Ketchup is a name that comes to mind every mealtime. Ketchup compliments the flavor and taste of the food, but it cannot be eaten alone smoothies can be eaten alone as a food alternative.
The major ingredient in ketchup is tomatoes, and tomatoes are fruit; therefore, ketchup consumers think ketchup is a tomato smoothie, but it is not true.
Another justification that proves ketchup is not a smoothie is that fresh tomatoes are blended in smoothies, whereas in ketchup, the tomatoes are cooked and thickened.
Many other reasons also disqualify ketchup from the status of a smoothie. You can catch up on the article to find some interesting and informative facts about ketchup.
Is Ketchup A Tomato Smoothie?
A big no! Ketchup is not a smoothie nor a kind of smoothie. According to many nutritionists, ketchup is a fruit used as a vegetable, so you cannot use it as smoothies. Smoothies comprise fresh fruits, but ketchup is a fruit-vegetable ingredient cooked to make a smoothie.
Like other fruit vegetables, such as eggplants, tomatoes are not used in desserts, and it is not even used in a dessert as fruit, just like an apple, banana, mango, etc.
Can I Drink Ketchup Like A Smoothie?
Nobody can drink ketchup as a smoothie unless someone is uniquely different. Ketchup is a condiment that enhances the taste of meals such as sandwiches, pizzas, burgers, and french fries.
Why Is Ketchup Not A Smoothie: Six Differences
Ketchup is not a smoothie; we have compiled several reasons that support this statement. Dig them out!
Ketchup Is Cooked, Smoothies Are Blended
The preparation method of the ketchup and smoothies is different – you completely cook all the ingredients to make the ketchup, but in smoothies, you only blend the elements but don’t cook. Smoothies are served and consumed right after blending, but ketchup is cooked and cooled down before packing in bottles and sachets.
Ketchup Has A Thicker Consistency Than A Smoothie
Ketchup has a thicker viscosity because its ingredients are appropriately cooked and cooled down, making it thoroughly thick, but smoothies are different in consistency.
Though smoothies are defined as a viscous liquid, in reality, a smoothie can quickly flow through a straw. Unlike ketchup, you can enjoy smoothies in your glass, but ketchup is added to a saucer or the food to eat.
Ketchup Is A Condiment While A Smoothie Is A Drink
Ketchup is used to boost the food’s taste, particularly fried and fast foods, but you cannot consider ketchup alone to fill your stomach. On the other hand, smoothies are a great food alternative; you can consume smoothies to stuff your stomach. Consuming ketchup separately is not recommended as it is unhealthy, but you can take a glass of smoothies as a meal to achieve your fitness goals. Smoothies are nutritious and healthy for you!
Ketchup Was Not Even Originally Made Of Tomatoes
Until the early 19th century, the ketchup was not made up of tomatoes; the initial ketchup blend was prepared with pickled spices and fish.
Around 1742 ketchup was brought to the United States, and people dismissed the fish sauce and developed the latest flavor that we know today. On the other hand, the smoothies (their preparation method) are the same as they were before.
Ketchup Contains Salt While Most Smoothies Contain Sweeteners
Ketchup can lead to various health risks when consumed in large quantities. When you are preparing ketchup, salt is an inevitable ingredient.
Salt is not used in smoothies because it is sweetened. Health-conscious people can add organic sweeteners.
Ketchup Can Be Stored While Smoothies Are Consumed Immediately
Different preservatives and ingredients are added to ketchup to increase the shelf-life. Smoothies don’t include any preservatives, so it is preferable to drink them immediately instead of storing them.
Salt and vinegar also increase the ketchup’s shelf life, but smoothies will go bad after 48 hours.
What Then, Is A Smoothie?
Smoothie is a creamy and thick beverage prepared using fresh fruits or vegetables puree and dairy products.
All the ingredients are added to the blender to make the puree. However, all smoothies are not prepared with raw veggies and fruits because smoothies made for muscle builders are prepared by cooking rice or potatoes.
These smoothies include extra calories.
Why Are There Cooked Potatoes In Some Smoothies And Not Call Them Ketchup?
The cooked potatoes in smoothies are an optional ingredient with ingredients such as ice cream, milk, cream, etc. The cooked potatoes and other components are blended in the juicer to turn them into delicious and energetic smoothies for gym enthusiasts.
However, cooked tomatoes are the major ingredients of ketchup, which are cooked but not blended. Ketchup features a lot of spices and preservatives to increase the storage time, but smoothies don’t have preservatives. You can only store smoothies in the refrigerator for a day or two.
So before considering ketchup to smoothies, it is necessary to consider all these facts that provide clear evidence that both are different.
Basic Ingredients Of Ketchup Versus Smoothies
Besides the appearance, their ingredients and preparation process are also different. Smoothies and ketchup are prepared using a concoction of vegetables and fruits. It is a form of thick liquid used for consumption.
Ketchup Ingredients
Different ketchup manufacturing companies incorporate different flavors, but every ketchup’s basic ingredients are almost identical.
- Salt
- Sweetener
- Vinegar (white)
- Spices (according to the manufacturer’s recipe and desired flavor)
- Tomato paste (cooked and blended tomatoes)
Smoothie Ingredients
Smoothies are of different kinds depending upon the used fruits and vegetables. The fruits and vegetable is determined according to the desire, but typically following basic ingredients are used in smoothies:
- Fresh veggies or fruits (according to choice)
- Sweeteners
- Water/ ice cubes
- Milk (or any replacement ice cream, juice blend, or yogurt)
Is Ketchup A Smoothie – Our Summary
Hopefully, your confusion about ketchup as a tomato smoothie is resolved. The above discussion and its valid points prove that ketchup is not a smoothie, but a condiment used to boost the taste and fun of the meals.
Ketchup has a longer shelf life and a great blend of tomatoes that tastes like ketchup, but smoothies are generally cold and probably have a short shelf life. Ketchup ingredients can sit and qualify as a sauce but not a smoothie.
The ingredients of smoothies are blended in a blender to serve immediately. So now, there is no validity to saying that ketchup is a tomato smoothie!