A while back, we tried Heinz's balsamic ketchup and were not that impressed, but we wondered how the new, limited-edition Heinz Tomato Ketchup Blended With Real Jalapeño ($5) would fare. It's available for early purchase via Heinz's Facebook page until Dec. 7 and will be released in stores early next year. Should you dip your fries into this spicy condiment or stick to the original? Find out what our taste-testers thought.
We've definitely busted out the grill to barbecue a ton of recipes this Summer, so naturally it's only fair that we would cover awesome condiments, too. Sure, you can serve classic Heinz ketchup at your barbecue, but the iconic American ketchup company released a Heinz Ketchup Blended With Balsamic Vinegar ($3) that might be worth putting out on the table. We tried the ketchup with fries, deliberated, and drew our conclusions about the unusual flavor.
The promise: "Instead of white vinegar, this version of our classic Ketchup is blended with balsamic vinegar for a more sophisticated taste."
Wow, where has 2011 gone? It's hard to believe that it's already June 1, but to say we're excited for Summer is an understatement. It's our favorite season, and we plan on going all out! We'll be grilling, chilling, and mixing up plenty of cool cocktails. To ensure that you do the same, we're sharing our must-have items. Here's what you need to have a fabulous month.
Last year, Heinz unveiled a newly redesigned packet that allowed condiment lovers to choose between squeezing or dipping when it came to enjoying ketchup. Now, Heinz's dual-function ketchup packet has partnered with Chick-fil-A to celebrate with Free FryDay.
From 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. local time today, ask for Heinz's new Dip & Squeeze packet, and you'll receive a free medium order of Chick-fil-A waffle fries (one per customer).
The two brands are encouraging fans to follow both Heinz Ketchup and Chick-fil-A on Facebook for more prizes. I rarely turn down anything that's free, but this does seem like a timely promotion, especially after all the heat Chick-fil-A's been getting for taking a conservative stance on certain social issues. Will you partake in it?
Source: Flickr User meandmybadself
For the first time in 40 years, Heinz has redesigned its ketchup packet — and made it healthier to boot.
This morning, the company revealed a larger, more versatile condiment packet, which ketchup lovers can either tear off to squeeze like a traditional packet or peel off to dip. It holds three times as much as the old packet. The packaging innovation will be in most quick-service restaurants by the end of this year.
The company also introduced Simply Heinz Tomato Ketchup, a version made with sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup. The ketchup will be released in March, and by Summer, the entire core Heinz ketchup line will reduce sodium by 15 percent, making Heinz the lowest-sodium national ketchup.
I know this is ridiculous, but I consider this a Heinz breakthrough. I can't wait to tear open a packet that's big enough for more than three fries! Hopefully, the news will quiet ardent protest groups on Facebook, like Make Ketchup Packets Bigger and Abolish Ketchup Packets. Are you as excited as I am for this groundbreaking move?
In an era when people are consumed with better-for-you goods, food and beverage companies are launching new campaigns that highlight the produce from which their products are derived.
According to market research results from Mintel International, a quarter of the food and beverages launched in 2008 claimed to be "natural," making it the year's most prevalent claim.
For the first time in more than half a century, food titan Heinz has changed its iconic ketchup label, switching out the gherkin below the name for a plump, vine-ripened tomato. The goal? To remind consumers that Heinz tomatoes go into each bottle of ketchup. Tropicana has repackaged its cartons to only include the word "juice" in small type at the bottom. The OJ box now reads, "100 percent orange: Pure and natural." Frito-Lay's current TV spots underscore the fact that Lay's chips come from potatoes.
From Welch's 100-percent grape juice from concord grapes campaign to Pizza Hut's The Natural pizza, this trend has certainly come to my attention. Have you taken notice as well? Do you think it's a good thing that more companies are emphasizing healthfulness in their edible products, or is this movement simply a gimmicky positioning tactic?
Are Heinz Baked Beanz too much of a mouthful?
Citing difficult pronunciation, Heinz will be dropping the word "baked" from the Heinz Baked Beanz label and changing the official title to Heinz Beanz, the Telegraph reports. Four years ago, Heinz changed the "s" of beans to "z" to modernize the brand. Now the company explained why the popular British shelf item, which will retain its distinctive teal tin, is ready for another name change:
Heinz Beanz have been powering the nation for over a hundred years, and to say thank you to our loyal fans, we have given this iconic product a 21st century makeover.
Do you think Heinz made a wise choice in ditching the word baked? How will it impact their brand, positively or negatively? In general, what are your thoughts on food companies rebranding classic items to be more modern?
In a controversial move, condiment king Heinz has pulled a UK television commercial from the air. Viewers complained that the commercial — which features a single-sex parental relationship — was inappropriate and unsuitable. Nigel Dickie, a spokesman for Heinz, explains why the ad will no longer be aired:
It is our policy to listen to consumers. We recognize that some consumers raised concerns over the content of the ad and this prompted our decision to withdraw it. The ad was meant to be humorous and we apologize to anyone who felt offended.
Considering last week's legalization of gay marriage in California, I think the ad is harmless and in tune with our culture. What do you think? Watch the video below and let me know if you consider this condiment ad inappropriate?
With gay marriages about to begin at 5 p.m. today in California, Heinz is using a kiss between two men to help the company sell some mayonnaise in the UK. The ad shows two kids getting ready for school, waiting for their "mom" (a man who looks like a deli counter worker and has a New York accent) to pack their lunches. The commercial, airing in the United Kingdom today, does what it can to make Brits accepting of a two-father household — and I'm not talking about the My Two Dads variety. After the kids' lunches are packed, in comes "dad" for a goodbye smooch.
Will viewers become more open minded after seeing this traditional morning routine infused with a homosexual lifestyle? Perhaps it may have been more shocking to tradition if the lunchmaker was called "dad" and the parent going to work was called "mom."
Some may think Heinz simply wants to shock viewers for added publicity. Considering a straight couple would be completely un-newsworthy, I think it offers social commentary just by getting attention. Did it get yours?
