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FAQs

Heinz® Ketchup Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why 57 varieties? A: In 1896, H. J. Heinz was inspired by an advertisement he saw for “21 styles of shoes.” Using what he considered to be a magic lucky number, Henry came up with the slogan “57 Varieties” despite the fact that the company offered more than 60 products at that time. Heinz today offers more than 5,700 quality products and is still known for “57 Varieties.”

Q: What happened to the famous gherkin pickle on the Heinz label? A: Heinz® Ketchup retired the pickle from its label after 110 years, making room for a vine-ripened tomato. This new label emphasizes Heinz’s heritage and our deep dedication to tomato quality, from seed to bottle.

Q: Do you still make green Ketchup? A: No, we do not currently make green Ketchup (or any color other than red).

Q: Do you still make the glass bottle? A: Yes, this bottle is still made and sold to restaurants. Look for it at many fine-dining establishments.

Q: At what speed does Ketchup exit the iconic glass bottle? A: Heinz® Ketchup exits the iconic glass bottle at .028 miles per hour. We know because it’s something we test in our quality assurance procedures. If the Ketchup we test comes out faster than this speed, that batch of Ketchup is rejected.

Q: What's the best way to get Heinz® Ketchup out of the iconic glass bottle? A: To release Ketchup faster from the glass bottle, apply a firm tap to the sweet spot on the neck of the bottle — the "57." Very few people know this secret. Now you’re “in-the-know.”

Q: Do I need to refrigerate Ketchup? A: Because of its natural acidity, Heinz® Ketchup is shelf-stable. However, its stability after opening can be affected by storage conditions. We recommend that this product, like any processed food, be refrigerated after opening. Refrigeration will maintain the best product quality after opening.

Q: Is Ketchup gluten-free? A: Yes!

Q: What is the shelf life of an unopened bottle of Ketchup? A: Fifteen months from production. Look for the “best by” on the cap or back of bottle.

Q: What is in “natural flavorings”? A: The natural flavorings listed in our ingredient statement consist of natural spice extracts and oils. The exact ingredients included under the “natural flavorings” on the Heinz® Ketchup label are considered proprietary, because recipes cannot be patented.

Q: Does your Ketchup contain MSG? A: Heinz® Ketchup does not contain monosodium glutamate (MSG).

Do you have a question about our Ketchup? Send it to us here.