National Ketchup Day – June 5

June 5 is a red-letter day for America’s most beloved condiment. It’s National Ketchup Day, a celebration of the tangy, tomato-based sauce that Americans slather on everything from fries and burgers to scrambled eggs. Ketchup is such a staple in U.S. households (found in roughly 97% of American kitchens, by some estimates) that it’s easy to take it for granted.

But this day reminds us to appreciate ketchup’s zesty flavor, fascinating history, and all the creative ways it can be used. Whether you’re a die-hard fan who puts ketchup on steak or a purist who limits it to french fries, National Ketchup Day is the time to dip in with enthusiasm. So grab that Heinz bottle (you know, the one that pours slowly) and let’s celebrate the king of condiments.

Celebrating National Ketchup Day

How does one celebrate the indispensable sauce that is ketchup? Let us count the ways. For many, it’s as simple as enjoying their favorite ketchup-covered meal. This is the perfect day to fire up the grill and cook classic American fare that practically begs for ketchup: juicy hamburgers, plump hot dogs, crispy french fries, or golden onion rings.

In fact, ketchup and onion rings are such a dynamic duo that celebrating Ketchup Day can feel like a warm-up for National Onion Ring Day later in the month. Some burger restaurants or diners may hold special promotions – don’t be surprised by a “free fries with ketchup” deal on June 5, or limited-edition menu items featuring creative ketchup-based sauces.

At home, you might honor the day by making ketchup from scratch. Yes, homemade ketchup is a thing, and it’s not too difficult: simmer tomatoes (or tomato paste) with vinegar, sugar, salt, and spices like cloves, allspice, and onion powder. After an hour or two of slow cooking, you can blend and strain it into a smooth sauce. The result is often a bit fresher-tasting and less sweet than bottled ketchup – a fun project for adventurous cooks and a conversation starter at your Ketchup Day cookout. You could also experiment with flavored ketchups. Ever tried curry ketchup (a favorite in Germany) or jalapeño-spiked ketchup? National Ketchup Day is a great time to expand your palate.

For a quirky twist, some celebrants do ketchup-themed activities or stunts. There have been social media challenges involving people putting ketchup on unexpected foods and sharing the (sometimes hilarious) results – ketchup on ice cream, anyone? Kids might enjoy a ketchup art project (painting with ketchup isn’t so different from finger-painting!).

If you’re a true ketchup devotee, you could sport a red outfit or even a ketchup-costume on this day. And of course, many take to social media using #NationalKetchupDay to share ketchup facts, memories, and photos. It turns out a whole lot of people have strong opinions on the “proper” use of ketchup (one hot debate: should ketchup ever go on a hot dog? Chicagoans say an emphatic “no”). All in good fun for the condiment that manages to stir up both nostalgia and playful controversy.

Ketchup's Story: From Ancient Sauce to Modern Staple

The story of ketchup is richer than its vibrant red hue. The origin of ketchup (or “catsup,” as it’s been variably spelled) dates back to ancient China, but you might be surprised to learn that the earliest ketchups contained no tomatoes at all. The word ketchup likely comes from the Hokkien Chinese word kê-tsiap, a fermented fish sauce dating to around 300 B.C. This savory brew was made from salted fish and herbs – a far cry from the sweet tomato condiment we know today. By the 17th century, British sailors encountered versions of this fish sauce in Southeast Asia and brought the concept home. They attempted to recreate “ketchup” with ingredients like oysters, anchovies, mushrooms, and walnuts to mimic the umami flavor. Indeed, early English ketchup recipes from the 1700s read more like pickling brine concoctions than the thick red sauce we recognize.

Tomatoes didn’t enter the ketchup equation until the early 19th century. The first known tomato ketchup recipe is credited to an American scientist and horticulturalist named James Mease, who in 1812 published a recipe using ripe tomatoes, spices, and brandy. By mid-century, tomato ketchup started gaining popularity, especially after sugar was added to the recipe to stabilize and sweeten the sauce. The watershed moment came in 1876 when Henry J. Heinz launched his now-iconic ketchup, marketed as a “blessed relief for Mother and the other women in the household!” Heinz’s recipe – thick, sweet, and made with ripe tomatoes and vinegar – was a huge success, and it helped set the standard for ketchup as we know it.

National Ketchup Day itself is a modern invention of uncertain origin. The folks at the National Day Calendar admit they don’t know who first declared June 5 as Ketchup Day. It appears to have emerged in recent decades, likely as a fun way for ketchup fans (and perhaps ketchup companies) to honor the condiment. Regardless of who started it, by the early 2000s the date began appearing in foodie calendars and online celebrations. Even the Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh (hometown of Heinz ketchup) has acknowledged National Ketchup Day, fully embracing an excuse to promote ketchup’s legacy. After all, ketchup is sometimes called “the national condiment” of the U.S. – and on June 5, that title is most definitely deserved.

