Ketchup usually has fewer calories than mayonnaise, but portions matter

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  Ketchup usually has fewer calories than mayonnaise in a typical serving, nutritionist Renate Akkerman said.

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  Mayonnaise is more calorie-dense because it is made mainly with oil.

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  Akkerman said much of the fat in mayonnaise is unsaturated and comes from vegetable oils.

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  Ketchup contains no fat but often includes added sugars and salt.

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  The amount served matters: a thin layer of mayonnaise can have fewer calories than several tablespoons of ketchup.

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  Akkerman said both sauces can fit into a normal diet if they are not consumed in excess.

Who

Renate Akkerman, a nutritionist and assistant professor at Maastricht University, discussed the sauces.

What

The comparison found that ketchup usually has fewer calories in a typical serving, while portion size and ingredients also matter.

When

The article was published on October 12, 2026.

Where

Not stated

Why

The comparison explains how the sauces’ ingredients and serving amounts affect their calories and other nutritional characteristics.

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