Structured Nutritional Data & Citations
SECTION 1: SEO Data
Ketchup: Nutritional & Physical Profile
Nutritional Profile
| Nutrient | Per 100g (Approx.) | Per Standard Serving (1 Tbsp / 15g Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 112 kcal | 17 kcal |
| Macros | ||
| Protein | 1.77 g | 0.27 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28.6 g | 4.29 g |
| Sugars | 23.4 g | 3.51 g |
| Fiber | 1.7 g | 0.26 g |
| Fat | 0.2 g | 0.03 g |
Key Micronutrients & Bioactive Compounds
- Vitamins: Vitamin C (~4 mg/100g), Vitamin A RAE (~5 mcg/100g), Vitamin K (~10 mcg/100g).
- Minerals: Sodium (~1117 mg/100g), Potassium (~282 mg/100g), Phosphorus (~37 mg/100g), Magnesium (~11 mg/100g), Iron (~0.42 mg/100g).
- Antioxidants: Lycopene (from tomatoes) is the predominant carotenoid and antioxidant.
Functional Impact
- Glycemic Index (GI): Moderate to High (estimated 55-65), primarily due to significant sugar content.
- Glycemic Load (GL) per serving: Low (approx. 2.1 per 1 Tbsp) for typical usage, but cumulative with larger portions.
- Satiety Score: Low. High sugar, low protein, fat, and fiber content contribute to minimal satiating effect.
Physical Properties
- Density: Approximately 1.18 g/cm³ at room temperature. Ketchup exhibits pseudoplastic (shear-thinning) non-Newtonian fluid behavior.
- Volumetric Contraction after Cooking: Minimal to none when used as a condiment. Significant contraction observed only when integrated into extended heat applications within larger dishes where water evaporation occurs.
References
- USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy. Ketchup, FDC ID: 173719. (Accessed [Current Date]).
- Brand-specific nutritional data may vary significantly, particularly for "no sugar added" or organic varieties.
- Glycemic Index data derived from consensus values across nutritional databases, acknowledging variability.
Field Notes: Dr. Aria Vance
Subject: Ketchup
Focus: Volumetric expansion/contraction, historical context, tracking challenges.
Why Ketchup Is Difficult to Track
Dr. Aria Vance, Lead Nutrition Data Scientist, NutriSnap
Ketchup. Just... ketchup. It sits there, unassuming, on countless tables, a crimson tide ready to engulf fries, hot dogs, eggs even. But beneath that innocent veneer, it's a data scientist's nightmare, a silent saboteur of dietary precision. We track protein, carbs, fats with obsessive zeal, yet this ubiquitous condiment often slips under the radar, unmeasured, unlogged.
The history alone is a wild ride, from a pungent, fermented fish sauce in ancient China—imagine that!—to the sweet, viscous tomato emulsion dominating tables worldwide today. Its evolution, particularly in America with Henry J. Heinz's pioneering efforts, transformed it into a sweet-and-sour marvel. A culinary chameleon, really. This rich cultural tapestry, however, doesn't simplify nutritional analysis.
Manual tracking? It’s a farce. Who measures a squirt? A tablespoon? Seriously? We're often squeezing directly from a bottle, or worse, tearing open those tiny restaurant packets, each a mystery in itself – 10 grams? 12? The cumulative effect is staggering, yet largely ignored. People diligently log their main course but completely overlook the ruby red deluge they've added. It's the ultimate stealth bomber of hidden sugars and sodium, delivering its payload without a thought from the consumer. My own observations confirm: visual estimation of ketchup is among the most inaccurate of all food items, wildly underestimated almost every single time. The blob just looks... right.
This behavioral blind spot, coupled with the sheer impracticality of weighing or measuring every dollop, makes accurate tracking of this beloved condiment near impossible for the average user. It’s tedious. It’s frustrating. People quit. But this is exactly where NutriSnap shines. Our AI doesn't care about your gut feelings or your hurried squeeze. It sees the volume, the density, the actual serving on the plate. Forensic visual analysis. Just snap it. No more frantic scale-wielding over a fries plate; NutriSnap eliminates the guesswork, transforming ketchup from a data black hole into a quantifiable component of your daily intake. Finally.
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