9 Comments

The significance of ’57′ in Heinz 57

Here’s a dabbling question that I have found myself pondering each and every time I squeeze a noticeably large amount of ketchup on to my french fries. What is the significance of the ’57′ in Heinz 57? I had assumed that the 57 represented the inception of the Heinz label back in 1957. Unfortunately, my assumptions were far from true:

The Heinz 57 Varieties slogan is synonymous with the name “Heinz.” Our corporate history tells us that in 1896, Henry John Heinz noticed an advertisement for “21 styles of shoes.” He decided that his own products were not styles, but varieties. Although there were many more than 57 foods in production at the time, because the numbers “5″ and “7″ held a special significance for him and his wife, he adopted the slogan “57 Varieties.” Thus, a new advertising campaign was launched for Heinz 57 Varieties â€â€? and the rest is history!

Read the rest of the history and various tidbits about Heinz on the Heinz consumer FAQs.


  • Jake

    Read this on Snopes like, what, 4 years ago..?

  • http://5thirtyone.com Derek

    That’s awesome dude! I wish there was a medal or something I could hand out to people who yell “old news” because they’ve already seen something. I guess I’m four years late?

  • Emory

    Thanks Derek, this was news for me. I find it rude as well when people yell “old news” I mewn, what good is that supposed to do??

  • Jake

    No good at all, really. Perhaps next time I should add “but still interesting..” to not seem like such an ass.

    BTW, when will I be recieving my metal, Derek? :D

  • http://5thirtyone.com Derek

    Metal? I can send a piece of scrap metal.. :) Now if you meant medal. Then I think I might have a few old ones sitting around here somewhere.

  • Jake

    I really suck at typing late at night.. LOL

  • taylor

    it stands for hienz 57 varities. now weather or not they have 57 diffrent kinds of is a complrtly diffrent question.

  • Trevor06

    The question then becomes: Why did the numbers 5 and 7 have a special significance for Mr. and Mrs. Heinz?

  • G A Anderson

    As the story goes that he saw the 21 styles of the shoes on a Manhattan El line; the number 57 probably came as his train went into the 57th street station. Tell me, how interesting would that explanation compared to the ones about the “devil worshipper” Heinz or the Illuminati? Or, as the official version, that the number meant something to the Heinz’?

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