Fritos Has Brought Back Its BBQ Flavor Just in Time for Summer Snacking (2024)

UPDATED: May 17, 2021 at 11:08 a.m.

When Frito-Lay discontinued Fritos Bar-B-Q Corn Chips, well, let’s just say that people weren’t happy. Luckily, the snack returned last year for a limited time, and the brand has decided to bring them back again for summer 2021, a PR rep confirmed to Best Products!

Frito-Lay Fritos Bar-B-Q Corn Chips

Fritos Has Brought Back Its BBQ Flavor Just in Time for Summer Snacking (1)

Frito-Lay Fritos Bar-B-Q Corn Chips

The barbecue-flavored corn chips are also a limited-edition offerings this time around, so use that at your excuse for why you buy 10 bags at a time. You can snag them in 3.5-ounce ($1.99) and 9.25-ounce ($3.99) bags starting right now at retailers near you (unlike last year, when it was exclusively available Dollar General).

In case this is your first time getting into the Fritos Bar-B-Q flavor, it has a serious following. Over 29,000 people signed a Change.org page to bring the snack back. No one knows if the signatures contributed to the corn chips’ return, but let’s just consider it a success, shall we?

ORIGINAL STORY: May 21, 2020 at 10:31 a.m.

It’s always heart-wrenching when a brand decides to pull a beloved snack off of shelves. That’s how many felt when Frito-Lay’s Fritos discontinued its barbecue-flavored corn chips in 2018. To everyone who has missed the flavor, hoped for its return, and have yet to find a snack to replace it, we have some great news for you.

Fritos Bar-B-Q corn chips are back by popular demand! Beginning this week, the crunchy snack will be exclusively sold at Dollar General stores, a Frito-Lay rep confirmed to Best Products. It will be available in 1-ounce bags (two for $1) and 9.25-ounce bags ($3.99). Sadly, they will only be around for a limited time, so stocking up is the only option here.

Want to know just how much of a fan favorite the Fritos Bar-B-Q flavor is? There’s a Change.org page, which was started by David B., dedicated to getting them back. It currently has 21,838 signatures, so it’s time to let all of them know that their wish has come true!

In addition to the returning flavor, Fritos has brought back Fritos Salutes patriotic-themed packaging in time for Memorial Day. Up to $200,000 in proceeds benefits Carry the Load to honor the nation’s military and first responders. You’ll notice a banner at the top of the limited-edition packaging.

Don’t get too sad that the Fritos Bar-B-Q corn chips are only going to be around for a short time. If we were able to get them back once due to popular demand, we can certainly do it again.

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Fritos Has Brought Back Its BBQ Flavor Just in Time for Summer Snacking (2)

Caitlyn Fitzpatrick

Senior Editor

As the senior editor of social and social news, Caitlyn covers the tastiest, coolest, and strangest products for BestProducts.com, and she is the lead of social strategy for Popular Mechanics, Runner's World, and Bicycling Magazine; her work has also appeared in POPSUGAR, InStyle, Stylecaster, among others. In her free time (if there is such a thing), she’s probably watching reality TV, online shopping, or cuddling with her dog, Waffle. She is a Wawa-loving Jersey girl who went to Monmouth University for communication, journalism, and interactive media.

Fritos Has Brought Back Its BBQ Flavor Just in Time for Summer Snacking (2024)

FAQs

Did Fritos bring back BBQ Fritos? ›

They've returned for the second summer in a row. When Frito-Lay discontinued Fritos Bar-B-Q Corn Chips, well, let's just say that people weren't happy. Luckily, the snack returned last year for a limited time, and the brand has decided to bring them back again for summer 2021, a PR rep confirmed to Best Products!

What happened to the BBQ Fritos? ›

Why this petition matters. David B. Sadly in 2018, after having been in production nearly 80 years, Frito-Lay North America decided to halt production of our beloved BBQ Fritos and replaced them with the lesser Honey BBQ Twists & Chili Cheese flavors.

Why did Frito-Lay start making BBQ Fritos? ›

Starting on September 19, major nationwide retailers will start carrying the favorite chip once again. Frito-Lay describes the Bar-B-Q chips as a “tangy, flavor-packed twist on Fritos' classic corn chip.” A spokesperson told Today that it was inspired to bring the flavor back due to “fan love and consumer demand.”

Did Fritos discontinued Honey BBQ Fritos? ›

According to the Discontinued Foods Twitter page, Texas Grill Fritos came in a Honey BBQ flavor and lasted from 1995-97. They were distinguished by having "grill marks" emblazoned on each chip.

