Heinz, known for its spaghetti hoops, Alphabetti spaghetti, and Minions pasta shapes, has decided to shake things up by putting a beloved Italian dish into a can. The company’s latest creation? Tinned spaghetti carbonara. And it’s fair to say, this move has caused quite a stir among chefs and food enthusiasts alike.

The announcement of Heinz’s new product was made on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, and it didn’t take long for it to become a hot topic. Presenter Jonny Dymond questioned whether this was the “end of culinary civilization” or just a “leap forward” similar to Pot Noodles and microwave meals.

Italian chef Alessandro Pipero, who runs the Michelin-starred Pipero restaurant in Rome, was not impressed. Known as the “carbonara king,” Pipero expressed his dismay at the thought of finding carbonara in a can, comparing it to cat food. “Do you mean in a tin, like cat food?” he asked incredulously. He further criticized the idea, suggesting that cans should be reserved for beverages like Coca-Cola.

Interestingly, while spaghetti carbonara is now a staple Italian dish, it’s actually a fairly recent creation. The exact origins are debated, but many believe it was influenced by American troops stationed in Italy during World War II. These troops had access to cheese, bacon, and eggs, which may have led to the creation of this simple yet delicious pasta dish.

Carbonara’s charm lies in its simplicity. Traditionally, it’s made with just four key ingredients: pasta, egg, Parmesan cheese, and pancetta. Some people add cream, though this addition has been controversial. Chef Nigella Lawson faced criticism in 2017 when she included cream in her recipe, which some felt was a betrayal of authentic Italian cooking.

Heinz’s version of carbonara, however, features a rather different list of ingredients. The tin includes pancetta, cornflour, skimmed milk powder, cheese powder, sugar, garlic flavoring, onion extract, and dried parsley. This blend of ingredients has caused some purists to roll their eyes, as it deviates quite a bit from the traditional recipe.

The tinned carbonara has become a hot topic on social media. On X (formerly Twitter), users have had a lot to say. One user joked about trying the carbonara on toast with rocket and balsamic glaze, while another expressed their outrage by saying, “as a Sicilian, I’m required to commit murder for this offense.” The packaging itself has also received mixed reviews. Heinz’s use of bright, psychedelic colors – a mix of their classic yellow and a shade of millennial pink – has led to comments like, “It’s making me taste Fruit Salads.”

Despite the backlash, Heinz remains steadfast in its decision. The company argues that it’s offering a convenient solution for people who prefer to open a tin rather than deal with the hassle of cooking from scratch. Alessandra de Dreuille, meals director at Kraft Heinz, defended the product, stating that many people are looking for “convenient meals that are effortless to prepare.” She added, “Whether enjoyed as a comforting meal after a long day or shared with friends while catching up on the latest TV series, Heinz spaghetti carbonara is the perfect fuss-free dinner solution.”

In the end, Heinz’s tinned carbonara might be a bold experiment that challenges traditional ideas about Italian cuisine. While some see it as a convenient option for busy lives, others view it as an affront to authentic culinary practices. Whether it will become a hit or a culinary curiosity remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: it has definitely stirred up a lot of conversation.