Pineapple ketchup is stirring curiosity among Filipinos

“Ever thought you’d see the day ketchup got a tropical reboot?” the user wrote.

The post attracted reactions from curious Filipinos, some eager to taste the product and others wondering how pineapple would work as ketchup.

What exactly is pineapple ketchup?

Del Monte Pineapple Ketchup combines crushed pineapple, tomato paste, red bell peppers, and pineapple juice concentrate.

According to Del Monte Asia, the condiment offers a sweet-and-tangy flavor that can complement fried foods, burgers, grilled meats, and seafood.

Interestingly, pineapple has a history in Del Monte’s ketchup business.

During the 1950s and 1960s, the company advertised an American tomato catsup formula made with pineapple distilled vinegar. However, that vintage product was different from today’s fruit-based pineapple ketchup.

Filipinos are curious

The Threads discussion revealed that Filipinos are willing to experiment with their favorite condiment.

“I NEED TO TRY I love pineapple so much,” one commenter declared.

Another wrote, “Mas sweet kesa sa banana mas gusto ko Pineapple,” suggesting that the pineapple version tastes sweeter than banana ketchup.

Other commenters revealed that pineapple ketchup is not the only unusual fruit-based variation available.

One shared a photograph of McNester products featuring mango ketchup alongside pineapple ketchup.

Another suggested that pineapple’s natural acidity could create an entirely different flavor experience.

Why isn’t it popular in the Philippines?

Despite Del Monte’s extensive pineapple operations in Mindanao, Pineapple Ketchup is not part of the company’s regular Philippine supermarket lineup.

The product is marketed in selected Asian markets, including Singapore, and may be available locally through specialty importers and online sellers.

Its limited presence is particularly interesting considering the Philippines’ long history with fruit-based ketchup.

Banana ketchup became a distinctly Filipino culinary innovation, transforming an abundant tropical fruit into a sweet condiment that eventually became a household staple.

Pineapple ketchup follows a similar concept, although with a different flavor profile.

And considering that Filipinos already use pineapple in sweet-and-sour dishes, barbecue marinades, and even certain spaghetti recipes, the idea is not entirely unfamiliar.

Whether pineapple ketchup can eventually challenge banana ketchup’s dominance remains uncertain.

But one thing is clear: Filipinos are curious enough to give this tropical alternative a taste.