Differences between Catsup and Ketchup
Catsup vs. Ketchup[edit]
Catsup and ketchup are two spellings for the same popular condiment, a sweet and tangy sauce most commonly made from tomatoes.[1][2] While the term "ketchup" is now standard in American and Canadian English, "catsup" was once a common alternative spelling and is still occasionally used.[3] The core difference between the two lies not in their ingredients or flavor, but in their etymological history and marketing.[4]
The word for this condiment entered the English language in the late 17th century from Asia.[5] Early forms of the sauce were not tomato-based but were savory concoctions made from ingredients like fermented fish, mushrooms, walnuts, or oysters.[3] The term is believed to have originated from the Chinese word "kôe-chiap," meaning "brine of fish," which was later adopted into Malay as "kichap." As the sauce was introduced to the West, its name was Anglicized in various ways, with "catchup" (1690), "ketchup" (1711), and "catsup" (1730) all appearing in print. [3] Tomato-based ketchup recipes began to appear in the early 19th century, with the first known recipe published by James Mease in 1812. Throughout[5] the 1800s, "catsup" was a prevalent spelling in the United States, while "ketchup" was more common in Britain. The[2] shift in American preference is largely attributed to the H. J. Heinz Company. While Heinz initially used the "catsup" spelling, the company switched to "ketchup" in the 1880s to differentiate its product from competitors. As[1] Heinz grew to dominate the market, its chosen spelling became the industry standard. Other[4] companies, such as Del Monte, continued to use "catsup" for many years, with some regional brands maintaining the spelling even longer. [2] Today, any perceived difference between catsup and ketchup is largely a matter of branding and regional nostalgia rather than a distinction in recipe. The[4] ingredients and consistency of the condiment sold under either name are generally identical.
Comparison Table[edit]
| Category | Catsup | Ketchup |
|---|---|---|
| Origin of Term | An early Anglicization of the Malay word "kichap", first appearing in print in 1730. [3] | Another Anglicization of "kichap", first appearing in print in 1711. |
| Historical Usage | Common spelling in the United States during the 19th century. [2] | More common spelling in Britain during the 19th century. |
| Modern Usage | Now considered an archaic or regional spelling in most English-speaking countries. [4][3] | The dominant and standard spelling in American and Canadian English. |
| Primary Association | Often associated with older brands or regional products, invoking a sense of nostalgia. [4] | Associated with major commercial brands, most notably Heinz. |
| Ingredients | No standard difference; typically made from tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, and spices. [4] | No standard difference; typically made from tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, and spices. |
| Flavor Profile | Identical to ketchup. [4] | A sweet and tangy flavor. |
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "thekitchn.com". Retrieved November 05, 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "howstuffworks.com". Retrieved November 05, 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 "wikipedia.org". Retrieved November 05, 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 "youtube.com". Retrieved November 05, 2025.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "nerdish.io". Retrieved November 05, 2025.
