When you're paying $3-$4 for a "meal," the idea of charging for extra ketchup does feel like a violation.
Just because a number of McDonald's in Manhattan are charging for extra ketchup doesn't mean this trend will go nationwide.
But this trend does grow, remember the advice I've given for some time: bring your own.
Squeezing ketchup from those pathetic packets is agony enough, especially since your fast food French fries loses 90% of its heat within seconds. To be charged on top of that is an insult you don't need.
Previous coverage:
Temptation of the Week: a better to-go ketchup package
Ketchup on store shelves much better; restaurants slow to change
In the past few years, finding ketchup without high-fructose corn syrup is a lot easier. Hunt's, Simply Heinz, and Organic Heinz are the 3 easiest brands to find on U.S. store shelves. If those don't satisfy, some stores have their in-house organic brands. Your store might carry local companies with an alternative ketchup. Stores such as Trader Joe's and Whole Foods have more options, but you can find some brands even at Wal-Mart.
Even if you don't do fast food, or ketchup isn't your thing, make your own concoction and take it with you.
I was out with friends when one of them experimented by pouring the hot sauce into the ketchup. I loved that idea, but wish it wasn't Heinz with high-fructose corn syrup as the base. The hot sauce did help the taste, but imagine what that would have done with a better tasting base.
The best solution would be Heinz or another company to use the newest to-go packaging with a version without high-fructose corn syrup.
You can't always prepare. After all, that night, I didn't think I'd be eating at the bar. But if you know that you will be at a place where the condiments aren't up to your high standards, take your own initiative.
As always, use discretion. I like the containers you find at GFS and other restaurant supply places that look similar to what they already carry. You can get a better tasting experience, but not everyone has to know about it.
photo credit: Heinz; me
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