Homemade Ketchup Sweetened with Dates – Easy Instant Pot No Sugar Ketchup

This amazing homemade ketchup is quick and easy! Dates make this a healthier no sugar ketchup for anyone needing homemade ketchup no sugar.

One of the main reasons I started this blog was to focus on healthier foods as part of my own personal journey to get in better shape. I noticed that my wife and I follow some of the same bad eating habits as before when eating a plant based diet. That means a LOT of Impossible burgers and fries when we don’t have the time, or can’t be bothered to cook a better meal. That means that we consume a lot of ketchup also, and we’d been taking in a lot more sodium and sugar than we thought.

If you pick a commercial no added sugar ketchup, it’s got questionable artificial sweeteners in it instead. We wanted a healthier option that didn’t have any junk in it though. I remembered that my grandmother would cook down garden tomatoes and make ketchup yearly when I was little. She had all kinds of pressure cookers and canning equipment that would make this a bigger ordeal than it needs to be.

With the modern Instant Pot instead of a pressure cooker, and if we make small batches for immediate consumption instead of canning for preservation, making your own ketchup becomes accessible to most kitchens. If you love ketchup but worry about the hidden sugars and preservatives in store-bought versions, making homemade ketchup is an easy and healthier alternative that you ought to give a try!

Understanding the Health Benefits of Homemade Ketchup

There’s an undeniable appeal to homemade ketchup. It’s not only the process of making it yourself but also the knowledge that you’re bypassing many of the harmful ingredients often found in store-bought versions. Most of these commercially available varieties are laden with artificial preservatives and additives, not to mention high fructose corn syrup, which can wreak havoc on your health. 

Opting to make your ketchup at home, however, puts you in the driver’s seat. You choose what goes into your food, and this choice can lead to a healthier, tastier condiment. One of the primary health benefits of homemade ketchup is the ability to swap refined sugars for natural sweeteners. In this recipe, we’re using dates, which not only offer a unique sweetness but also have a low glycemic index. 

A low glycemic index means that the food raises your blood sugar levels slowly, reducing the likelihood of sugar crashes and cravings. This is especially beneficial for people who need to monitor their sugar intake, such as diabetics or those trying to lose weight. So, while you’re enjoying the rich, tangy flavor of your homemade ketchup, you can also appreciate the fact that it’s a better choice for your overall well-being. 

This mindful approach to food preparation—paying attention to the quality and health benefits of the ingredients you use—is one of the many advantages of homemade condiments. It promotes healthier eating habits and enables you to enjoy your favorite foods without the guilt. And when it comes to ketchup, you can still relish the familiar tangy sweetness but with a healthier, homemade twist.

Why Use Dates as a Sweetener

Dates are an underrated sweetening gem. They possess a natural, unrefined sweetness that is robust and satisfying, making them an excellent choice for sweetening your homemade ketchup. The texture of dates, when pureed, mirrors that of a thick, sugary syrup, akin to honey. This consistency works well in sauces, lending them a smooth and lush sweetness that blends beautifully with other flavors.

However, the benefits of dates go beyond their sweetness and texture. What sets them apart from other natural sweeteners is their low glycemic index. This means that they cause a slow, gradual rise in blood sugar levels rather than a sharp spike, which is commonly associated with refined sugars. This makes them a healthier choice, particularly for those who need to manage their sugar intake for health reasons.

Last update on 2025-04-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The nutritional profile of dates is also worth noting. They are rich in essential nutrients and fibers that contribute to overall health. By incorporating them into your ketchup recipe, you’re not only enhancing the flavor but also the nutritional value of your condiment. 

So, by opting for dates as a sweetener in your homemade ketchup, you’re choosing a sweetener that offers a unique, complex sweetness, and a myriad of health benefits. It’s a delicious and nutritious addition that elevates your homemade ketchup to a whole new level.

Making Ketchup in the Instant Pot

The Instant Pot plays an instrumental role in creating this homemade ketchup recipe. It dramatically streamlines the process, making it simpler and more efficient than traditional stovetop methods. The device’s unique pressure cooking capabilities are key in developing the flavor and texture of the ketchup.

The pressure-cooking setting of the Instant Pot works magic on the ripe tomatoes and pitted dates, breaking them down to release their flavors and sweetness. This intense cooking environment helps them meld together, creating a smooth, richly flavored base for your ketchup.

Last update on 2025-04-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

As the dates and tomatoes succumb to the pressure and heat, their flavors become concentrated and their textures softened. This process ensures that they blend together smoothly, creating a seamless and luxurious consistency. 

