Which one do you like most / choose to use? I know it really depends what you're eating it with, but of the three, which one seems the healthiest/your choice.... considering ingredients, calories, etc.
Ketchup (reduced sugar: 5 cals/tbsp) - Tomato paste, water, white vinegar, salt, sucralose, spices.
Salsa (5 cals/tbsp) - Tomatoes (contain tomato juice, calcium chloride, citric acid), water, onions, tomato paste, jalapeno peppers, white vinegar, red bell peppers, green chilies, salt, sugar, spices, dehydrated cilantro, garlic powder, citric acid, natural flavour, paprika extract (contains soybean oil).
Pasta Sauce (70 cals/ 125 mL) - Tomatoes (contain tomato juice, calcium chloride, citric acid), tomato paste, mushrooms, onions, water, olive oil, garlic, sea salt, dehydrated garlic and parsley, concentrated lemon juice, mushroom powder, spices, citric acid.
I know this wasn't actually one of the choices, but I usually just use tomato paste. I put it on hamburgers, dip my grilled cheese sandwich into it etc. It has 13 cals per tbsp, so more than ketchup, but also has more nutrients and I like it better. I also like salsa, just depends what types of food I'm eating or if I'm in the mood for something spicy.
I love Italian flavors more than Mexican, so I'd go with the tomato sauce. And I don't really like ketchup. So Tomato Sauce all the way!
I look for low sodium or no salt added tomato products and keep a variety on the shelf. They should have only one ingredient listed: tomatoes (accept for the ketchup)
diced tomatoes
tomato paste (lowest sodium I can find)
tomato puree
crushed tomatoes
no salt added ketchup
I don't buy tomato sauces either in cans or jars because of the added salt and sugar. I make my own and it varies according to the cuisine - Italian, Mexican, Indian, etc.
I LOVE salsa. It is like my favorite food. My favorite way to enjoy it is dipping baby carrots or celery in it. And it's low in calories!
I LOVE:
- Tomato Paste: Purely Tomatoes
- Reduced Sugar Heinz Ketchup: No Sugar Baby!!!
- Sun Dried Tomatoes
- Tomato/Olive Tapenade
- Cherry Tomatoes with Olive Oil & Basil
I like all 3, and as you said it depends on what I'm eating it with. BUT, in my opinion salsa seems the healthiest, just because you can actually still see the tomatoes and veggies in it. That may not matter at all, that's just my opinion. I don't think any of them are really all that bad though.
