup.

What did you think overall about the product?
I thought it was a great product and will definitely buy it again.

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 that it's all natural and sweetened with honey.

How did it taste? What did other members of your family think about the taste?
I enjoyed the taste as did everyone else. One of my sons' said that it was even better than the heinz one we usually use and preferred the sweeter taste. I also prefer a sweeter flavour.

Are you likely to buy it again? And why?
Yes. We all enjoyed it and the children preferred it over heinz.

And are you likely to recommend it to someone else - if it came up in conversation - and why?
Yes, definitely. I would recommend it because it tastes nicer and it's also natural and sweetened with honey.

What did you think overall about the product?

It was tasty and different to other ketchups I'd tried.

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 usually use Heinz and love it 26th chips but nothing else, so thought I'd like to try a different one to see if it tastes similar/nicer/less nice, especially with other foods.

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

I liked it. I found it really tomatoey and less vinegary than my usual one, almost like pasta or pizza sauce. I don't usually like ketchup with any foods apart from chips but I found I liked it this one with with a few other foods although I still prefer Heinz ketchup with chips! It went well with Spanish omelette, cheese crumpets and cheese and leek pastry plaits. DS (20mo) tried it as well. He's not usually keen on tomatoes or tomato based foods as he has a bit of eczema around his mouth and finds sour foods sting there but he seemed to like this a lot.

Are you likely to buy it again? And why?

Yes, I would as I liked it and DS likes it too.

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

Yes, for having a more tomatoey and less vinegary taste.

What did I think about the product? It was quite nice actually. Not a massive honey fan normally but enjoyed this.
What appealed to you about tying it?
Not being sweetened with sugar. Trying to lose weight and eat healthier so natural sweeteners are better.
How did it taste?
It was ok. Prob not as nice as Heinz original but ok. DH didn't like at all but DD didn't notice any difference. Would prob buy again if not overpriced.

Sorry missed the last question... would recommend if it happened to come up in conversation.

What did you think overall about the product?
I thought it was nice, attractive packaging, and nice taste.

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 30% less sugar. Both my children love ketchup and eat quite a lot of it so the sugar content does concern me.

How did it taste?
To me it tasted really nice, although not very different to any other ketchup.

What did other members of your family think about the taste?
I didn't tell the kids that it was a different ketchup and neither of them noticed so that's a good thing.

Are you likely to buy it again? And why?
Yes I would buy it again. DC enjoyed it, I enjoyed it, and it's an healthier option so no reason not to buy it.

And are you likely to recommend it to someone else - if it came up in conversation - and why?
Yes I would recommend it, purely as a healthier ketchup option.

What did you think overall about the product?

What did you think overall about the product? - Nicely packaged and not too did-similar to the market leading brand - it fooled my children!
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) - Absolutely! My kids love the market leader so anything that contains less sugar is a plus in my book!
How did it taste? What did other members of your family think about the taste? - They didn't notice any difference!
Are you likely to buy it again? And why? - Yep - Purely because of the reduced sugar element
And are you likely to recommend it to someone else - if it came up in conversation - and why? - Yes! I have already discussed it with my mum friends and they want to give it a try. Not sure I can convince my other half! He loves Heinz

Thanks for letting us try this out! As others, we get through a lot of ketchup so it was nice to try something new.

What did you think overall about the product?

We liked it. The packaging was good, and we especially liked the smoothness of use of the squeezy bottle. It stayed clean rather than letting all mucky round the lid, a pet hate of mine!

What appealed to you about trying it?

I like anything with a natural recipe, and try to feed the children whole foods where possible. They do love ketchup though, so it was nice to find a ketchup with a slightly better ingredients list.

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

We all liked it. My eldest (6) said it was delicious, but was disappointed that the honey flavour wasn't more evident. DH liked it, although he doesn't eat that much ketchup, and the youngest (3) pronounced that it was 'yum'. I liked the deeper flavour, and that it tasted of actual tomatoes rather than sweetener as so many do. We normally buy Hunts, Stokes or Tiptree and find that this would compare on flavour for us.

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?

Yes I'd buy it again. We like to mix up our brands, and would definitely buy this again for a more 'natural' option. I'd recommend it to people with children or anyone trying to avoid sweeteners in their food.

