Ketchup goes by a few different names in Mexico. The most common Spanish terms used for ketchup in Mexico are “catsup” and “salsa inglesa” (English sauce).
What are the different names for ketchup in Mexico?
Here are some of the main ways ketchup is referred to in Mexico:
- Catsup
- Salsa inglesa
- Salsa de tomate
- Kétchup
Let’s explore each of these different terms in more detail:
Catsup
The most common Spanish name for ketchup in Mexico is “catsup.” This comes from the older English spelling of ketchup as “catsup” which was used in the past. When ketchup was first introduced to Mexico, it was with this “catsup” spelling, and it stuck as the most popular word for ketchup in Mexican Spanish.
Salsa inglesa
“Salsa inglesa” literally translates to “English sauce” in Spanish. This name refers to ketchup’s origins in England in the early 1800s. As ketchup spread worldwide over the next century, including to Mexico, it became known as the “English sauce” due to its British roots.
Salsa de tomate
Some Mexicans also refer to ketchup as “salsa de tomate”, meaning “tomato sauce” in Spanish. This is because tomatoes are the main ingredient in ketchup. Calling it tomato sauce describes what ketchup is made from.
Kétchup
While not as common as “catsup”, some Mexicans call ketchup “kétchup.” This is just the phonetic spelling of “ketchup” using Spanish pronunciation and alphabet. So it’s basically the Spanish way of saying the English word ketchup.
Where do these different names for ketchup come from?
The different Mexican Spanish names for ketchup reflect its diverse origins and history. Here is some background on where each term comes from:
Catsup
As mentioned, “catsup” comes from the older English spelling of ketchup. In fact, ketchup was referred to as “catsup” for over 200 years before “ketchup” became the standard spelling in the late 19th century. So Mexicans adopted the “catsup” version when ketchup first came to Mexico in the 1800s.
Salsa inglesa
“Salsa inglesa” means English sauce since ketchup originated in England in the early 1800s. Its inventor was likely a man named James Mease who created a recipe for tomato ketchup in 1812 in England.
Salsa de tomate
Calling ketchup “salsa de tomate” or tomato sauce in Spanish refers to ketchup’s main ingredient – tomatoes. Ketchup recipes were first created in the early 1800s using tomatoes as a key component, so Mexicans referenced this with the “tomato sauce” term.
Kétchup
The term “kétchup” comes from simply taking the English word “ketchup” and spelling it with Spanish phonetic alphabet. This emerged later as ketchup became more widespread worldwide in the 1900s and different countries created their own versions of the English name.
When did ketchup arrive in Mexico?
Ketchup likely arrived in Mexico in the mid-late 1800s during the Victorian era. This is when ketchup began spreading worldwide from England where it was invented. As Mexico began importing goods from Europe and the U.S., ketchup came along too.
Here is a more detailed timeline of when ketchup emerged in Mexico:
- Early 1800s – Ketchup is invented in England
- Mid-late 1800s – Ketchup starts being imported to Mexico from Europe and the U.S.
- Early 1900s – Ketchup gains popularity in Mexican cuisine
- 1930s onward – Ketchup solidifies its place in Mexican condiments and food
So Mexicans have enjoyed ketchup for over a century since its arrival in the Victorian period of the 1800s. It quickly became popular and an integral part of Mexican cuisine.
How is ketchup used in Mexican cuisine?
Ketchup is used in Mexican cooking in a variety of dishes today. Here are some of the most popular ways ketchup appears in Mexican cuisine:
- Condiment for fries, tostadas, chips – Mexicans often use ketchup as a dip for French fries, tostadas, potato chips, and other snack foods.
- In sauces and marinades – Ketchup adds flavor, acidity, and thickness to many Mexican sauces and meat marinades.
- With eggs – Ketchup is a popular condiment to use on scrambled eggs for breakfast.
- Burgers and hot dogs – Just like Americans, Mexicans love topping their burgers and hot dogs with ketchup.
- Seafood cocktails – Ketchup is mixed into Mexican seafood cocktails like campechana de mariscos.
- Street food – Mexican street food like tortas, huaraches, sopes, and more is often served with ketchup packets.