Saucy Selections: Creative Recipes and Ketchup Favorites

One might think of ketchup as a finished product, but it can also be an ingredient that inspires creativity in the kitchen. In honor of National Ketchup Day, consider cooking a dish that uses ketchup in a unique way. Ketchup’s balance of sweet, tangy, and savory makes it a surprisingly versatile base for sauces and glazes. For instance, you can whip up a quick barbecue sauce by combining ketchup with brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, a dash of hot sauce, and some spices – brush it on chicken or ribs for a tasty BBQ twist. Or try making “fry sauce,” a beloved condiment in Utah: simply mix ketchup and mayonnaise (often in a roughly 1:2 ratio) and add a touch of pickle juice or garlic powder. The result is a pink, creamy dip perfect for fries and, yes, onion rings.

Want to elevate your ketchup game? There are specialty ketchups on the market that cater to foodie preferences. Look for artisanal ketchup brands that might use heirloom tomatoes or interesting flavor infusions. For example, some companies produce smoky chipotle ketchup, curry ketchup, or even truffle ketchup. These can add a gourmet flair to your ordinary fries. If you prefer the classics, perhaps do a taste test of the big brands: Heinz vs. Hunt’s vs. Del Monte – some people swear they can tell the difference and have a favorite. You might also experiment with alternative “ketchup” styles. In the Philippines, a popular variant is banana ketchup – originally created during WWII when tomatoes were scarce, it’s made from mashed bananas, sugar, vinegar, and spices, dyed red to look like tomato ketchup. It’s sweeter and often spicier, and delicious on Filipino dishes. Track down a bottle of banana ketchup at an Asian market and see how it compares.

Aside from sauces, ketchup-themed merchandise abounds for the true fan. Ever since catchy Heinz ads and slogans like “57 varieties” entered pop culture, ketchup has inspired everything from t-shirts to phone cases. While you probably don’t need a ketchup-shaped pillow, using a nice ketchup dispenser can be a fun touch for your kitchen or picnic. Retro glass bottles, squeeze bottles with clever labels, or even personal ketchup packets – set them out to bring a smile at your National Ketchup Day gathering. After all, this is a day to not only enjoy the taste of ketchup but also to celebrate the lighthearted fandom that surrounds this iconic condiment.

Fun Facts about Ketchup

An ancient sauce: Ketchup’s predecessors are older than most people realize. The earliest ketchup was a fermented fish sauce from China, and by the 18th century ketchup in Europe and America was often mushroom-based. In 1758, a recipe for “ketchup in paste” made from mushrooms was published in England and closely resembled a dark soy sauce. Mushroom ketchup was even sold commercially in bottles in the 1800s before tomato ketchup took over.

Ketchup as medicine: Believe it or not, ketchup was once marketed as a medicinal product. In the 1830s, Ohio physician Dr. John Cook Bennett claimed that tomato ketchup could cure ailments like indigestion, rheumatism, and jaundice. He prepared a concentrated form of tomato ketchup and sold it as “tomato pills.” The ketchup medicine craze didn’t last long (by the 1840s it was debunked and faded away), but it adds an interesting chapter to ketchup’s history. Next time you pour ketchup, remember you’re administering a dose of “18th-century health tonic” (with a wink).

57 Varieties (or not): The H.J. Heinz Company’s famous slogan, “57 varieties,” is one of the best-known ad lines in history. But when Heinz adopted the slogan in 1896, the company was already selling more than 60 products. Henry Heinz reportedly just liked the sound of “57” – it was a mix of his and his wife’s favorite numbers. Today, Heinz makes far more than 57 varieties of condiments worldwide, but they stick with the classic slogan on their ketchup bottles. And speaking of the bottles: that “57” embossed on the neck of a glass Heinz bottle? It’s not just decoration – Heinz suggests that tapping that spot helps the ketchup flow out more smoothly. Go ahead, try it!

Record ketchup consumption: Americans consume an enormous amount of ketchup annually – by some estimates, around 10 billion ounces, or roughly 3 bottles per person per year. One daring competitive eater set a peculiar world record by drinking a 14-ounce bottle of ketchup through a straw in under 30 seconds. We do not recommend that as a way to celebrate, but it’s proof of how far some fans will go.

Ketchup in space: Ketchup has even made its way to outer space. NASA astronauts have taken ketchup packets to the International Space Station to spice up their meals. In the weightless environment, they have to be careful – a blob of ketchup can float away! Astronauts have said that strong flavors like hot sauce and ketchup become especially welcome in space because taste buds can dull in microgravity. So when you squeeze ketchup on your fries this Ketchup Day, consider it a cosmic experience shared by those orbiting above.

Future National Ketchup Day Dates

National Ketchup Day is celebrated annually on June 5th. In 2025, this flavorful occasion falls on a Thursday, offering a perfect midweek opportunity to indulge in your favorite ketchup-accompanied dishes. Looking ahead, here are the upcoming dates and the days they fall on:

Year	Date	Day of the Week
2025	June 5, 2025	Thursday
2026	June 5, 2026	Friday
2027	June 5, 2027	Saturday
2028	June 5, 2028	Monday
2029	June 5, 2029	Tuesday