Heinz, the global leader in ketchup, has partnered with Smoothie King, the world’s largest smoothie brand, to launch a bold and unconventional beverage: the Heinz Tomato Ketchup Smoothie. This limited-edition drink, available at select Smoothie King locations in cities like Chicago, Atlanta, Denver, Miami, New York, and parts of New Jersey, has sparked curiosity and debate among food enthusiasts. Priced at $5.70, the smoothie blends Heinz Simply Tomato Ketchup with acai sorbet, apple juice, strawberries, and raspberries, aiming to settle the viral question, “If tomatoes are a fruit, is ketchup a smoothie?”
The Heinz Tomato Ketchup Smoothie is described as a “savory-sweet” blend that combines the tangy, slightly sweet flavor of Heinz Simply Ketchup—made with all-natural, ripe red tomatoes and no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives—with the vibrant sweetness of real fruits. According to Heinz, the smoothie offers a “refreshing summer sip” with a “bright, tangy ketchup finish” that complements the fruity base without overpowering it. The drink was developed after months of meticulous research and development, with Smoothie King’s expertise ensuring a balanced flavor profile.
Angie Madigan, Vice President of Elevation Marketing at Kraft Heinz, emphasized the provocative nature of the concept: “The idea of a ketchup smoothie is provocative, and our top priority was landing a delicious tasting fruit smoothie with distinct yet well-balanced ketchup notes. The experts at Smoothie King helped make this dream a reality, and we’re absolutely thrilled with the final smoothie we created together.”
Lori Primavera, Smoothie King’s Vice President of R&D and Product Marketing, added, “After months of testing and tasting, we landed on a savory-sweet blend that celebrates the tomato in all its glory.” The collaboration aligns with Smoothie King’s Clean Blends promise, which excludes over 75 ingredients like artificial flavors and preservatives, ensuring a nutritious and high-quality drink.
The smoothie’s concept was inspired by a social media debate questioning whether ketchup, made from tomatoes—a botanical fruit—could be considered a smoothie. Heinz and Smoothie King leaned into this conversation, launching the drink during peak tomato harvest season when Heinz’s tomatoes are at their ripest. The use of Heinz Simply Ketchup, which contains no high-fructose corn syrup and is packed with vitamins and antioxidants, adds a nutritional angle to the quirky beverage.
Early taste testers have reported that the smoothie is surprisingly palatable, with the berries and apple juice taking the lead, followed by a subtle tomato tang that adds a unique twist. While some may find the idea of drinking ketchup off-putting, the smoothie is designed to appeal to adventurous eaters and ketchup enthusiasts alike.
For those eager to try it, head to a participating Smoothie King location before supplies run out, and don’t forget to share your thoughts with #KetchupSmoothie.
