Summer has just begun but it looks like culinary daredevils have already discovered the most bizarre treat of the season. In celebration of last month’s first week of summer, condiment brand French’s released a limited-edition popsicle that tastes like ketchup.
Introducing Frenchsicle: French’s ketchup-flavored popsicle
Made from 100 percent Canadian tomatoes, Frenchsicle features a savory tomato flavor that is perfectly balanced with a hint of salty sweetness. It is created by French’s in collaboration with Happy Pops, a Canadian business specializing in all-natural ice pops made from real fruit and sweetened with organic cane sugar.
“I love creating innovative treats that appeal to Canada’s diverse tastes,” said Happy Pops founder Leila Keshavjee in a statement. “I started Happy Pops to bring all-natural, handcrafted flavor to Canadians, so French’s locally-grown ketchup is a perfect pairing. I can’t wait for people to try this condiment-turned-popsicle.”
“This year we’re bringing the fun back to summer with the Frenchsicle,” said Trevor Squires, Canada Country Manager for McCormick & Company, which owns the French’s brand. “It’s exciting to celebrate local food and flavor; from the roots of the Frenchsicle, made with 100 percent Canadian tomatoes, to our Happy Pops partnership.”
Where to buy Frenchsicles
These ketchup-flavored popsicles weren’t for sale. But they were given away for free from June 22nd to June 24th in Canada. They were specifically handed out to curious foodies at pop-up locations in Vancouver, British Columbia; Toronto, Ontario; and Leamington, Ontario. To honor shared Canadian heritage, French’s donated two meals to Food Banks Canada for every Frenchsicle given away.
This isn’t the first time French’s has promoted its ketchup in an odd way. Back in 2019, the brand memorably handed out supplies and ketchup to fans from Toronto to Ontario on a “Thank You Truck” to mark that year’s celebration of Canada Day.
How much do Canadians love ketchup?
While a ketchup-flavored popsicle may taste weird for some, the majority of Canadians (79 percent) said they like or love ketchup in a survey commissioned by French’s. According to the study, almost all Canadians who like ketchup (78 percent) think it’s important to buy ketchup made with 100 percent Canadian tomatoes. Moreover, Canadians who like ketchup enjoy it most with fries (84 percent) and on BBQ dishes like hamburgers, hot dogs, and sausages (59 percent).