The ketchup smoothie: tangy disappointment

For the purpose of providing entertainment and variety for this column, I have ventured out and sampled the unreasonable: a ketchup smoothie. 

 

I first encountered the odd concept of a ketchup smoothie when talking with my grandma, who had heard about Smoothie King’s new collaboration with Heinz while watching the news. At the time, we both speculated about the taste and assumed the worst. Who would put ketchup in a smoothie, let alone mix it with a bunch of berries?

 

They are only available in a few cities nationwide, and Denver happens to be one of them. I joked that I would have a perfect opportunity to learn more, since I was moving there in a couple of days. I honestly never imagined myself actually trying one.

 

The motivation to set my prejudice for this deviant smoothie flavor aside came as I was browsing a Denver magazine; in it was a review on the ketchup smoothie that provided a rating of seven out of ten. I’ll admit I was highly skeptical, but somewhat hopeful. The review claimed the most noticeable flavor was that of the fruit–strawberries and raspberries–but with an additional tang. Intrigued, I reminded myself I am a lover of weird food combinations and have no business denying my tastebuds this…unsettling…adventure.  

 

The ketchup smoothie consists of a blend of Heinz Simply Ketchup with acai sorbet, strawberries, raspberries, and apple juice. According to the website, it is “designed to be a unique sweet-tart drink with a tangy ketchup finish.” Based on my brave foray into the unknown, I agree. 

 

When first receiving the smoothie, it looks normal. It has an unremarkable berry color with a Heinz smoothie sticker slapped on the plastic cup. At first sip, it’s hard to explain the flavors. There is, as advertised, the berry taste so usual to smoothies, but it is toned down. Added is the tangy flavor that confuses the mind. Normal, but not. 

 

Overall, I would say it was mildly delicious. Fine at first; harder to drink as the smoothie neared the end. But I pushed through and finished it, leaving the tangy taste in my mouth. I don’t know if it’s because I prefer sweet smoothies or what, but it was not my favorite. I would rate it a solid four out of ten. I don’t know what that magazine review was talking about. 

 

In other updates of my life, I have been greatly enjoying Facebook Marketplace hunting. I recently obtained a standing desk modification and a matching dresser so that I can finally have enough storage for all my clothes. 

 

I have been making some fun food as well. From chicken tikka masala to chicken and vermicelli soup with lime to homemade sushi. It’s been fun and, might I say, delicious. 

 

I also got a gym membership so I can stay strong and healthy. It’s also just a great place to people watch. Because I am conscious others might be “people watching” me as well, I frequently work on making funny faces just in case anyone is looking. I’m just kidding–my self esteem would never survive, I don’t have the confidence for that. 

 

But overall, life is good. I can’t complain about how things are as I see people I pass on the street or see in some areas the leftovers from a homeless person's visit. It saddens my heart. So I will try to live my good life to its fullest and not waste a day. 

 

My Determination:  “At times the world may seem an unfriendly and sinister place, but believe that there is much more good in it than bad. All you have to do is look hard enough and what might seem to be a series of unfortunate events may in fact be the first steps of a journey.”

― Lemony Snicket