American beauty influencer James Charles has made headlines during his visit to Australia for his enthusiastic reviews of local cuisine, particularly the iconic meat pie—yet it was a seemingly humble condiment that truly captured his attention. Currently residing on the Gold Coast, Charles took to TikTok to share his amazement at Australia’s innovative tomato sauce packaging, specifically the Masterfoods squeeze-mate packet.
In his viral video, which has garnered millions of views, Charles expressed his surprise and delight at the simplicity and efficiency of the Australian condiment dispenser. “Australia is light years ahead of us in technology and innovation,” he declared while sharing a demonstration of the squeeze-mate packet, which allows for mess-free dispensing of tomato sauce.
Contrasting the Australian design with American ketchup packets, he voiced his frustrations over the typical U.S. options, which often lead to messy situations or unfortunate tearing mishaps. The influencer highlighted the ease of using the squeeze-mate packet, stating, “Look, no ketchup left. Hands are clean. Didn’t have to tear anything.” His exuberance indicated a newfound appreciation that seemed to resonate with many Australians, who were surprised to learn that this convenience might not be common knowledge in the U.S.
This moment of revelation follows a minor controversy when Charles had made headlines just days before for mistakenly referring to another Aussie staple—the famous Bunnings sausage sizzle—as a “hot dog” in a previous TikTok. Specifically, he addressed this cooked sausage served in a slice of bread while receiving a light-hearted backlash from local commenters who humorously suggested he should be “deported” for the faux pas. Despite the playful critique, his adventure sampling the sausage sizzle did draw immense attention and engagement, showcasing his influence on social media.
The squeeze-mate tomato sauce dispenser is a beloved Australian invention, designed by Sanford Redmond in 1990. It features a unique design that allows for easy dispensing, ensuring just the right amount of sauce for your meal. Many Australians were surprised by the fact that this convenient packaging remains relatively unknown in the United States, shedding light on the quirky regional differences in food product designs.
While Charles has navigated his share of cultural gaffes, his enthusiastic embrace of local food continues to endear him to Aussie fans. Many commenters expressed enjoyment of his journey through the Australian culinary scene, with one user remarking on how satisfied he seems with everything he tries. Despite minor critiques regarding his methods, the overall sentiment is that Charles’s exploration of Australian flavors—especially his newfound admiration for the tomato sauce packet—reflects a lighthearted cultural exchange that can only deepen his appreciation for the Land Down Under.