Most People Don’t Know What the “57” on Heinz Ketchup Bottles Really Means
If you’ve ever looked closely at a bottle of Heinz ketchup, you’ve probably noticed the number “57” printed on it. Many people think it refers to the number of ingredients or varieties the company makes—but that’s not actually the case.
The famous “57 varieties” slogan was created by Henry J. Heinz back in 1896 as part of a marketing idea. At the time, the company was already producing more than 60 products, so the number wasn’t even accurate.
So why did he choose 57?
The story goes that Heinz was inspired by an advertisement that used a specific number to attract attention. He liked the idea and decided to choose a number that sounded catchy and memorable. He picked “57” simply because it had a nice ring to it and felt right to him.
Over time, “57 varieties” became one of the most recognizable slogans in the world. Even today, the brand uses it as part of its identity, despite offering far more products than that number suggests.
A Little Trick Most People Don’t Know
There’s also a practical reason behind the “57” on glass bottles. If you’re struggling to get ketchup out, you’re not supposed to hit the bottom. Instead, tapping the spot where the “57” is printed helps the ketchup flow more smoothly.
