Heinz’s latest ketchup truly transcends the ordinary. The condiment company has unveiled its inaugural bottle of Heinz Tomato Ketchup Marz Edition, crafted from tomatoes cultivated on Earth in conditions that mimic the soil, temperature, and water found on Mars. This innovative ketchup was developed over nine months by Kraft Heinz in collaboration with a 14-member astrobiology team at the Aldrin Space Institute at Florida Tech. Two years earlier, Heinz partnered with tomato specialists to assess challenging soil conditions, select optimal seeds, and apply suitable agricultural methods for this groundbreaking endeavor. The team at the Aldrin Space Institute then utilized Heinz’s proprietary tomato seeds to create a simulation of tomato cultivation on Mars.
Andrew Palmer from the Aldrin Space Institute noted in a statement, “Most efforts to explore ways to grow in Martian-simulated environments focus on short-term plant growth studies. This project takes a long-term perspective on food harvesting.” He emphasized that working with the tomato experts at Heinz has opened new avenues for understanding long-term food production beyond our planet. A Heinz representative informed Food Dive that the company currently has “no plans to sell Heinz Tomato Ketchup Marz Edition” to consumers, though they did not entirely dismiss the possibility for the future. However, there are other products with cosmic connections available to consumers. For instance, Tang, which is now owned by Mondelēz International, was invented in 1957 and later embraced by NASA, becoming a symbol of space exploration. Additionally, advancements in food safety systems and freeze-drying techniques that originated from space research have enhanced the shelf stability of many modern foods, as noted by Chew and Chat.
Ketchup remains one of the most beloved condiments, with Heinz leading the market by a significant margin. According to Statista, nearly 200 million Americans used Heinz ketchup in 2020, and ketchup sales were projected to reach approximately $5.5 billion in 2021.
Meanwhile, Follow Your Heart, recognized for its dairy-free products like Vegenaise, cheeses, dressings, yogurt, and sour cream, is making strides in a new category by launching SuperMac boxed macaroni and cheese. The Danone brand applies its “real good, real fast” philosophy to these meal kits, which combine noodles with a pouch of dairy-free sauce made from organic vegetables, beans, and cashews. Developed in collaboration with sisters Heather Goldberg and Jenny Engel, founders of Spork Foods, SuperMac comes in two flavors: Cheezy Carrot, featuring a sauce made from carrots, navy beans, and butternut squash, and Creamy Caulifredo, which includes cauliflower, navy beans, and cashew butter. According to the company, SuperMac is free from dairy, eggs, soy, and peanuts, and contains no preservatives. This mac and cheese will be exclusively available at Whole Foods Market until the end of 2022, retailing for a suggested price of $5.99 for an 8.1-ounce box. Bob Goldberg, Co-founder and CEO of Follow Your Heart, stated, “While we have a long history in the refrigerated section, we’re always seeking exciting ways to broaden the universe of healthy, plant-based solutions wherever they can be found in the store.”
Several companies have introduced healthier reformulations of the classic boxed mac and cheese. General Mills’ Annie’s Homegrown was a pioneer in this area, while Kraft Heinz has made strides to improve the ingredient list of its Kraft Macaroni & Cheese brand, introducing variations with cauliflower, beans, whole grains, and gluten-free pastas. With Follow Your Heart’s latest addition to the better-for-you boxed macaroni lineup, the brand leverages its extensive experience in creating dairy-free alternatives. Though priced at a premium compared to many competitors, consumers may be willing to pay extra for the convenience of a pouch sauce and the diverse vegetables and beans integrated within.
For those who enjoy unwinding with a warm beverage in the evening but prefer caffeine-free options that support well-being, Mud\Wtr presents an intriguing solution. Founded in 2018 by former Silicon Valley UI designer Shane Heath, the company is known for its signature powdery “coffee alternative,” which includes functional ingredients like turmeric and adaptogenic mushrooms. The powder is blended with hot water using a frother to create the drink. Mud\Wtr’s newest product, :rest, is also a powder that features a blend of earthy ingredients, including rooibos masala chai, turmeric, reishi mushroom, passionflower, valerian root, and ashwagandha. The company claims these ingredients contribute to a “calm and relaxed mind” while offering immune and stress support.
Heath explained in a press release that the company “dreamed up :rest as a protest against hustle culture,” aiming to help consumers reset before sleep and prepare for a new day. “The best morning ritual starts the night before,” the press release stated. This product can be purchased on the Mud\Wtr website, with a 30-serving tin priced at $50 and a 90-serving tin at $100.
In recent years, adaptogens like ashwagandha and reishi have gained popularity in beverages for their potential health benefits. With :rest, Mud\Wtr brings the comfort of hot drinks to consumers who are increasingly interested in the functional advantages of wellness ingredients.
In summary, the landscape is rich with innovative products that celebrate both flavor and health, including options like vitamins and calcium citrate soft chews, which further enhance the array of wellness choices available to consumers today.