It was in fact, about ketchup. I really don't know what I expected from this but I didn't particularly enjoy it. I was expecting more of a historical study of the condiment ala All About Coffee by Ukers or Salt by Kurlansky but it was way more of an in-depth, scientific look at Ketchup on a microbial leve lfor the most part that just wasn't for me. Still interesting in sections in the beginning that I enjoyed and great if you're looking for a more scientific approach to that good good tomato goop but just not really my thing.