A comparison of carotenoid content and total antioxidant activity in catsup from several commercial sources in the United States.

Samples of catsup from 13 commercial sources, representing at least 10 U.S. manufacturers, were analyzed for carotenoid content, antioxidant activity, and percentage solids. The solids content of these catsup brand samples varied from 26.31 to 38.06% solids. The lycopene content ranged from 59.42 to 183.36 microg, and total carotenoids were as high as 216.6 microg/g fresh weight, respectively. In addition, both hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidant activities were measured using the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assay. These measurements of samples of the various catsup brands ranged from 176.5 to 356.8 total TEAC units.