Copycat Heinz Ketchup Smoothie Recipe

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When I first heard about this Heinz Ketchup Smoothie — a blend of savory ketchup with tangy fruits — I couldn’t help but be intrigued. Could this be the ultimate sweet-and-savory twist we’ve been waiting for?

How to make Heinz Ketchup Smoothie

The Heinz Ketchup Smoothie is a bold and unconventional limited-edition beverage—the first-ever of its kind—created in partnership between Heinz and Smoothie King.

Ingredients

For one serving of the Heinz Ketchup Smoothie, you’ll need:

• Heinz Simply Tomato Ketchup – 2 tablespoons
• Acai Sorbet (or Acai Packets) – ½ cup
• Strawberries – ½ cup (fresh or frozen)
• Raspberries – ¼ cup (fresh or frozen)
• Apple Juice – ½ cup
• Ice Cubes – ½ cup (optional, for a thicker smoothie)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: If using frozen fruit or acai packets, allow them to thaw slightly for easier blending. If your berries are fresh, rinse and hull the strawberries.
2. Add to Blender: Start by adding the apple juice to your blender (this helps the blades move more easily). Then, toss in the strawberries, raspberries, acai sorbet, ice cubes (if using), and 2 tablespoons of Heinz Simply Tomato Ketchup.
3. Blend Until Smooth: Blend on high speed for about 1-2 minutes, or until the mixture is completely smooth and free of chunks. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the blender if needed to ensure everything mixes evenly.
4. Taste and Adjust: Take a quick sip! If you prefer a bit more sweetness, you can add a teaspoon of honey or agave syrup. For extra tang, add another teaspoon of ketchup.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Pour the smoothie into a chilled glass, garnish with a skewer of fresh berries, and serve immediately. It’s best enjoyed fresh for the most vibrant flavors.

Tips For the Perfect Ketchup Smoothie

• Balance the Flavors: The key to this unique smoothie is balancing the tangy, savory ketchup with the natural sweetness of the fruits. Don’t overdo the ketchup—2 tablespoons is the sweet spot for combining the flavors without overwhelming the drink.
• Experiment with Fruit Combinations: Don’t have strawberries or raspberries? No problem! Substitute with other sweet-tangy fruits like cherries, blueberries, or even pineapple to put your twist on the recipe.
• Chill All Your Ingredients: To create a smoothie that’s icy cold and refreshing, ensure that your fruit and liquid base (apple juice) are chilled ahead of time. Adding ice cubes gives it a smoother, frosty consistency.
• Serving Suggestion: This smoothie makes for a fun conversation starter at a summer gathering! Pair it with light snacks like veggie chips or cheese plates to continue the sweet-and-savory vibe.
• Choose Quality Ingredients: Since this is such a minimal ingredient recipe, the quality of each component matters. Go for ripe, flavorful fruits and, of course, the classic Heinz Simply Tomato Ketchup to nail the taste.

What to serve with

The Heinz Ketchup Smoothie is definitely a conversation starter — a bold, savory-sweet blend that challenges traditional flavor pairings. To complement its unique taste, you’ll want foods that either enhance its sweet and tangy notes or provide a contrasting texture and flavor.

a. Veggie Chips or Fries

Why it works: Classic pairing! The crispy, salty texture of vegetable chips or traditional French fries complements the Heinz Ketchup Smoothie’s soft, creamy consistency and tangy taste. Think of it as a “drink-and-dip” combo where ketchup naturally belongs.

Suggestion: Sweet potato fries or beet chips work especially well, adding an extra hint of sweetness to the pairing.

b. Cheese-Based Snacks

Why it works: Cheese offers a creamy, savory contrast to the smoothie. A sharp cheddar, asiago cheese crisps, or even mozzarella sticks with a light crunchy breading can boost the indulgent factor.

Suggestion: Serve some baked parmesan crisps (or store-bought cheese crisps) on the side for a crunchy bite with a hint of umami.

c. Mini Sliders

Why it works: Sliders (especially with plant-based patties or mini beef burgers) play off the ketchup’s classic burger association. You don’t need an entire meal—mini sliders are the perfect snack size.

Suggestion: Add some pickles or caramelized onions to your sliders for tang and sweetness to reflect the smoothie’s interesting flavor profile.

Ingredients Substitutes

The Heinz Ketchup Smoothie is all about blending classic ketchup’s tangy-sweet flavors with fruity goodness, but what if you don’t have all the ingredients on hand or want to adapt the recipe to match your personal preferences?

1. Heinz Simply Tomato Ketchup Substitutes

Heinz ketchup is the defining ingredient, but if you don’t have access to it or want to experiment with other options, here are some substitutes:

Other Tomato Ketchup Brands

Any other brand of ketchup can work. However, use one with minimal sugar and additives for the closest taste to Heinz Simply Tomato Ketchup. Organic options are ideal!

