Hundreds of ketchup-filled ‘Frenchsicles’ handed out in Leamington, Ont.
Leamington residents overwhelmingly approved of French’s limited-edition ketchup-flavoured popsicle after debuting the new summertime treat in the Tomato Capital of Canada.
The "Frenchsicle," made in collaboration with Happy Pops, was given away Friday afternoon at a popup location near Seacliff Beach.
“It's exactly what I thought it was going to be,” said Leamington resident Roy Hyde. “I was super skeptical coming in. I'm still super skeptical. It's like frozen ketchup. It really is.”
Others said it tasted like a Caesar or tomato juice, noting a hint of spice in the first frozen bite.
Hundreds of people stood in line in order to try the ketchup-flavoured "Frenchsicle" popsicle in Leamington, Ont. on June 24, 2022. The popsicle was a hit hit amongst those who tried the frozen treat. (Christopher Campbell/CTV News Windsor)
“Yeah, the first one was a little shocking,” exclaimed Jenn Hyde. “You get that taste of ketchup but it's not too bad actually, surprisingly!”
Hyde added, “We actually just moved to Leamington so this is like a rite of passage for us we had to do the ketchup thing.”
Some people arrived with coolers in hand, hoping to stock up or share some with others.
Leamington resident Roger Jaarsma approved and told CTV News, “I think it tastes like a Caesar. It's spicy. I think if you look at it you're expecting strawberry but it's salty and spicy. It's nice.”
The tomato-based popsicle was only available with limited supplies with French’s telling those who missed out to find the recipe on their website.
Hundreds of people stood in line in order to try the ketchup-flavoured "Frenchsicle" popsicle in Leamington, Ont. on June 24, 2022. The popsicle was a hit hit amongst those who tried the frozen treat. (Christopher Campbell/CTV News Windsor)“It's a mix of ketchup, tomato juice, Frank's Red Hot sauce,” said spokesperson Dea Masotti Payne. “And then there's some Caesar rim on the edge.”
The company said the Frenchsicle's “savoury tomato flavour is perfectly balanced with a hint of salty sweetness” and is made from 100 per cent Canadian tomatoes.
“French’s ketchup is made with 100 per cent Leamington area tomatoes. So it's a very important place for French's and that's why we wanted to come here,” the company added.
To honour shared Canadian heritage, for every Frenchsicle given away, French's will donate two meals to Food Banks of Canada to address food insecurity while expanding the partnership that began in 2015.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Police investigating shooting outside of Drake's Bridle Path mansion: source
Toronto police are investigating a shooting that took place outside of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion early Tuesday morning, a source tells CP24.
There's actually no such thing as vegetables. Here's why you should eat them anyway
The rumours are true: Vegetables aren't real — that is, in botany, anyway. While the term fruit is recognized botanically as anything that contains a seed or seeds, vegetable is actually a broad umbrella term.
'It looked so legit': Ontario man pays $7,700 for luxury villa found on Booking.com, but the listing was fake
An Ontario man says he paid more than $7,700 for a luxury villa he found on a popular travel website -- but the listing was fake.
The Met Gala was in full bloom with Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Mindy Kaling among the standout stars
The Met Gala and its fashionista A-listers on Monday included Jennifer Lopez, Zendaya and a parade of others in a swirl of flora and fauna looks on a green-tinged carpet lined by live foliage.
3 Indian nationals accused of murdering Hardeep Singh Nijjar facing court in B.C.
Three Indian nationals accused of murdering Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar are due to face court Tuesday over the killing that triggered a major diplomatic rift with India.
Israeli forces seize Rafah border crossing in Gaza, putting ceasefire talks on knife's edge
Israeli tanks seized control of Gaza's vital Rafah border crossing on Tuesday as Israel brushed off urgent warnings from close allies and moved into the southern city even as cease-fire negotiations with Hamas remained on a knife's edge.
Canadian cadets rock mullets and place second at U.S. military competition
Sporting mullets, Canadian Armed Forces officer cadets placed second in an annual military skills competition in the U.S.
Highlights from the 2024 Met Gala exhibit: Sleeping Beauty would wake up for these gowns
Sure, she was a royal princess and all. But there’s no way Sleeping Beauty — either before or after her nap — ever had quite the fabulous wardrobe that’s been assembled at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Noelia Voigt resigns as Miss USA, citing her mental health
Noelia Voigt, who was crowned Miss USA in November 2023, has announced she is resigning from her role, saying the decision is in the best interest of her mental health.