Are Fritos BBQ corn chips back? ›

Sep 29, 2022

Fritos BBQ-flavored corn chips make a permanent return to store shelves nationwide this fall after being discontinued back in 2018 (although it made limited-time returns in 2020 and 2021).

What states sell the BBQ Fritos? ›

That's right. The Frito-Lay company heard the cries and pleas from fans like you and me and has decided to bring Bar-B-Q Fritos back to grocery and convenience store shelves in Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois permanently.

Why are grocery stores out of Fritos? ›

Higher costs may be to blame for the Frito shortage as well. The cost of everything, including raw materials, energy, and logistics has been rising. Although the corn that goes in Frito chips isn't in short supply, it's become more expensive. This inflation is also creating bottlenecks, disrupting supply chains.

Why did they stop selling hot Fritos? ›

Hi Jada - We have simplified our production to best meet the current overall demand. Because of this, we have temporarily paused the production of Fritos Flamin' Hot. We know that's disappointing, but rest assured, our plans are to start back production as soon as possible.

Why do stores not have Fritos? ›

In our continued efforts to keep the store shelves stocked, we have simplified our production to best meet the current consumer demand. As a result, we have temporarily paused the production of some items.

Are Fritos being discontinued? ›

Don't worry - Fritos haven't been discontinued (although certain flavors aren't coming back). They are just in high demand! According to Consumer Reports, products with limited availability include everything from cat food to sports drinks and snack crackers.

What chips are discontinued? ›

Four discontinued chips we'll never crunch again – and fans are...
  • PRIVATE SELECTION SWEET SOUTHERN HEAT BBQ KETTLE CHIPS. Kroger axed the snack despite customers' claims that it was the "best on the market." ...
  • 3D DORITOS. ...
  • DORITOS JACKED RANCH DIPPED HOT WINGS. ...
  • TRADER JOE'S SALSA VERDE FLAVORED CORN TORTILLA CHIPS.
Mar 7, 2023

Are Fritos corn chips fried or baked? ›

Fritos are made by deep-frying extruded whole cornmeal, unlike the similar tortilla chips, which are made from cornmeal and use the nixtamalization process (known as masa). It is one of two brands representing Frito-Lay along with Lay's.

Who makes BBQ Fritos? ›

FRITOS® FLAVOR TWISTS® Honey BBQ Flavored Corn Chips | FritoLay.

Did Lay's buy out Fritos? ›

In September 1961, The Frito Company and H.W. Lay & Company merged to become Frito-Lay, Inc., combining their headquarters in Dallas, Texas.

Do honey BBQ Fritos have MSG? ›

Contains MSG! Highly Processed! This product is highly processed. If you'll take a look at its ingredient list, you'll discover new words to add to your vocabulary.

What's the difference between Fritos and corn chips? ›

In the United States, Fritos is one of the oldest and most widely recognized brands of corn chips. While corn chips and tortilla chips are both made from corn, the corn in tortilla chips is subjected to the nixtamalization process, resulting in a milder flavor and aroma, and a less rigid texture.

Why are stores out of corn chips? ›

Irregular inventory levels can be the result of fewer workers in plants or behind the wheel of distribution trucks. And demand for snacks is higher than it was pre-pandemic. At 30 plants across the U.S., Frito-Lay turns potatoes, corn and other food products into the brand's iconic snack foods.

Was there a recall on Fritos? ›

On August 11, the FDA announced that Frito-Lay had voluntarily issued a limited recall of 7 ¾ bags of Wavy Lay's Original Potato Chips. The recall affects a total of 31 bags of chips sold at retail locations in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia as early as July 23, 2021.

Who is the major competitor Frito-Lay North America? ›

Frito-Lay competitors include Mondelez International North America and PepsiCo.

What country is Fritos from? ›

They were fritos, "little fried things" — the beach food of Mexico. Doolin bought the patent and 14 customers from the man and began to make the chips in his own kitchen at home, with his mother perfecting his recipe.

Where is the birthplace of Fritos? ›

Frito-Lay North America Inc., a unit of PepsiCo, now is headquartered in Plano and sells snack foods around the world. But Fritos' origins lie in San Antonio. It was here that a soccer coach named Gustavo Olguin from Oaxaca, Mexico, made chips from corn masa using a converted potato ricer.

Why are Fritos so unhealthy? ›

Packed with saturated fat, salt, and even sugar, these unhealthiest chips are empty calorie bombs with the potential to make anyone feel sluggish after eating only a single serving of their favorite unhealthy crispy snack.

