Heinz revamps ketchup packets

In this product image provided by H.J. Heinz Co., the new Dip & Squeeze Heinz Tomato Ketchup package is shown. The new design has a base that's more like a cup for dipping and also a tear-off end for squeezing, plus it holds three times as much ketchup than a traditional packet. (AP Photo/H.J. Heinz Co.)

PORTLAND, Ore. (By SARAH SKIDMORE, AP Food Industry Writer) – The ketchup packet has been around for more than 40 years, and complaints about it for nearly as long: too messy, too small, too hard to open. Now ketchup giant H.J. Heinz Co. is unveiling the first major packaging change to the to-go condiment.

The new design has a base that's more like a cup for dipping and also a tear-off end for squeezing, plus it holds three times as much ketchup than a traditional packet.

"The packet has long been the bane of our consumers," said Dave Ciesinski, vice president of Heinz Ketchup. "The biggest complaint is there is no way to dip and eat it on-the-go."