Heinz Tomato Ketchup Smoothie: A Surprising New Blend
When you think of ketchup, you probably imagine squeezing it onto a hot dog or burger, maybe even dipping some fries into it. But have you ever considered adding it to a smoothie? Well, Heinz certainly has, and they are teaming up with Smoothie King to introduce the first-ever Tomato Ketchup Smoothie. This unique concoction features Heinz Simply Ketchup blended with açai sorbet, strawberries, raspberries, and apple juice, creating a bold and tangy fruit blend with a distinct tomato finish.
While the idea of a ketchup smoothie may sound unusual, it’s not as far-fetched as it seems. Tomatoes, the main ingredient in ketchup, are technically fruits, even though we often think of them as vegetables. This smoothie leans into that botanical classification, offering a sweet-tart drink that combines unexpected flavors in a refreshing way.
The Tomato Ketchup Smoothie will be available for a limited time at select Smoothie King locations in Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Miami, and New York, priced at just $5.70. To kick off the launch, a pre-event tasting in New York City will offer early sips to attendees, along with tomato-inspired snacks, fresh flowers, and custom totes.
This collaboration between Smoothie King and Heinz reflects a larger trend in food culture towards savory beverages and drinks that blur the lines between flavor profiles. Ingredients like miso, mushrooms, seaweed, and now tomato are finding their way into beverages, offering a new twist on traditional flavors.
Tomatoes, in particular, are experiencing a resurgence in popularity, not just as a base for sauces or salads but as a versatile and umami-rich fruit that adds complexity to drinks. With the introduction of the Tomato Ketchup Smoothie, the trend of savory drinks is evolving into fully blended creations with unexpected flavor profiles.
According to Angie Madigan, vice president of marketing at Kraft Heinz, the goal was to create a fruit smoothie with well-balanced ketchup notes that tasted delicious. Lori Primavera, vice president of marketing at Smoothie King, emphasized the importance of balance in creating a savory-sweet blend that celebrates the tomato’s unique flavor.
Both companies are focused on ingredient quality, with Heinz Simply Ketchup made from seven ingredients without high-fructose corn syrup or artificial preservatives. Smoothie King’s Clean Blends initiative also prioritizes clean ingredients, excluding more than 70 additives like artificial flavors and colors from its recipes.
The August release of the Tomato Ketchup Smoothie coincides with peak tomato harvest season, making it a timely and refreshing choice for those looking to explore new flavor combinations. So, if you’re feeling adventurous and curious about trying something different, why not give the Heinz Tomato Ketchup Smoothie a try? Who knows, you might just discover your new favorite drink.