What did you think overall about the product?


I thought it was a lovely idea, and the packaging was nice.

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)


Less sugar and being generally more healthy than other competitors appealed the most


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


We loved it, tangy and sweet


Are you likely to buy it again? And why?


We would definitely buy again, we absolutely loved it.


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


Yes because it really was lovely and just a bit less artificial and more of a natural condiment

What did you think overall about the product?
Overall it was ok. It tasted a little metallic I thought which was disappointing. You couldn't taste the honey which was good. It wasn't too sweet. The children didn't seem to notice a difference.

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 both those things- often low sugar means artificial sweeteners which I don't like the children to have and so it was nice not to. Also we try to avoid too many nasties where possible.
How did it taste? What did other members of your family think about the taste?
No one complained- they seemed to think it was fine. As I said above I thought it tasted a bit metallic.

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 would mention it to anyone if it came up- I like the concept and I think it is a matter of taste as to what people prefer. I am not sure if I would buy it again. If I saw it I might, but I probably wouldn't go out of my way to do so. That said as it is mainly for the children I probably will buy it again now I know that they like it.

Thanks for letting me try it! It is a great idea.

What did you think overall about the product?
It was nice, more tomatoey than our usual (Aldi) ketchup. DCs liked 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)
Not really a consideration if I'm honest, DCs are teenagers so I have little control over their overall sugar intake.
How did it taste?
More like tomato purée than like tomato syrup (which is what I like about it).
What did other members of your family think about the taste?
They approve. They liked the nozzle design as it gets less gunky than their usual ketchup.
Are you likely to buy it again?
Depends on the price and where it's sold.
And why?
I shop in Aldi, brands are usually few and far between there.
And are you likely to recommend it to someone else - if it came up in conversation - and why?
I can't say I have conversations about ketchup very often, but I might if someone's worried about sugar intake.

•      *
  

What did you think overall about the product?
I thought this was a high quality product with a high tomato content and an unusual twist by replacing sugar with 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 was keen to try a lower sugar version due to the amount of ketchup that my nine year old son consumes. He will even have ketchup with a roast dinner!

How did it taste? What did other members of your family think about the taste?
Disappointingly my nine year old son was not keen on the taste - describing it as funny. I liked the rich tomato flavour but was not so keen on the spices included. It had a taste of cinnamon to my taste buds and was a little too 'spiced' (rather than spicy) for my tastes. My teenage son was happy to eat this and liked the flavours but my youngest son (aged six) was not so keen.

Are you likely to buy it again? And why?
Probably not as most members of the family prefer the taste of our current brand.

And are you likely to recommend it to someone else - if it came up in conversation - and why?
I would recommend this to somebody wanting a lower sugar version or after a lightly flavoured ketchup. The honey was not detectable at all.

Overall I was impressed and enjoyed testing it.

I was eager to test it as we eat a lot of ketchup and my toddler could do with reducing this or finding a healthier alternative. My dh is a honey fanatic so I thought this would be a quirky product that would appeal to him.

We all enjoyed the taste and it was still very sweet so didn't feel that we missed out on the presence of sugar.

I would buy it again. Also interested to find out more about the honey source.

Yes we would recommend it as a product for other families who enjoy a good ketchup taste but are concerned about sugar and artificial ingredients

What did you think overall about the product?
Very impressed. Lovely packaging and a great design. We all thought it was very tasty.

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 interested to see how it would differ to the market leading brand (which we always buy). The 30% sugar aspect was especially appealing - I'm always looking to cut down my sugar intake.

How did it taste? What did other members of your family think about the taste?
Delicious! Had a smokey, tangy, BBQ type taste which we all really enjoyed. It was like a cross between ketchup and BBQ sauce. Both DH and DC said it was yummy.

Are you likely to buy it again? And why?
Possibly, if it was on special offer. I would like to use it for summer BBQs.

And are you likely to recommend it to someone else - if it came up in conversation - and why?
Yes, if someone preferred to have a lower sugar option. It's a very tasty alternative to regular ketchup.

What did you think overall about the product?

I thought it was quite strange but I was very aware there was honey in it so that may have clouded my views. I gave it to ds, 9, and never told him but he knew straight away it wasn't the same. He didn't like it and we had to swap it for heinz straight away.

