# What's sillier than Freedom Fries? W Ketchup! **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [July 19, 2004, 4:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-sillier-than-freedom-fries-w-ketchup/255780 "2004-07-19T04:47:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Desmostylus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/c57346/32.png) [@Desmostylus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Desmostylus)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2004, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-sillier-than-freedom-fries-w-ketchup/255780/21 "2004-07-19T13:32:16Z")
> [@kanicbird](#): > > FWIW, now if I do use the stuff it’s the Atkins Ketch-a-tomato which again (IMHO) if far superior to Hinez. Now it may be that you like the flavor of the stuff, and are in no way influenced by the misleading advertisising for it. > [@](#): > > [Atkins Quick QuisineTM Ketch-a-Tomato](http://www.low-carb.com/newatket.html) > > It has all the great taste of regular ketchup with **no added sugar or extra carbs!** > > Ingredients: Tomato puree, cider vinegar, **maltodextrin** , salt, onion powder, tapioca **starch** , garlic, spices and **sucralose**. The bolded terms indicate the things that actually _are_ added sugar and/or carbohydrate. ---
**Author:** ![Early\_Out](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Early\_Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Early_Out)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2004, 1:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-sillier-than-freedom-fries-w-ketchup/255780/22 "2004-07-19T13:45:38Z")
> [@MEBuckner](#): > > So in other words, yes, it’s a completely inane dumb marketing stunt by some guy who wants to sell overpriced ketchup to gullible Republicans. And it would seem that they’ve found one: > [@Brutus](#): > > Oh, relax. It’s a bit of a lark. Humorous. And tasty, as far as ketchup goes. Why am I not surprised? 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Merijeek](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f05b48/32.png) [@Merijeek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Merijeek)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2004, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-sillier-than-freedom-fries-w-ketchup/255780/23 "2004-07-19T15:20:46Z")
> [@elucidator](#): > > “Choc and Awe” _Choc and Awe!!_ OK, that fucking tears it! How much does a hit man cost? Will they take a check? Can we, like, start some kind of fund, maybe internet bake sales, or something? “Excuse me, Mr. Gippetti, do you take out of state bad checks? Great, I need your help…” -Joe, the fixer ---
**Author:** ![Merijeek](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f05b48/32.png) [@Merijeek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Merijeek)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2004, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-sillier-than-freedom-fries-w-ketchup/255780/24 "2004-07-19T15:29:24Z")
> [@Desmostylus](#): > > Now it may be that you like the flavor of the stuff, and are in no way influenced by the misleading advertisising for it.The bolded terms indicate the things that actually _are_ added sugar and/or carbohydrate. Actualy, if you look at it through your Weaselspeak lenses you’ll see that they’re basically saying that they’ve added to additional carbs or sugars…beyond all those already in your standard ketchup. See, **I** have learned something from the last three and a half years… -Joe, speaks fluent weasel, pigeon, and cock ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2004, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-sillier-than-freedom-fries-w-ketchup/255780/25 "2004-07-19T17:02:56Z")
> [@Brutus](#): > > And yet another humorless one. Sad. > > Also, I don’t really get the whole ‘overpriced’ quip. It’s about 75 cents per bottle more, when compared to ‘normal’ Heinz. For the ‘ha ha’ factor at the backyard barbques alone, it’s worth that pittance. What are you talking about? I pay about a buck fifty, at most, for Heinz. Less, if it’s on sale. ---
**Author:** ![rjung](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/45deac/32.png) [@rjung](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rjung)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2004, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-sillier-than-freedom-fries-w-ketchup/255780/26 "2004-07-19T17:33:20Z")
> [@Brutus](#): > > For the ‘ha ha’ factor at the backyard barbques alone, it’s worth that pittance. True 'nuff – I know if I were to attend a barbecue where the host was using “W” ketchup, I’d be doubled over laughing at his (a) gullibility in buying the darn thing, and (b) stupidity in supporting Bush. ---
