'I tried Heinz's ketchup-filled hash browns - they are controversial but tasty'

25 August 2023 , 10:45

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Mirror writer Amber delivered her verdict

In my humble opinion, no breakfast is complete without a heaping of hash browns and lashings of tomato ketchup. So when I heard Heinz is releasing a mash-up including its famous red sauce and the hearty breakfast staple, I was intrigued.

'Are ketchup-filled hash browns superior to the classic combo?' I wondered. 'Would I notice much difference?' Coming in at £3, the new product will be available exclusively in Iceland from August 28. But I was lucky enough to get an early sample ahead of the new launch, which follows the controversial release of hash browns filled with Heinz baked beans last summer. Read on for my verdict.

The rectangular hash browns are filled with ketchup

But they still crisp up nicely

For the most part, I was impressed by my packet of hash browns. Granted, the 600g of food doesn't measure up well when compared to Iceland's £2 big value pack, which features 1kg of hash browns. However, it's similar in price to other more deluxe versions. Iceland's cheesy hash browns cost £3.50 for 600g, and when I looked on Iceland's website at the time of writing, McCain hash browns (625g) were on offer for £3 as a multibuy price, or £3.20 for one pack.

But enough about the price. The rectangular hash browns - of which there were ten in my packet - can be prepared in an oven, air fryer or deep fryer. I opted to use my oven and cooked the hash browns for 20 minutes as recommended. A short while later, I returned to find golden, crispy hash browns, and when I cut them open, I was greeted by the familiar aroma of ketchup.

As a tomato sauce lover, I wasn't sure if I'd be reaching for a bottle when I first peered inside the hash browns, but I needn't have worried. Although it doesn't look like there's much ketchup in the first photo below, that's because the sauce is well spread out. By the time I realised this, I'd cut all of the hash browns in half in the middle, but I did go back and slice one of these lengthwise to show you the volume of ketchup inside.

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I expected to see more ketchup when I cut the hash browns in half

But there was plenty inside

Most importantly, the ketchup didn't make the hash browns soggy or overpower the potato goodness. For me, the balance was perfect, and I enjoyed my lunch without any reservations. I've since found out some breakfast fans are puzzled by the concept, as they shared mixed views over the hot ketchup. But this didn't worry me in the slightest. I guess I was too focused on my delicious dish, which was on par with any other hash brown and ketchup meal I've tasted.

Despite my positive review, I'm not sure these hash browns will become my go-to brekkie. It's a fun idea, and I enjoyed the novelty of it all, but I wouldn't go out of my way to buy them, especially given the price.

I suspect the launch might do down similarly to the previous baked beans iteration. When the bean-filled hash browns were released last summer, Heinz caused an uproar. Several shoppers couldn't wait to get their hands on the delicacy, but others couldn't wrap their heads around the pairing, and when they finally tasted the goods some complained they were a "waste of time". To me, the concept at least makes some sense. If nothing else, it saves on washing up as you don't have to cook beans on the side. But it's not like you have the same problem with red sauce.

Yes, these hash browns might delight ketchup lovers looking for something new, but most of us already have a bottle at the ready in our cupboards.

Amber O'Connor