Volkswagen Is Bringing Its Cult-Favorite Ketchup to America for the Very First Time

Today, Volkswagen is bringing something a little different to the U.S. 

No, it’s not a new car model. It’s… ketchup. Yep, the same company that gave us the Beetle and the VW Bus also makes ketchup. But not just any ketchup — a ketchup with a cult following. Because why stop at cars when you can also dominate the condiment aisle?

In honor of its 75th anniversary in America, VW is rolling out its famous Gewürz Ketchup for a limited time. This is the same sauce that graces the legendary VW currywurst in Germany, and for the first time, Americans will get to experience what VW fans across the pond have been raving about. We know you were thinking about adding a Jetta to your garage, but how about adding this ketchup to your fridge instead?

Now, let’s talk about that currywurst — because it’s kind of a big deal. VW’s chefs cooked up this exclusive sausage back in 1973, and the recipe is so top secret that it’s basically locked away in the same vault as the plans for their next concept car. The wurst itself is chopped into bite-sized pieces and drenched in this magical ketchup. Before you wrinkle your nose, this isn’t the ketchup you squirt on your fries from a Heinz bottle. It’s on a whole different level of sauciness.

Fans say it’s sweeter and richer than traditional ketchup and packs a tangy punch with just the right amount of spicy kick. Some say it’s like ketchup and barbecue sauce had a flavor-packed baby — perfect for pairing with sausage, or really, anything you feel needs a little extra vroom.

Speaking of sausage, the legendary VW Currywurst is the reason VW launched a condiment line. Yes, there’s a line. The Gewürz ketchup is such a big deal, it even has its own part number — like it’s a steering wheel or a spark plug: 00010 ZDK-259-101. Because why not?

As for other condiments on the roster, the company also makes a curry sauce designed to pair with the sausage. It’s a tangy, mildly spicy sauce with a strong curry flavor, ideal for those looking for a more traditional currywurst experience.

“This year, we’re celebrating more than a big anniversary of selling cars,” said Rachael Zaluzec, senior vice president of customer experience and brand marketing at Volkswagen of America. “We’re celebrating stories, memories, passion, and all the fun and unexpected things that make Volkswagen the brand we are today — things like our Gewürz Ketchup Brand condiment.”

The ketchup launch is part of Volkswagen’s larger 75th-anniversary celebration in the United States. That celebration also includes spotlighting stories of VW fans on its website. One recent story featured fan and Volkswagen content creator Jamie Orr, who started bringing the ketchup back from VW’s global headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany, as a souvenir for friends who also love the brand.

If you want to get your hands on a bottle without going to Germany, you’ll need to act fast. The company is offering the condiment for free on its DriverGear merchandise portal while supplies last — and they likely won’t last long.

If you miss out on the website, you can also get a taste of the ketchup next month at ChainFEST, a gourmet chain food festival being held on October 5 in Los Angeles.