Glen Powell Wants to Represent Texas With His Surprising New Food Launch

There are many reasons to love Glen Powell. His stellar performances in television shows and movies, ranging from Scream Queens to Twisters, are enough to make anyone a fan. Then there’s his adorable rescue dog, Brisket, and his strong sense of loyalty to his home state of Texas, where he currently resides.

However, for anyone who isn’t on board with Glen Powell just yet, there’s one more reason to appreciate him that might convert you, especially if you’re into all things food-related. The Golden Globe-nominated actor and producer announced today that he’s launching his own line of condiments for home cooks everywhere, under the name Smash Kitchen.

Powell’s line of condiments includes the classics like ketchup, yellow mustard, mayonnaise, and barbecue sauce — he’s particularly fond of barbecue sauce — but it also features a few options with subtle spicy twists, such as spicy mayo and hot honey barbecue sauce. These might sound like simple offerings, but Powell hopes what will truly distinguish the sauces is their ingredient transparency and affordability. Smash Kitchen will focus on creating products with organic and non-GMO ingredients, without unnecessary additives or artificial ingredients — all at an accessible price.

The brand is co-founded by Powell, Sameer Mehta, and Sean Kane, launching with eight initial condiments: Organic Classic Tomato Ketchup, Organic Hot Honey Ketchup, Organic American Style BBQ Sauce, Organic Hot Honey BBQ Sauce, Organic Yellow Mustard, Organic Dijon Mustard, Organic Real Mayonnaise, and Organic Spicy Mayonnaise.

The ketchup, mayo, and mustard will come in two different sizes, with prices ranging from $1.97 to $4.97. In addition to this affordable pricing, Smash Kitchen’s condiments will be widely available and are currently on sale nationwide at Walmart stores or on Walmart.com.

Powell was inspired to enter the food space after realizing there was a significant gap in the condiment market. As a Texan and avid football fan who can often be spotted on the sidelines at a UT Longhorns game, cooking outside is something the actor loves. He explains to Food & Wine that “Food has always been a huge part of my life — backyard [barbecues], dinner around the table, enjoying meals with my friends and family.”

“In recent years, I started paying closer attention to what I was eating and serving to my family and guests at these gatherings. I realized how many condiments and everyday sauces are packed with overly processed ingredients that most people don’t even think twice about,” Powell said. “As I started digging in, I found that many organic options either lacked the nostalgic flavor I loved or came with a steep price tag. So I set out to make my own.”

What does a more transparent ingredient list actually look like? It means you’ll likely be familiar with every component listed on each condiment. “You can flip the label over and actually recognize and pronounce everything on it,” Powell explains. “And the price point is pretty incredible. Being able to offer something that tastes premium and is made with better-for-you ingredients, all under $5, is nearly unheard of in the organic space.”

For example, Smash Kitchen’s classic ketchup is made of organic tomato purée, organic cane sugar, organic white vinegar, salt, organic onion powder, organic clove powder, organic allspice powder, organic paprika powder, and organic chili pepper powder. That’s priced at $3.97 for a 20-ounce bottle, which comes quite close to the roughly $3.19 you’ll pay for the same size bottle of Heinz ketchup. And unlike Smash Kitchen, Heinz ketchup contains high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, and natural flavorings. 

When it comes to flavor, this product line isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel — at least, not yet. Instead, it aims to deliver the same punchy taste and sense of nostalgia associated with classic condiments. Smash Kitchen hopes to provide your new pantry staples, rather than items reserved for special occasions. After tasting the sauces, I’d certainly keep them in my kitchen.

Three condiments stood out as favorites among our team: Organic Classic Tomato Ketchup, Organic Hot Honey Ketchup, and Organic Hot Honey BBQ Sauce. Smash Kitchen’s classic ketchup has a touch more sweetness than a brand like Heinz, which I loved when paired with salty fries. Puréed organic red jalapeños add a pleasant vegetal heat to the spicy ketchup but don’t make it too hot to enjoy. 

The hot honey barbecue sauce doesn’t have a strong kick, but it reminded us of McDonald’s Tangy BBQ Sauce — which we mean as the highest compliment, and as evidence of the nostalgia it evoked. Both mayos were tangy, rich, and flavorful. With a silky texture similar to Hellmann’s, they’d be excellent spread on a sandwich.

Although Smash Kitchen is launching with eight condiments, the brand is already planning to expand its inventory.

“We’re already exploring ways to expand beyond condiments,” Powell reveals. “We have some exciting products in development and the goal is to continue building out a complete pantry of better-for-you staples that can become everyday essentials in American households.”

The name of the new pantry line isn’t random; according to the actor-cum-founder, it harkens back to his own family meals. “After our family dinner parties, we always say, ‘That was a smash.’ It’s our way of celebrating a great night — good food, good vibes, and a good time with family. That phrase stuck with me,” Powell explains.

Perhaps these ketchups, mustards, and mayos will become a smash in your kitchen too — and at such an affordable price, it’ll be easy to buy them on repeat.