A taste test of the new Heinz ketchup smoothie

Editor’s Note: TribLive reporter Megan Swift bravely volunteered her taste buds for the assignment: sampling the new Heinz Ketchup smoothie. Swift put the creation to the test and shares her honest take on whether the tangy twist works as a drink or belongs strictly on fries.

When we heard the Heinz Ketchup Smoothie was landing in Pittsburgh, there was no way TribLive could sit this one out.

Someone had to take the plunge — so I volunteered. On Tuesday, I headed to the Smoothie King in the Chartiers Valley Shopping Center, straw in hand.

The new concoction mixes up sweet açaí sorbet, crisp apple juice, juicy strawberries and tart raspberries — all leading to a bold, tangy ketchup kick at the finish, courtesy of Kraft Heinz.

Mind you, I am not a fan of ketchup. But, I do love smoothies. Specifically, I love strawberry banana smoothies.

I’ll admit it — as I lifted the cup for that first sip, I was a little nervous. Would I be able to tolerate ketchup in smoothie form?

Sadly, the answer was a no — the ketchup smoothie is not for me.

You can watch my live reaction on TikTok below.

@triblive Would you try the new Heinz ketchup smoothie? Our trending reporter Megan Swift did… here’s her reaction! #ketchup #smoothie #heinz #ketchupsmoothie #57 #kraftheinz #pittsburgh #local #tradition #news #pennsylvania #city #condiments #fyp #funny ♬ original sound - TribLive

The fruity notes combined with the tangy ketchup just made it taste like a fruit smoothie that, in my opinion, didn’t taste right.

But, the smoothie could be for you if you like ketchup — and love drinking V8 juice.

In homage to the birthplace of Heinz, the smoothie is available at the two Smoothie King locations in the Pittsburgh area:

• 11199 Perry Highway in Pine Township
• 1025 Washington Pike in the Chartiers Valley Shopping Center in Collier Township

Each smoothie costs $5.70 — a nod to Heinz’ 57 — and they will be sold while supplies last. The total with sales tax came out to $6.10 for my smoothie on Tuesday at the Chartiers Valley Shopping Center.

Elizabeth Szabo, franchise owner of the two Pittsburgh locations, said when she first tried the ketchup smoothie, she wasn’t sure what to expect.

“It’s different,” she said. “People either really love it or … not.”

Szabo said while the ketchup smoothie might not be something to drink daily like some other smoothies, it’s definitely refreshing.

“(We) haven’t had anyone say they totally hate it,” she said. “I think it’s just the fun of it.”

Both of the Smoothie King locations in Western Pennsylvania have been selling “tons” of them, according to Szabo.

Kraft Heinz announced the partnership two weeks ago, saying the smoothie would only be available in Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Miami and parts of the Greater New York area and Northern New Jersey.

The tomato ketchup smoothie is limited edition, and Szabo said she thinks it should be available at Smoothie King into September.

“We don’t know how long, but as long as we have the recipe in our point of sale, we will sell the smoothie,” she said.