People are only just realising what the ’57’ on Heinz ketchup bottle really means and it’s blowing their minds

PEOPLE are only just realising what the "57" on Heinz ketchup bottles really means.

The number sits proudly on the neck of the sauce, which has become a household staple for Brits.

And it turns out the digits - and their placement - were chosen by founder Henry Heinz himself.

Heinz explains on its website: "When he spotted a shoe company advertising 21 styles of shoe, he was inspired to create our iconic 57 varieties slogan.

"Why 57? No one knows for sure. Henry claimed five was his lucky number, and seven was his wife's.

"But he also believed seven was a significant number for people of all ages.

"Whatever his reasons, the number stuck around."

And the number did stick around - the brand went on to create 57 much-loved products.

This doesn't only include sauces, but staples like baked beans, mayonnaise and tomato soup, too.

The placement of the numbers has a practical use, too.

A spokesperson from Heinz told  "The sweet spot to tap on the Heinz bottle is the 57 on the neck.

"All you need to do is apply a firm tap where the bottle narrows, and the ketchup will come out easier."

The number is now an integral part of the products' design - and features on its plastic bottles, glass jars and tinned cans.

It's not the first time Brits have been shocked by Heinz.

Earlier this month, sauce-lovers were divided by where they're supposed to store ketchup.

Brits have also been left scratching their heads over how to open the saucy bottle properly.

The question of whether to leave the famous sauce in the cupboard or fridge has bugged consumers since it first went on sale in 1869.

A ketchup "life hack" tells Brits to twist off the lid and utilise the jagged point under the cap.

It comes after Heinz brought back an "iconic" 1990's childhood favourite.

The food company reintroduced Heinz Beans Pizzas to Iceland shelves in November after they disappeared from supermarkets.

However, in January, it provoked anger by doubling the price of some of its products within a year.