Heinz Launches Human Vending Machine That Trades Unwanted Pickles for Bottles of Pickle Ketchup

New ‘Pickle Switch’ machine from Heinz encourages picky pickle eaters to trade their unwanted pickles for a free bottle of Heinz Pickle Ketchup.

Located in Rotterdam, the human vending machine was created in response to new research that reveals 1 in 4 Dutch adults like the taste of pickles, however a third (38%) prefer to remove pickles from their burgers, tossing them into boxes and napkins before they take their first bite.

When asked why they commit such a culinary crime, 26% cited texture - not the taste – as the main thing that puts them off pickles.

Scientists argue that the tangy taste of pickles perfectly counterbalances the umami flavours of other burger ingredients like meat, tomatoes, and cheese. The University of Oxford has stated that “…ultimately, keeping pickles in your burger is the best way to optimise their taste.” That’s because the acidity of pickles cuts through the rich umami notes, creating a harmonious flavour blend.

Heinz know this well, because they’ve been passionate about pickles for over 150 years. So much so that their founder Henry J Heinz had the nickname ‘the Pickle King’. So, what if there was a way for this pickle-loving company to remove the barriers of texture and colour and help turn the pickle phobic into pickle fans? Heinz think they have the solution.

Mirthe Enklaar, senior brand manager at Heinz said, “Here at Heinz we believe pickles and burgers go together like peas in a pod. The love of pickles is rooted in Heinz’s DNA, with founder Henry J. Heinz being a huge fan, and that’s why we have recently launched our Heinz Tomato Ketchup Pickle Flavour.

"With Heinz's Pickle Switch, the Dutch can swap their pickle slices on a burger for a free bottle of Heinz Tomato Ketchup Pickle flavour. Whether people are put off by the texture of Heinz’s Pickle Switch allows the pickle-curious to enjoy all the benefits of the amazing zingy taste, without the perceived downsides of the small but mighty pickle.”

Where to find a Heinz Pickle Switch machine:

• Location: Posthumalaan 13 Rotterdam (outside Diego’s Burgers)
• Time & Date: Thursday August 15th 12.00 (until sold out)