Tip: If your ketchup is too tangy, consider adding ½ teaspoon of honey to balance the flavor.

Homemade Ketchup

If you have time, making your ketchup with fresh tomatoes is a fantastic option. Blend ripe tomatoes with a touch of vinegar, sugar, salt, and spices like paprika or garlic powder.

Alternate Tip: Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper, more complex flavor.

Tomato Paste or Puree (with Adjustments)

In a pinch, mix 1 tablespoon of tomato paste or puree with 1 teaspoon of vinegar, ½ teaspoon of sugar, and a pinch of salt to replicate the tangy sweetness of ketchup.

BBQ Sauce

If you’re feeling adventurous, try BBQ sauce! Choose a mild, tomato-based BBQ sauce for a smoky, tangy twist, but go easy on the quantity (use half of the original measurement) to avoid overpowering the smoothie.

2. Acai Sorbet Substitutes

The acai sorbet provides creaminess and a berry-like flavor, but there are several alternatives:

• Frozen Acai Packets: Frozen acai puree packets, available in most health food stores, are a perfect swap. Just add ½ teaspoon of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
• Frozen Blueberries: Blueberries are the closest in texture and flavor to acai. Use ½ cup of frozen blueberries to keep the recipe smooth and creamy.
• Frozen Mixed Berries: A mix of blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries can mimic acai’s tart profile.
• Banana or Mango (for a Sweeter Twist): For a creamier yet sweeter alternative, use ½ a frozen banana or ½ cup of frozen mango. These options tone down the tanginess of the ketchup.

3. Strawberries (Fresh or Frozen) Substitutes

If you don’t have strawberries, there are plenty of fruit options to replace them:

• Cherries: Cherries pack a similar sweetness and slight tartness to strawberries, making them an ideal substitute. For a richer smoothie, use frozen cherries.
• Raspberries or Blackberries: These berries are slightly more tart than strawberries but work well in balancing the ketchup flavor with their bold taste.
• Watermelon: If you’re looking for a lighter, more refreshing twist, use ½ cup of cubed watermelon. It offers natural sweetness and an added hydrating element.
• Peach or Nectarine Slices: These stone fruits add a juicy, summery sweetness without overpowering the recipe.

4. Raspberries (Fresh or Frozen) Substitutes

Raspberries add tartness and a punch of color. Here’s what you can use if you don’t have them:

• Cranberries (Fresh or Frozen): Cranberries bring the same level of tartness, but since they’re less sweet, you might need to add a teaspoon of honey or agave syrup to the smoothie.
• Red Currants: These bright, tangy berries are a fantastic substitute for raspberries if you’re looking for something more exotic.
• Blueberries: Blueberries are slightly sweeter than raspberries but still complement the ketchup’s tangy notes.
• Pomegranate Seeds: For an adventurous option, use 2 tablespoons of pomegranate seeds. They add texture, tartness, and a unique fruity flavor.

5. Apple Juice Substitutes

Apple juice is used as a liquid base for blending, but there are many alternatives:

• Orange Juice or Pineapple Juice: Both orange and pineapple juice offer a tangy-sweet flavor that complements the ketchup. Pineapple juice, in particular, enhances the tropical vibe if you’re using berries like raspberries or mango.
• Coconut Water: For a lighter, hydrating option, use coconut water. It won’t compete with the other bold flavors but adds a natural sweetness.
• Milk Alternatives (Almond, Oat, or Coconut Milk): If you prefer a creamier smoothie, replace apple juice with unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or lite coconut milk. This option turns it into more of a dessert-like smoothie.
• Water with a Touch of Sweetener: In a pinch, use plain water combined with 1 teaspoon of honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup to mimic the sweetness of apple juice.

6. Ice Cubes Substitutes

If you prefer a thicker smoothie without using ice cubes, try these options:

• Frozen Fruit: Instead of using fresh fruits, substitute them with frozen fruits, which naturally chill the smoothie while adding a thicker consistency.
• Frozen Greek Yogurt Cubes: Freeze plain or flavored Greek yogurt in an ice cube tray, then toss the yogurt cubes into your smoothie. This gives it an extra creamy texture and adds protein.

Final Thoughts

The Heinz Ketchup Smoothie is all about experimentation, so have fun with your pairings! From cheesy, savory snacks to fruity sides and even quirky desserts, there’s no end to the creative combinations that can highlight the smoothie’s daring flavor profile.

More Recipes:

• Ben and Jerry’s Marshmallow Sky Ice Cream Recipe