Fritos is back with a fan-favorite flavor! And this time, it just might be better than ever.
Fritos just reintroduced one of their products and their greatest flavors: Classic Ranch Corn Chips. I mean, who doesn’t like ranch? The cool, tangy taste of ranch is a perfect complement to the signature creamy, buttermilk corn chips from Fritos. This new release not only brings back the iconic flavor, it also features a packaging inspired by another iconic ranch, Yellowstone.
The returning Fritos Classic Ranch is now available at most stores nationwide as of May 20, 2024. You can get them in two sizes, XL for $8.89 and XXVL for $2.39.
We don’t know how long this new flavor will last so you better grab them while you can!
A Chip off the Old Block
One of the most iconic snacks in American history, Fritos has a story that goes all the way back to the 1930s. It all began with Charles Elmer Doolin. Charles bought a recipe for corn chips from a local chef along with his tortilla-making equipment. Like with all businesses, the risk was big but Doolin also saw huge potential. He started out making these simple yet delicious corn chips in his kitchen. He didn’t know it then but it was the beginning of what would we know today as a massive empire. He started calling them “Fritatos” but figured it was too long and later shortened it to the name we know today: Fritos.
Fritos rise to success was pretty quick. It didn’t take long for the snack to become incredibly popular. By the 1940s, the brand was already a household name across America. What set it apart wasn’t some fancy gimmick; it was its simplicity. It was made with just corn, salt, and oil. Its unique taste and satisfying crunch made it an instant classic. Eventually, the company merged with another powerhouse in the snack industry. In 1961, Doolin partnered with H.W. Lay & Company, the company that invented Lays potato chips, and created to what we know now as Frito-Lay. Since then, they changed the industry forever and created some of the most delicious snacks we’ve ever had.
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Catching Up on Recent News
Over the last two years, Fritos has stayed in the news not just for its product releases but also for its clever marketing strategies. In 2021, the brand capitalized on the rising popularity of plant-based diets by promoting its naturally vegan original Fritos Corn Chips, sparking considerable consumer interest. Additionally, they’ve kept their pricing competitive amidst a fluctuating economy, which has been crucial in maintaining market share against rising snack alternatives.
More notably, Fritos’ decisions on specials like the limited-time offers on new flavors have consistently made headlines. For example, their 2021 “Spicy Jalapeño” release was covered widely for marrying the classic Fritos texture with a bold new taste, catering to the market’s growing demand for spicier snack options.
Fritos and Ranch Flavor
The recent reintroduction of the Fritos Classic Ranch chips reflects a strategic nod to both nostalgia and contemporary trends. The choice of bringing back this specific flavor stems from a well-documented consumer preference for ranch-flavored snacks, a trend observed through constant market research. Furthermore, the innovative packaging aligns with cultural currents, borrowing aesthetic elements from the popular television series “Yellowstone.” This decision not only taps into the existing fan base of the show but also attracts new customers who appreciate culturally relevant designs.
Additionally, the sales strategy for Fritos Classic Ranch chips—which are available in a limited run—creates a sense of urgency among consumers, encouraging quick purchases. This marketing approach is similar to tactics used in the fast fashion industry and has been previously successful in the snack sector. Fritos leverages its broad distribution network, making these chips available nationwide, which ensures that Frito-Lay can capitalize on both rural and urban markets.
From The Club
Ranch is one of those flavors that just really goes well with chips for some reason. I can’t count the number of times I was swayed into buying snacks just because they were ranch flavored. It’s a flavor that definitely ranks up there with all time greats like Sour Cream & Onion and Classic Salted. The return of the Classic Ranch Fritos is definitely welcome news.
Special thanks to @markie_devo