A -brand tomato ketchup has been officially crowned the "best buy" over Heinz - and it is more than 60% cheaper. A recent study by named one ketchup a better option than Heinz taste, and appearance.

In a blind taste test, the consumer watchdog assessed 76 people individuals to rate a range of supermarket own-label ketchup and branded ketchup on flavour (50%), appearance (20%), aroma (15%), and texture (15%) to unveil the tastiest sauce. The study was conducted in March 2024 by a large panel of adult Brits who regularly buy tomato ketchup, and an average score was made. Among six supermarkets, including , M&S, , , and , only one was considered "an impressive all-rounder".

Lidl's brand Batts tomato ketchup emerged as the champion, and at £1.05, it's much cheaper than other brands, including Heinz, which is priced at an eyewatering £3.40. Lidl's ketchup received an impressive score of 75% and is now considered the "best buy".

According to the study: "The majority thought it had the right strength of flavour, tanginess and sweetness, and a whopping 92% said the colour looked appetising. 78% felt the consistency was spot-on, too. Lidl's ketchup has less sugar and salt than average."

On the other hand, Heinz received the joint-highest for its salt content. In second place is Co-op Tomato Ketchup at 72%. This ketchup was enjoyed most by the tasting panel.

Which? said: "More than 60% thought it had the right thickness and a good strength of flavour, though a third found it too tangy for their liking." At £1.10, it is the priciest of the supermarket's own brands.

Coming in third place and priced at 39p for 560g is Aldi Bramwells Tomato Ketchup, which received 71%.

The consumer company said: "A good-looking ketchup. Most of our testers enjoyed its flavour and said it had a pleasing thickness. However, around a third found it too sweet, a little too tangy and runnier than they'd like."

Sainsbury's received the best next score at 68%, but most were divided on the flavour.

Morrisons gained 66% overall but lacked the strength of flavour and looked too dark. Surprisingly, M&S' ketchup scored the worst at 64%.

Which? explained: "More than two-thirds of tasters said it was too thick and too dark in colour. It had the highest sugar content of all the ketchups on test, and although most testers said the sweetness was about right, 29% found it too sweet."

Despite Lidl being crowned the best 'all-rounder' bargain buy, consumers still loved Heinz Ketchup. When being compared against other branded ketchup, Heinz reigned.

Testers loved the colour of this iconic ketchup, while an overwhelming 82% said the thickness was just right.

"It hit the spot with the majority of our testers for the strength of flavour, while around two-thirds found the sweetness and tanginess to their taste."

Hellmann's fared well and received a score of 75%, with consumers loving the taste test, colour, thickness and sweetness levels. Coming shortly behind is Del Monte Tomato Ketchup with 74%; most said its colour and thickness were right, but there was some divide over flavour.

Tomato ketchup brands such as Stokes, Tiptree, and The Foraging Fox were also compared; however, all brands were criticised for being too dark in colour, and tasters rated their flavour and tanginess low.

The review concluded: "Overall, our test shows you can't really go wrong with Heinz if you're looking for a top-tier taste."