**Author:** ![ShibbOleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/848f3c/32.png) [@ShibbOleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShibbOleth)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2004, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-sillier-than-freedom-fries-w-ketchup/255780/27 "2004-07-19T20:07:23Z")
> [@Desmostylus](#): > > Now it may be that you like the flavor of the stuff, and are in no way influenced by the misleading advertisising for it.The bolded terms indicate the things that actually _are_ added sugar and/or carbohydrate. Ok, but sucralose is a sugar substitute derived from sugar: > [@](#): > > Sucralose is derived from sugar through a patented, multistep process that selectively substitutes three chlorine atoms for three hydrogen-oxygen groups on the sugar molecule. The tightly bound chlorine atoms create a molecular structure that is exceptionally stable and is approximately 600 times sweeter than sugar. It’s used in a ton of stuff as a low calorie substitute these days. I’m fairly certain it’s the key (differentiating) ingredient in the “low carb” Coke, and it’s used a lot in sweet versions of microwave popcorn. Since it’s “600 times sweeter than sugar” it could be the main sweetening component and still be listed after maltodextrin in the product’s ingredients. ---
**Author:** ![Brutus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/91b2a8/32.png) [@Brutus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brutus)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2004, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-sillier-than-freedom-fries-w-ketchup/255780/28 "2004-07-19T20:25:35Z")
> [@rjung](#): > > True 'nuff – I know if I were to attend a barbecue where the host was using “W” ketchup… Ya. That’s a likely to happen. Though I suppose you could don a snazzy white jacket and serve appetizers… ---
**Author:** ![Lazlo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lazlo/32/9678_2.png) [@Lazlo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lazlo)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2004, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-sillier-than-freedom-fries-w-ketchup/255780/29 "2004-07-19T20:39:51Z")
I really hate to do this, because I’m gonna feel stupid for not having figured it out… What is “Choc and Awe” referencing? ---
**Author:** ![Mockingbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c68b51/32.png) [@Mockingbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mockingbird)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2004, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-sillier-than-freedom-fries-w-ketchup/255780/30 "2004-07-19T20:49:52Z")
> [@ShibbOleth](#): > > Ok, but sucralose is a sugar substitute derived from sugar: > > It’s used in a ton of stuff as a low calorie substitute these days. I’m fairly certain it’s the key (differentiating) ingredient in the “low carb” Coke, and it’s used a lot in sweet versions of microwave popcorn. Since it’s “600 times sweeter than sugar” it could be the main sweetening component and still be listed after maltodextrin in the product’s ingredients. Except with the blasphemy that is low carb Coke there is Splenda(sucralose) and there is still aspartame(Nutrasweet). BLECH. ---
**Author:** ![Jimmy\_Chitwood](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f475e1/32.png) [@Jimmy\_Chitwood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jimmy_Chitwood)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2004, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-sillier-than-freedom-fries-w-ketchup/255780/31 "2004-07-19T20:50:37Z")
“Choc and Awe” = [Shock and awe.](http://www.shockandawe.com) ---
**Author:** ![Lazlo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lazlo/32/9678_2.png) [@Lazlo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lazlo)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2004, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-sillier-than-freedom-fries-w-ketchup/255780/32 "2004-07-19T20:59:53Z")
:smack: Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2004, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-sillier-than-freedom-fries-w-ketchup/255780/33 "2004-07-19T21:03:50Z")
_Monsieur Kerry? Donnez-moi le Grey Poupon si’l vous plait?_ ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2004, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-sillier-than-freedom-fries-w-ketchup/255780/34 "2004-07-19T21:31:48Z")
The problem with W Ketchup is that it won’t stop running. Thank you! I’m here all week – try the scampi! ---
**Author:** ![kanicbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2004, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-sillier-than-freedom-fries-w-ketchup/255780/35 "2004-07-19T21:49:35Z")
> [@](#): > > Now it may be that you like the flavor of the stuff, and are in no way influenced by the misleading advertisising for it. I tryed it initially bacause it was in the low carb section, but buy it now beacuse I like the flavor. Sort of a bit off of what most would consider ketchup, but it is a very nice flavor IMHO. Also even with those carbs you highlighted it is still less then conventional ketchup. ---
