Image by Pedro Durigan

Heinz 57

Heinz 57 is not your average ketchup. It has a multifarious flavor that’s both tantalizing and deep. A masterful amalgam of ingredients, it’s a condiment fans of all gastronomic preferences can get behind.

Heinz 57


It all starts with the iconic recipe, which features a blend of tomatoes, garlic, onion, celery, spices, and vinegar. Imbued with a lip-smacking savor, the ingredients come together for a taste experience unlike any other.

The origins of this beloved sauce go back to 1911 – the same year Heinz decided to bottle the concoction to make it more accessible to the public. Initially named “57 Steak Sauce,” the recipe was soon adjusted to appeal to a wider range of tastes, thus becoming the delicious condiment we know and love today.

When applied to a dish, the Heinz 57 imparts a tangy yet subtle flavor that brings out the best in whatever it touches. Whether used as a dip or stirred into a recipe, the end result is always scrumptious.

Heinz 57 is also incredibly versatile. Its subtle depth can shine through in dishes like a classic American barbecue feast or a Japanese yakitori platter. On the other hand, its piquancy can add a nudge of kick to more delicate fare like pastas and seafood.

In short, Heinz 57 is an exquisite expression of flavor. Its melange of ingredients comes together in a harmonious way that makes it equally suitable for fine dining and casual snacking. No matter your taste buds’ preference, this sauce is sure to be a hit.

The origin of Heinz 57

Heinz 57 has been a staple in American cuisine for well over a century. While many have enjoyed the zesty flavor of the sauce, few are aware of its humble beginnings and the unlikely origin story behind it.

The source of Heinz 57’s peculiar moniker can be traced back to the man behind the company -- Henry J. Heinz. As a child, Heinz was deeply influenced by his father’s teachings about the importance of varied vegetables in a healthy diet, and this mantra would manifest itself in his later life.

In 1876, Heinz traveled to Europe on business and came across a recipe for an exotic sauce made out of 57 different varieties of peppers, fruits, herbs and spices. He knew he had something special and decided to distill the sauce into a more easily consumable product, eventually calling it “Heinz 57” as a tribute to its many ingredients.

Heinz believed this concoction would make a great condiment and that it would be a perfect accompaniment to American meals. To his surprise, the sauce quickly became a hit, and soon Heinz 57 was being used in restaurants and homes across the country.

While Heinz 57 has been rebranded several times since its inception, the original recipe remains largely unchanged. It continues to be popular today and remains one of the most beloved condiments in America.

It’s truly amazing how something as seemingly mundane as a sauce could have such an extraordinary origin story. Who knew that a recipe from Europe and a man’s lifelong dedication to nutrition could spark an enduring culinary icon in America?

FAQs about Heinz 57

Is Heinz 57 just ketchup?

No, Heinz 57 is a steak sauce made from tomato puree, vinegar, high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, salt, spices, onion powder, and garlic powder. It is not ketchup.


What does the 57 mean on Heinz?

The "57" on Heinz products is a reference to the company's founder, Henry John Heinz. The number "57" was selected because Heinz believed it to be lucky.


What is Heinz 57 sauce made of?

Heinz 57 sauce is made from a blend of tomatoes, vinegar, molasses, dates, onions, sweet peppers, mustard flour, celery, cloves, and garlic.


What is the flavor of Heinz 57 sauce?

Heinz 57 sauce has a savory flavor with notes of Worcestershire, onion, garlic, and honey.


Types of Heinz 57

Heinz 57 is the iconic condiment, often associated with saucy-smothered dishes, that has been enjoyed by food lovers since its invention over a century ago. This beloved sauce is ubiquitous on burgers and steaks all across the world, but did you know there are actually several varieties of Heinz 57?

Each iteration of Heinz 57 is slightly different than the last, each offering its own special flavor profile to tantalize taste buds. To help outline the nuances, let’s take a look at these various iterations.

The most popular variety is the classic Heinz 57 Sauce, which is an amalgamation of crushed tomatoes, vinegar and molasses, resulting in a thick, tangy sauce. This variation is spectacular for marinating ribeyes, or for giving your favorite burger a delightful kick.

If you want to switch it up, try the tomato ketchup version of Heinz 57. It is made with the same base ingredients as the classic, but is slightly thinner in consistency and without the molasses, making it ideal for sandwiches or condiments.

Next, there’s the Honey BBQ sauce version of Heinz 57. This saucy concoction boasts rich flavors of honey, molasses and spices, and can be used to infuse sweet and smoky notes in any dish. Try combining with chicken wings, baked beans, pork chops or even salads.

The last variant is the steakhouse blend, which includes bold red pepper flakes and black pepper to give your dish an extra kick. You can use it similar to the Honey BBQ blend but can also add a delicious depth to soups and stews.

Whether you’re a Heinz 57 fanatic or just looking for something new, there is no shortage of exciting Heinz 57 options to add to your next meal. Each variation offers something delicious, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your palate.