In a move that’s equal parts bold and bizarre, Heinz has teamed up with Smoothie King to answer a question that’s long divided the internet: If tomatoes are a fruit, is ketchup a smoothie? Their answer? A resounding yes—served in a cup, with a straw.
Launching on August 6, the new Heinz Tomato Ketchup Smoothie is a limited-time offering available at select Smoothie King locations across five major U.S. markets: Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Miami, and parts of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey.
What’s in the Blend?
This isn’t just ketchup poured into a blender. The smoothie is a carefully crafted fusion of:
- Heinz Simply Tomato Ketchup (made with seven natural ingredients and no artificial additives)
- Acai sorbet
- Apple juice
- Strawberries
- Raspberries
The result? A sweet-tart fruit smoothie with a bright, tangy ketchup finish that’s both surprising and refreshingly balanced.
The Flavor Profile
Early tasters report that the berries dominate the first sip, but the ketchup adds a savory depth that lingers. It’s not unlike the flavor complexity found in watermelon gazpacho or tomato-based fruit salsas. Heinz and Smoothie King spent months perfecting the recipe to ensure the ketchup notes were distinct yet harmonious.
A Cultural Moment
The smoothie isn’t just a drink—it’s a statement. Heinz is leaning into the cultural debate with full force, encouraging fans to weigh in on social media using the hashtag #KetchupSmoothie. Angie Madigan, VP of Elevation Marketing at Kraft Heinz, called the idea “provocative,” while Smoothie King’s VP of R&D, Lori Primavera, emphasized the meticulous testing behind the final product.
Where and How to Try It
The Heinz Tomato Ketchup Smoothie is priced at $5.70 and will be available while supplies last. It’s launching during peak tomato harvest season, when Heinz tomatoes are at their ripest, making this a timely celebration of the fruit that started it all.
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