Heinz launches canned Spaghetti Carbonara: Italians go crazy
Yes, there’s another culinary scandal unfolding. And, as is often the case, it’s the Italians who are up in arms. Here’s what happened: Heinz has launched a new product. Heinz Spaghetti Carbonara in a can. Yes, you read that correctly. Spaghetti carbonara, one of the most beloved dishes in Italian cuisine, canned… this is pure sacrilege to Italians.
‘When it comes to the food you love… well, it has to be Heinz’, says American brand Heinz. Italians clearly beg to differ.
Carbonara, like so many quintessential Italian dishes, excels in its simplicity. Carbonara is also the ultimate quick meal when you have nothing in the house. Spaghetti, egg, cheese, bacon and black pepper: that’s all you need. Or is it? You also need patience and some preparation, so you don’t make these common carbonara mistakes.
The art of making carbonara lies in mixing the eggs with the hot pasta at exactly the right moment, creating a creamy sauce without allowing the eggs to set. This process is, of course, impossible to replicate industrially. At best, the result will be a sticky, lumpy mass bearing no resemblance to the original. Heinz: what are you doing to us?
Canned carbonara?!
‘The rich, creamy sauce and texture of freshly made pasta… truly delicious. Enjoy the delicious taste of our pasta, on its own or on toast (?!), it’s the perfect meal for both children and adults!’ Two and a half minutes in the microwave and it’s ready! Heinz knows how to make it sound appealing, but anyone who checks the ingredients list will be in for a shock. Instead of egg, cheese, bacon and black pepper, the list of ingredients is practically endless.
Got a moment? Pasta (45%,), water, pancetta (1%, pork (95%), salt, spices, maltodextrin, dextrose, acidity regulators – sodium citrate and sodium carbonate, antioxidant – sodium ascorbate, preservative – sodium nitrite, smoked sunflower oil, natural flavouring), maize flour, skimmed milk powder, cheese powder mix (1%,), milk powder, sugar, rapeseed oil, salt, modified maize flour, stabilisers – polyphosphates and sodium phosphates, natural garlic flavouring, black pepper, onion extract, dried parsley.
Is this what we’ve been waiting for?
This is not the first time Heinz has released divine Italian classics in a can, by the way. Heinz’s canned pasta range also includes Ravioli, Macaroni Cheese and Spaghetti Bolognese. It’s not only Italians who are up in arms about the carbonara news, judging by the reactions on social media.
‘Heinz…. You’re going to wake up with a horse’s head on your pillow!!’
‘Just nope….the ravioli now tastes like its got a pack of sugar in, Heinz was nice, now it’s absolutely awful and ridiculously priced!’
‘I’m not even Italian but even I am angry at this invention!’
‘Out of a tin. Sorry definitely no. Heinz products now are terrible. Macaroni cheese tastes like sick. Honestly it’s awful. Ravioli I think the machine has added to much sweetner.’
‘I bet it smells like fresh vomit like the mac and cheese.’
‘How many preservatives are there? And what would be the cost? Easier and cheaper to make your own.’
‘Sounds truly awful.’
Not amused
Fortunately, this can of misery has not yet reached our shores; for now, Heinz Spaghetti Carbonara will be sold in England (starting today). Culinary journalist Amber Dalton of The Telegraph sampled the novelty in advance and was not amused. ‘Even a dune of Parmesan cheese couldn’t save this’, says Dalton.
Also read:
- How to make your sauce cling perfectly to your pasta every time
- Recipe: Ramen Carbonara
- 6x really disgusting canned food
Source: AD, Vice, Heinz. Image: Heinz
