Before it became the ultimate burger companion, ketchup had an entirely different purpose—it was medicine.
Imagine walking into a doctor’s office in the 1830s with a stomachache, and instead of being handed pills or herbal remedies, you’re prescribed ketchup. Yes, the same tangy tomato sauce that now floods fast food chains was once considered a miracle cure for indigestion, diarrhea, and even rheumatism.
The Man Who Made Ketchup a Health Craze
The ketchup-as-medicine movement can be traced back to Dr. John Cook Bennett, an Ohio physician who, in the early 19th century, was convinced that tomatoes held powerful medicinal properties. At a time when tomatoes were still viewed with suspicion (some even believed they were poisonous), Bennett championed their health benefits, claiming they could cure digestive issues, prevent cholera, and improve overall health. His advocacy led to the rise of tomato-based remedies, including a tomato pill industry that spread across the United States.
Tomato Pills: A Medical Scam?
While Bennett’s claims about tomatoes being nutritious weren’t entirely off base, the medicinal hype surrounding ketchup took a turn when entrepreneurs and opportunists jumped on the trend. Tomato-based patent medicines began flooding the market, many of which contained no actual tomato at all. Instead, these so-called “cures” were packed with laxatives and questionable ingredients, misleading the public into believing they were miracle drugs.
The Fall of Medicinal Ketchup
By the 1850s, skepticism grew as scientists debunked the exaggerated health claims surrounding tomato-based medicine. As medical advancements improved, people turned to more reliable treatments, and ketchup lost its status as a health remedy. However, this shift paved the way for ketchup to take on a new identity—not as medicine, but as a beloved table staple.
From Health Tonic to Household Favorite
By the late 19th century, companies like Heinz transformed ketchup into the product we recognize today. With a focus on taste rather than medical benefits, ketchup became a widely accepted condiment. Unlike the sketchy concoctions of the past, Heinz ensured its ketchup was made with real tomatoes, vinegar, and sugar, marking the beginning of its journey as an American classic.
A Reminder of How Food Trends Evolve
The story of medicinal ketchup serves as a fascinating example of how food trends and health beliefs change over time. What was once marketed as a cure-all is now a fast-food staple found in almost every kitchen. It makes you wonder: what everyday foods might be seen as medicine in the future?
The Takeaway
Next time you squeeze ketchup onto your fries, remember—you’re not just enjoying a tasty condiment, you’re indulging in a sauce that once claimed to be a miracle drug. It’s a quirky piece of history that proves just how unpredictable food trends (and medical beliefs) can be!