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 aspect appealed to me as my df keeps bees and we love honey. Also ds would drink tomato ketchup if I let him so the 30% less sugar was a great appeal.

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

It tasted very sweet, completely different to what i expected. I found it had a strange aftertaste and ds didn't like it at all.

Are you likely to buy it again? And why?

Probably not as there are only 2 of us living at home and it would go to waste. I don't think we'd use it even if we ran out of ordinary ketchup.

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

I would recommend it if people like a sweeter taste. I am planning on passing it on to other family members to see what they think.

What did you think overall about the product?
Great, good flavour and packaged well.

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)

All those things, as I try to avoid ketchup where possible but want to use as healthy version available if we do us it.

How did it taste?
I enjoyed it, tasted like homemade ketchup from my youth and was less sweet than main brands.

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

DH didn't like it, but he has only ever used another brand on a regular basis.

Are you likely to buy it again?
For my use yes I would, although I don't use ketchup often.

And why?
I liked it better than the alternative brand we use. It had flavour and taste.

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

I would yes, so they would know that there are alternatives available which may have different or more ingredients.

What did you think overall about the product?

A tasty 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)

The natural sweetener of honey was appealing rather than sugar or artificial sweeteners.

How did it taste?

It's tastes as good if not better than ordinary ketchup.

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

I have a young daughter who didn't notice the difference.

Are you likely to buy it again? And why?

I would buy again for the reasons above

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

I would recommend for the natural sweetener reason.

Thanks for the test opportunity!

What did you think overall about the product?

Everyone in my family liked it.

I could not tell the difference between this and my usual brand of ketchup (stokes).

What appealed to you about trying it?

I expected it to have a different taste to usual ketchup, so was intrigued to see what that would be.

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

Unlike other testers, we don't eat much ketchup in our house so I was less concerned about the reduced sugar content, it was all about the taste. And the taste was good. Everyone agreed.

Are you likely to buy it again? And why?

Probably. I expected it would be an alternative to ketchup, but this would not be an additional purchase but replace our current ketchup. Its lower in sugar and salt than our current ketchup.

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

Probably, because it tastes the same as other brands but is lower in sugar and salt.

I thought one of my kids wouldn't like it as one of them is very fussy and sensitive of even little changes. However both kids couldn't tell the difference- even in a taste test they looked confused and said "it's just tomato sauce". I, on the other hand, didn't like it and I'm not normally fussy! I just found it tasted odd.

Compared to the sauce I have at the moment (tesco, but I buy whatever's on offer) it does have a lot more tomatoes and less carbs, although a similar amount of sugar. It does taste very sweet. I guess I would buy it depending on price - I wouldn't pay a huge premium for it, especially as I wouldn't eat it (not that I eat huge amounts of tomato sauce, but I like some sometimes!)

I wouldn't rave over it if it came up in conversation. I'd probably mention it seemed slightly healthier and my kids liked it but I didn't. I wouldn't go out my way to discuss it - especially with it not having much less sugar.

What did you think overall about the product?
Sweet in comparison to Heinz, but tasted good, very tomatoey. Good texture and packaging looks good and works well.
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)
Both the higher tomato content and lower sugar. Hate putting the stuff on the kids plates due to sugar and salt content but they will eat as much as I let them have, so a slightly healthier alt is positive.
How did it taste? What did other members of your family think about the taste?
A bit sweet for my taste but pleasant and strong tomato flavour. Kids loved it. DH thought ok, but he isn't a ketchup person.
Are you likely to buy it again? And why?
Yes if it were available. I really wanted to do this trial as we'd had some regular Hellman's sauce in a fish and chip shop and liked that, but it wasn't available in our local supermarkets (Sainsbury and Tesco), so this would stop us buying it as not worth wasting time to track down tomato sauce. Getting on the shelves is crucial! Price point also important, I'd buy this or Heinz depending on which was ok offer/cheaper. If it were slightly less sweet I'd choose it every time over Heinz, assuming it was no more than 10 or 15p more a bottle. It could easily stand less honey content Imo.
And are you likely to recommend it to someone else - if it came up in conversation - and why?
I would, but can imagine no circumstances under which I would be having such a conversation!