So ketchup is now very integrated across both Mexican home cooking and restaurant/street food in a range of dishes.
What are the most popular ketchup brands in Mexico?
There are a few major ketchup brands that dominate the Mexican market today. Here are some of the top ketchup brands found in Mexico:
| Brand | Details |
|---|---|
| Heinz | Iconic American ketchup brand that holds 53% market share in Mexico |
| Del Monte | American brand that is popular for inexpensive ketchup in Mexico |
| McCormick | Another major American ketchup producer used in Mexico |
| Búfalo | Leading Mexican brand of ketchup founded in 1969 in Jalisco |
| La Costeña | Major Mexican food company that makes La Costeña ketchup |
While American brands like Heinz and Del Monte rule the market, Búfalo and La Costeña are popular Mexican-made ketchup brands as well.
Heinz ketchup in Mexico
Heinz is considered the #1 ketchup brand in Mexico with over 50% market share. It has gained a reputation for high quality that Mexicans trust. Heinz opened its first factory in Mexico in the 1940s and has dominated the ketchup market ever since.
Del Monte ketchup in Mexico
Del Monte ketchup offers an affordable option in the Mexican market. As a cheaper alternative to Heinz, Del Monte ketchup is popular for everyday use among lower income households in Mexico. The company has operations across North and South America.
McCormick ketchup in Mexico
McCormick is another major American brand with ketchup offerings in Mexico. Their ketchup has a classic flavor profile that appeals to many Mexican consumers seeking a traditional ketchup taste and texture.
Búfalo ketchup
Búfalo is a Mexican ketchup brand owned by Unilever. Created in 1969, it has risen to become a top national brand. Búfalo ketchup has a bolder, spicier flavor than typical American ketchups.
La Costeña ketchup
La Costeña is a large Mexican food company that produces a range of products including ketchup. Their ketchup has a thicker, richer texture and a greater number of tomato chunks compared to regular ketchups.
What are typical ketchup flavors and varieties in Mexico?
While traditional plain ketchup is most popular, ketchup does come in some different flavor varieties in Mexico. Here are some of the ketchup flavor twists found in Mexico:
- Spicy ketchup – Ketchup with added heat through chili peppers like chipotle and habanero.
- Green ketchup – Ketchup with added green coloring, usually a novelty product.
- Jalapeño ketchup – Ketchup with blended jalapeños for mild spiciness.
- Tangy ketchup – Ketchups with extra vinegar for a tangy zip.
- Bacon ketchup – Ketchup with real bacon chunks mixed in.
- Guacamole ketchup – Ketchup with blended avocado for creaminess.
Chipotle/habanero spicy ketchup is probably the most popular specialty flavor in Mexico. But brands do offer unique ketchups to stand out in the market.
Does Mexico have any ketchup controversies or bans?
For the most part, ketchup has been widely embraced in Mexican cuisine with little controversy. But there was one notable attempt to ban foreign ketchup brands that shows Mexican pride for national products:
- 1970s – Mexico’s then-President Luis Echeverría banned foreign ketchup brands through new protectionist trade policies and encouraged Mexicans to only buy domestic ketchups instead.
- 1971 – The “Ketchup War” begins between Mexico and the U.S., with the U.S. boycotting Mexican products in protest.
- 1973 – Mexico lifts the ketchup ban after tensions with the U.S. over trade reach a climax.
- This “Ketchup War” showed how much Mexicans had come to appreciate ketchup, though the ban was ultimately short-lived.
Aside from this 1970s episode, for the most part, ketchup has been a hit in Mexico ever since it first arrived in the 1800s.
Conclusion
Ketchup holds a special place in Mexican cuisine and culture today. Though it originated in England in the early 1800s, ketchup quickly caught on in Mexico once it started being imported later that century. The main Spanish names used for ketchup in Mexico are catsup and salsa inglesa. Ketchup is now used in a wide variety of Mexican dishes, from eggs to burgers to sauces. While American brands like Heinz and Del Monte dominate the market, popular Mexican ketchups like Búfalo and La Costeña have emerged too. After a brief ketchup ban in the 1970s, Mexico has fully embraced ketchup as an integral condiment in its cuisine.