**Author:** ![Ryle\_Dup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Ryle\_Dup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ryle_Dup)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2004, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-sillier-than-freedom-fries-w-ketchup/255780/36 "2004-07-19T22:33:33Z")
Wow, some of the responses from the extreme demos and repubs in that comment page for the ketchup is really disgusting. It reminds me of a bunch of racists talking about X group. ---
**Author:** ![DMC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dmc/32/18049_2.png) [@DMC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DMC)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2004, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-sillier-than-freedom-fries-w-ketchup/255780/37 "2004-07-19T22:42:26Z")
For those of you who love it for its taste and not the political message :rolleyes:, you could always just go to your grocer and buy the store brand, as that is likely to be the same ketchup as W Ketchup, and a whole lot cheaper. Yep, [The Fremont Company](http://www.fremontcompany.com) who makes [private label (that’s what gets rebranded by your grocery store) ketchup (warning PDF)](http://www.fremontcompany.com/pdf/PV_Ketchup.pdf), is also making W Ketchup. Hope you don’t mind the added expense. Oh, and it’s getting even better. Now the conservatives are having a battle over just [how supportive of Bush](http://www.gopusa.com/news/2004/july/0716_ketchup_war.shtml) the W Ketchup folks are. ---
**Author:** ![Tuckerfan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/eada6e/32.png) [@Tuckerfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tuckerfan)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2004, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-sillier-than-freedom-fries-w-ketchup/255780/38 "2004-07-19T22:46:22Z")
> [@SkipMagic](#): > > After a hearty meal of conservative catsup, treat yourself to some [inane ice cream](http://www.starspangledicecream.com/) > > I mean, you don’t want to miss out on such flavors as “I Hate the French Vanilla” and “Choc and Awe,” do you? Uh, in looking at that site, I noticed something. If you take a look at [this pic](http://www.starspangledicecream.com/images/At_Last.jpg) from the site, it appears as if the individual is _toking on a joint!_ Kind of bizarre since they’re talking about being “a conservative alternative to Ben & Jerry’s” and donating a portion of the profits to “charity.” So are they helping vets out by buying drugs for them? ---
**Author:** ![rjung](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/45deac/32.png) [@rjung](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rjung)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2004, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-sillier-than-freedom-fries-w-ketchup/255780/39 "2004-07-19T23:14:58Z")
> [@Gyrate](#): > > The problem with W Ketchup is that it won’t stop running. I hear that W ketchup only _looks_ like ketchup – when you actually pour some out, you find that it’s really yellow mustard… ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2004, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-sillier-than-freedom-fries-w-ketchup/255780/40 "2004-07-20T00:37:18Z")
I have, sitting next to my computer, a bottle of “Saddam’s Bunker Buster Shock and Awe Hot Sauce.” Shaped like a big red rocket. It’s got a picture of Saddam in the middle of the label with a thought bubble that says “Oh … shit!!” and an expression on his face like he just sat on the bottle. Plus a bunch of American flags and eagles and a mushroom cloud. No word yet on if the sauce is any good: I can’t figure out how to open the damned thing. Now, I’m a pretty liberal guy. I’m not big on patriotism, or military chest-beating, or any of the other things apparently implied by my choice of condiments. I just like kitsch. And this W ketchup sounds pretty damned kitschy to me. If I happen to see a bottle any time soon, I’ll probably buy it just for the amusement factor. It won’t be any sort of a political statement. Which is not to say that there aren’t people out there who honestly believe what ketchup they purchase will have some effect on the future government of our great nation. These people are morons. Why? Not because they love Bush, and not because they hate Kerry, but because they are taking a bottle of ketchup _way too fucking seriously_. Not unlike many posters in this thread. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-sillier-than-freedom-fries-w-ketchup/255780.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-sillier-than-freedom-fries-w-ketchup/255780.md?page=3)