Heinz Wants Runners to Refuel With Ketchup
Heinz ketchup has been a go-to condiment choice for Americans for decades, bringing extra flavor to hot dogs and burgers everywhere. But the company wants athletes to know that its iconic ketchup is good for much more than drizzling on food; it's insisting that runners eat it to refuel while working out.
"Runners everywhere are using Heinz ketchup packets on their runs," a video from the Pittsburgh-based company said. The strange claim is actually part of its new Run On Heinz Campaign in celebration of marathon season. Runners in New York, San Francisco, and Toronto will have the opportunity to get free Heinz ketchup packets, though whether they eat them out on the course or with their dinner afterward is up to them. Maps outlining where you can pick them up are available on Strava or MapMyRun.
As of right now, there are no known studies examining the effects of ketchup on long-distance runners. Typically, runners are encouraged to refuel with between 30 and 60 grams of carbs per hour for any run longer than 90 minutes. Packets of energy gels or chews from brands like Gu are commonly used during these lengthy workouts, as one serving can have upwards of 20 grams of carbs. By contrast, a ketchup packet has just two grams of carbs, meaning you'd have to eat quite a bit during your run to get the same effect.
Heinz has answered consumer demands over the years with offerings like mayochup, combining mayonnaise and ketchup into one sauce as many customers did on their own. It remains to be seen if the condiment giant breaks into the workout fuel space.
