What is the clearly defined difference between American ketchup and tomato sauce?

Ketchup and tomato sauce are both condiments made from tomatoes, but there are some key differences between the two.

Ketchup is typically thicker and sweeter than tomato sauce. It also contains more spices, such as vinegar, sugar, salt, and tomato ketchup spices like mace and allspice. Ketchup is often used as a condiment for burgers, fries, and other fast foods.

Tomato sauce, on the other hand, is typically thinner and less sweet than ketchup. It also contains fewer spices. Tomato sauce is often used as a base for other dishes, such as pasta sauce, pizza sauce, and soups.

Here is a table summarizing the key differences between ketchup and tomato sauce:

| Feature | Ketchup | Tomato Sauce |

|---|---|---|

| Consistency | Thick | Thin |

| Sweetness | Sweet | Less sweet |

| Spices | Contains more spices | Contains fewer spices |

| Uses | Used as a condiment | Used as a base for other dishes |

Additional notes:

- Ketchup originated in China and was made with fermented fish and spices before the 1700s when tomatoes were added to the recipe.

- Tomato sauce is a general term and depending on the region or culture, it might have different names, like marinara sauce, bolognese sauce, arrabbiata sauce, or ragù.