Finding a Heinz Alternative in Europe
For many ketchup lovers, Heinz has long been the gold standard, thick, tangy, and with just the right hint of sweetness. But as more European consumers begin to favour local products, a growing number of regional brands are stepping up to the plate. Names like Hellmann’s, Felix, and Stokes are gaining attention as serious contenders in the ketchup game.
Curious to see how these local options actually stack up, we decided to put them to the test, the proper way: with juicy burgers and a generous side of fries. Our tasting panel included two adults, two kids, and enough ketchup to satisfy even the most enthusiastic sauce fan.
So, is Heinz still king of the squeeze bottle? Or have local favourites earned a permanent place in our fridge? Here's how it went.
Stokes
Made in: Suffolk, England (UK).
Sales: Smaller, premium brand but growing in popularity.
Key markets: UK, exported across Europe in gourmet food stores.
Description: A thicker, richer version of Heinz, using 200g of tomatoes per 100g of ketchup
Our verdict: 👍👍👍 Better than Heinz — though it might be a bit too tomatoey for some (especially kids). A bit pricey.
Hellmann’s
Made in: Unilever facilities (Netherlands, UK, Poland, Spain).
Sales: Not widely reported, but a growing competitor to Heinz in Europe.
Key markets: UK, Netherlands, France, Germany.
Description: A clean-label alternative to Heinz, with honey or sugar instead of corn syrup.
Our verdict: 👍👍 Great taste — but no organic option, and the blue plastic packaging is a bit off-putting
Felix
Made in: Sweden (Orkla Foods Sweden)
Sales: Market leader in Sweden, selling several million liters per year.
Key markets: Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Norway, Germany.
Description: Slightly less vinegary than Heinz, with a more natural sweetness.
Our verdict: 👍👍 A solid ketchup, close to Heinz - but we didn’t like the red plastic packaging; we want to see the contents. Thanks for the delivery, Ulrika!
Mutti
Made in: Parma, Italy.
Sales: Strong sales in Italy and growing across Europe.
Key markets: Italy, France, Germany, UK.
Description: Uses 100% Italian tomatoes, with a more natural, tomato-rich flavor.
Our verdict: 👍 Uf - at first, we thought it was a ketchup gone bad. Very rich, and we suspect there's a generous splash of balsamico in there. Tastes better alongside grilled meat.
Hela Gewürz
Made in: Germany.
Sales: A leading brand in the curry ketchup category.
Key markets: Germany, Netherlands, Austria, Scandinavia.
Description: Spiced ketchup with curry and paprika, very popular with bratwurst.
Our verdict: 👍 Not really a Heinz alternative, but more of its own thing. Spicy, curry-driven, and cheap.
Heinz (US)
Made in: Factories in the UK (Wigan), Netherlands, Poland, USA (Ohio, Iowa, California), and Canada.
Sales: The world’s largest ketchup brand, selling 650 million bottles annually.
Key markets: Global (dominant in the US, UK, Germany, Canada, Australia).
Description: Classic thick ketchup with a perfect sweet-tangy balance.
Our verdict: Damn close to Heinz 😆 and maybe more European than we thought