In addition to its flavor enhancing capabilities, the Instant Pot also reduces the overall cooking time for your ketchup. This is a significant advantage, especially if you’re pressed for time but still want to create a delicious homemade condiment. In the Instant Pot, your ketchup comes together quickly and conveniently, without sacrificing flavor or quality. 

Making ketchup in the Instant Pot is not just about convenience, it’s about maximizing flavor, texture, and sweetness. It’s a straightforward and efficient way to transform simple ingredients like tomatoes and dates into a homemade ketchup that is healthier, tastier, and all-around better than anything you could buy in a store.

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Ingredients for No Sugar Ketchup

• tomatoes
• dates
• vinegar
• water
• salt
• spices

Creating this healthy homemade ketchup requires a few essential ingredients. Start with ripe tomatoes, which form the base of our ketchup and contribute a vibrant color and robust flavor. Sweeten the mix naturally with pitted dates. These not only lend a unique sweetness but also make our ketchup a low glycemic index food, making it healthier than its store-bought counterparts. 

Balancing out the sweetness, we add white vinegar, which gives the ketchup a tangy kick and aids in preserving the mixture. You can use apple cider vinegar if you prefer to use it as an ingredient, the result is a bit more sweetness than white vinegar. Salt is essential for enhancing the flavors of our other ingredients. To add depth and complexity to the flavor profile we incorporate dry mustard, onion powder, and garlic powder. These spices create a savory undertone that pairs perfectly with the sweet and tangy flavors of our main ingredients. 

Finally, add a few dashes of allspice or cinnamon, and a bit of curry powder each to your ketchup. These subtle spice notes round out the flavor profile and gives our homemade ketchup a unique edge. So gather these simple ingredients to create a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy homemade ketchup without any added sugars. This no sugar ketchup is as flavorful as it is healthy, proving that good food doesn’t have to come at the expense of your health.

How to Make Your Own Homemade Ketchup

1. Add the water and can of tomato paste to the Instant Pot. Dissolve the can of tomato paste in the water with a whisk, ensure there are no remaining lumps of paste in the mixture.

2. Wash and slice your Roma tomatoes, cutting out any hard ends. Cut the pits out of the dates and remove any hard woods stems or ends from these also. Add them to the Instant Pot.
3. Stir in the vinegar and spices, then seal the pressure lid on the Instant Pot.
4. Set the Instant Pot for 15 minutes at low pressure, and manually release when done.

5. Allow the cooked mixture to cool and use an immersion blender, or transfer to a high speed blender, and process until smooth.

6. Use a sieve to strain out any long plant fibers or seeds from your ketchup for the best texture.
7. If your ketchup is too thin, transfer back to the Instant Pot or stovetop and reduce on low until the ketchup achieves the desired consistency.
8. Season to taste, and transfer to containers for refrigeration and use.

Last update on 2025-04-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you have a concern about your Instant Pot burning the dates with the stock stainless steel pot, you can cook the tomatoes with 2 cups water and separately boil the dates in 1 cup water on the stovetop.

Variations to the Homemade Ketchup Recipe

The beauty of creating your own homemade ketchup is the flexibility it offers. You can easily customize the recipe to fit your personal taste preferences. For those who enjoy a hint of smokiness in their ketchup, consider adding a touch of liquid smoke or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the blend. This addition can elevate the overall flavor profile, giving your ketchup a unique, smoky undertone.

If you have a penchant for heat, introduce a little cayenne pepper or even some finely chopped jalapeños into the mix. You could also experiment with some dried chilies for extra smokiness and heat. This slight change can transform your homemade ketchup into a spicy condiment that adds a kick to your meals. 

On the other hand, if you’re a fan of a sweeter, fruitier ketchup, you might like to incorporate some crushed pineapple or apple puree. These additions can introduce a subtle fruitiness, complementing the inherent sweetness from the dates.

Remember, when making modifications, start with small amounts. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away once it’s mixed in. Experiment with these variations or even come up with your own. The key is to have fun and enjoy the process of crafting your own unique, flavorful homemade ketchup.

Storing Your Homemade Ketchup

Proper storage of your homemade ketchup no sugar is crucial to maintain its freshness and flavor. For immediate use, you can keep your ketchup in a covered container inside the fridge. The cool temperature will help prolong its shelf life for about a fortnight. Ensure the container is sealed tight to prevent exposure to air and moisture which could lead to spoilage.

By storing your homemade ketchup no sugar properly, you can enjoy this healthier, tastier alternative to store-bought versions anytime you want. Whether you’re topping off a burger, spicing up a stew, or dipping some fries, you’ll have your homemade ketchup ready to enrich your meals.

If you’re into canning your own fruits, vegetables, and homemade goodies then this would be an excellent recipe to use to make a big batch to put up in jars for easy storage.

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