Orange County Register

A few days ago,  H.J. Heinz Co. debuted a new ketchup packet shaped like a shallow cup — a design made specifically for scooping while in the car, the company said.

The so-called Heinz Dip & Squeeze package can be used two ways: either peel back the lid for dipping, or tear off the tip and squeeze with ease. The new package holds three times as much ketchup as a traditional packet, Heinz said.

The company, whose ketchup is found in dozens of restaurant chains across the country, said it is testing the new packaging at some fast-food chains in the Midwest and Southeast.  Heinz reps declined to name specific chains involved in the pilot program.

Will Southern California fast-food chains get the new packets anytime soon?

“While we can’t disclose the specifics, the new product will be available nationally at QSRs in the fall,” company spokeswoman Jessica Jackson told me via email. “We’re still in negotiations with our customers so we can’t comment on which ones will be carrying the product in the fall.”

Traditional packets, which have been used in restaurants for years, will not be eliminated.

My take: I would love to see these dipping cups in local chains. I recall Del Taco offering similar cups for its ketchup and hot sauces years ago.

Tell us: What do you think of the new ketchup packet?

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