If you’re looking for the ketchup brand NYT crossword answer, it’s HEINZ (5 letters). This clue appears regularly in the New York Times crossword puzzle and has a few possible answers depending on the letter count and crossing clues.

Ketchup Brand Crossword Answers

Here’s a quick reference table for every variation of this clue:

Solving a crossword puzzle with a ballpoint pen — confident solvers know HEINZ is always the answer for ketchup brand
Confident crossword solvers know: when the clue says ketchup brand, the answer is almost always HEINZcc by-sa 3.0

5 letters:

  • HEINZ — the most common answer by far
  • HUNTS — the second most popular ketchup brand in the US

8 letters:

  • DELMONTE — another major ketchup producer

Common clue variations:

  • “Ketchup brand” → HEINZ
  • “Big name in ketchup” → HEINZ
  • “Ketchup maker” → HEINZ
  • “57 varieties company” → HEINZ
  • “Pittsburgh-based food brand” → HEINZ
  • “Ketchup rival of Heinz” → HUNTS
  • “Catsup brand” → HEINZ

Why HEINZ Is Always the Answer

Heinz controls roughly 60% of the US ketchup market. It’s the default ketchup in most restaurants, the brand most people picture when they hear “ketchup,” and by far the most recognizable name in the category. For crossword constructors, HEINZ is the obvious choice — it’s a common 5-letter word with useful letters (H, E, I, N, Z) that cross well with other entries.

A New York Times Sunday crossword puzzle with a fountain pen — the NYT crossword frequently features ketchup brand as a clue
The New York Times crossword regularly features food brand clues — ketchup brand is one of the most commoncc by 2.0

The Z in HEINZ is especially valuable in crossword construction because it’s a high-scoring Scrabble letter that creates interesting crossing opportunities. This makes HEINZ a favorite fill word for puzzle creators.

Other Food Brand Crossword Clues

If you enjoy solving food-related crossword clues, here are other brand answers that frequently appear in the NYT:

  • “Mayo brand” → HELLMANNS or DUKES
  • “Mustard brand” → FRENCHS or GULDEN
  • “Hot sauce brand” → TABASCO or FRANKS
  • “Soup brand” → CAMPBELLS

For a deeper look at all the major ketchup producers, visit our complete catsup brands guide.