Salsa plays ketchup - ketchup use may top the use of salsa

American Demographics, Jan, 1998 by Marcia Mogelonsky

A couple of years ago, the demise of ketchup as America's number-one condiment made big news in food circles. With the growing Hispanic population and acceptance in mainstream America of Mexican and Tex-Mex foods, it looked like the classic tomato condiment had been unseated by the upstart salsa.

Now it appears that ketchup was not toppled. It may still be the most common condiment on the American dinner table. Three-fourths of U.S. households bought ketchup in 1996, according to AC-Nielsen. Mustard is the nation's second-most-popular condiment, at 71 percent, followed by salsa, at 63 percent.

Ketchup is the top choice for households with children. Those with children under age 18 at home spend 61 percent more than their share of the population suggests on ketchup, and 41 percent more on salsa. But they only spend slightly more than expected on mustard.

Where are the big salsa spenders? Hispanic-headed households are naturally among the biggest. They spend 42 percent more than expected on salsa, compared with non-Hispanic whites, who spend only 5 percent more than expected on the spicy sauce. Blacks prefer ketchup to salsa by a long stretch, spending 5 percent more than expected on ketchup, and 40 percent less on salsa. But the condiment of choice for blacks is barbecue sauce, at 72 percent more than expected.

Households keep ketchup around a lot longer than salsa. The average ketchup buyer picks up a bottle every 62 days, compared with 47 days for salsa, 76 days for mustard, and 54 days for barbecue sauce. However, since it's Super Bowl month, we may see a run on salsa and chips.