When you think of Heinz, you probably think of tomato ketchup and baked beans, but there’s another condiment that fans have always loved.
The brand’s Tartare Sauce disappeared from supermarket shelves in the UK in 2022, and has only been available in certain restaurants and locations ever since.
But this week, those who’ve been missing being able to buy the product from their local shop were treated to what the brand has dubbed ‘Tartare Sauce 2.0’.
The new condiment is known as Fish & Chips Sauce and is similar to the OG classic but has a slightly different recipe.
Tartare sauce is traditionally made using mayonnaise, chopped pickles, lemon juice, tarragon and dill. While the new Fish & Chips Sauce blends gherkins, onions and herbs like parsley and dill.
It’s said to be a ‘creamier’ and ‘herbier’ condiment than tangy tartare sauce, with Heinz hopeful the ‘hot new upgrade’ is going to be a go-to pairing for fish dinners, taking fish and chips in particular to the ‘next level’.
Thiago Rapp, director of taste elevation at Heinz said: ‘At Heinz, we’re always exploring bold and exciting flavours, inspired by the latest food trends and what people across the nation are really craving.
‘We want to give fans endless flavour possibilities and unexpected pairings that elevate every bite. And when it comes to British classics, nothing quite compares to fish and chips. It’s a national treasure, whether enjoyed as a seaside staple, a proper chippy tea on a Friday, or a comforting midweek meal.
‘We’ve created a sauce that pays homage to this beloved British dish, crafted to be the perfect companion for every fish-filled occasion.’
A number of foodies can’t wait to get their hands on a bottle of the stuff, with @freesamples.co.uk on Instagram branding it a ‘saucy upgrade’ and adding: ‘That fish & chip tea just levelled up thanks to Heinz!’
Similarly @hamiltonbeachuk claimed it’s ‘revolutionary’ and @enf.eats said: ‘Ooooft! Hello!!!!’
But others were confused and upset over the changes to the OG product. On Facebook, many shared their thoughts with Martin Buckle branding it ‘outrageous’. He wrote: ‘This is outrageous dumbing down of an elite condiment. If people are to stupid to know what Tartare Sauce is for then they deserve to suffer sauceless.’
Sally Perry was baffled by the new sauce, saying: ‘Surely “fish and chips sauce” is either tartare sauce or good old fashioned vinegar!’ And Tom Walvin asked: ‘WTF is fish and chips sauce?’
Mark Long too was ‘confused’ commenting: ‘What are they trying to sell us now that will sit on the table, “Hey I’ve got fish and chip sauce”. Then it goes up in price lol, the mind boggles lol.’
‘If only there was a sauce previously to serve with fish and chips,’ Jim Lunn joked.
Heinz hasn’t missed these comments and the mixed reactions have actually prompted them to make a rather interesting decision about the new product.
The brand announced they’d be ‘handing the reigns’ over to customers to decide if the name of Fish & Chips Sauce should stay as it is or be changed to Tartare Sauce.
They said: ‘Fish and Chips Sauce = a creamy, herby sauce for the beloved fish and chips. But everyone thinks it’s Tartare… so we’re handing you the reigns. Taste it and let us know your thoughts in the comments, should we make a name change here? Tell us and we’ll change it… maybe.’
For those that are keen to try the new Fish & Chips Sauce and weigh into the debate, bottles are being sold in Tesco in the UK and Ireland for £3.39. It’s also available to buy online at HeinzToHome.co.uk.
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