What chips are causing the shortage? ›

The availability of virtually all components required to build a desktop computer has been greatly impacted by the global chip shortage. The two main manufacturers of CPU chips, AMD and Intel, have struggled to keep up with the rising demand of their products as a result of the global pandemic.

Why is there no Lay's in Canada? ›

One of Canada's biggest food manufacturers has halted shipments to the country's largest grocer in an extreme example of how inflation is impacting the food industry and driving a wedge between some retailers and suppliers. At issue is a dispute over pricing between Frito-Lay Canada and Loblaw Companies Ltd.

What are the hottest Frito-Lay products? ›

Frito-Lay has officially started to roll out a new Cheetos product called Flamin' Hot Pepper Puffs, the snackmaker's hottest take on the recipe yet. Featuring the classic puffy Cheetos recipe formed into a pepper shape, the treats are doused in a Flamin' Hot formula the company claims is it's hottest ever.

Is there such thing as spicy Fritos? ›

FRITOS® FLAMIN' HOT® Flavored Corn Chips.

When did they stop using the Frito Bandito? ›

The Frito Bandito was the cartoon mascot for Fritos corn chips from 1967 to 1971. The Bandito was created by the Foote, Cone & Belding Agency and animated by Tex Avery. The character was voiced by Mel Blanc, who used an exaggerated Mexican accent not unlike another character of his, Speedy Gonzales.

Why do Fritos taste different? ›

The corn in tortillas is put through a process called “nixtamalization” in which it is treated with lime (the mineral, not the fruit). The process has a number of effects, including making the nutrients in the corn more available. It also changes the flavor.

What are alternatives to Frito-Lay chips? ›

7 Healthy Alternatives to Chips That Are Just As Satisfyingly...
  • 7 Healthy Alternatives to Chips. ...
  • Orville Redenbacher's Naturals Simply Salted Popcorn. ...
  • Off The Eaten Path Veggie Crisps. ...
  • Terra Original Mixed Vegetable Chips. ...
  • Dang Thai Rice Chips. ...
  • Nadi Happy Hearts Dried Granny Apple Chips. ...
  • Rhythm Organic Kale Chips.
May 9, 2022

Are Fritos made in the USA? ›

PepsiCo's Frito-Lay is a $13bn convenience foods business unit headquartered in Purchase, New York, US. Frito-Lay's manufacturing facility in Casa Grande, Arizona, mainly produces potato, corn and tortilla chips. It turns about 500,000 potatoes into potato chips every day.

What is the shelf life of Fritos? ›

Potato Chips Expiration Date
(Unopened)Pantry
Packaged Potato Chips last for2-3 Weeks
Vegetable Chips last for2-3 Weeks
Bugles last for2-3 Weeks
Fritos last for2-3 Weeks
14 more rows
Apr 21, 2015

Are Frito scoops discontinued? ›

We have simplified our production to best meet the current overall demand. Because of this, we have temporarily paused the production of Fritos Scoops Spicy Jalapeño. We know that's disappointing, but rest assured, our plans are to start back production as soon as possible!

What are the new Frito products? ›

Along with the return of its fan-favorite Fritos BBQ, the snack food giant is introducing three all-new flavors. Cheetos Bolitas, SunChips Black Beans, and PopCorners Cinnamon Crunch are all hitting retailers nationwide.

Is chip shortage finally ending? ›

Automotive manufacturers are still dealing with the effects of the microchip shortage that began in 2020. Sam Fiorani, vice president of global vehicle forecasting at AutoForecast Solutions, told reporters that he believes the industry will see 2-3 million units cut from production in 2023.

What companies are hurt by chip shortage? ›

The situation has gutted their revenue by an estimated $210 billion in 2021, according to a study by AlixPartners, and auto manufacturing could suffer through 2023. The shortage forced carmakers to halt production, including Ford Motor, General Motors, Toyota, Nissan, Subaru and Stellantis (formerly Fiat Chrysler).

Are Fritos the healthiest chip? ›

The Least Nutritious Snack Chip Options

A single serving of Cheetos Crunchy provides 150 calories, 10 grams of fat, 13 grams of carbohydrate, 1 gram of sugar and 2 grams of protein. A single serving of Fritos Original Corn Chips provides 160 calories, 10 grams of fat, 15 grams of carbohydrate, and 2 grams of protein.

Which is better for you potato chips or Fritos? ›

The low fiber, high fat, and low protein make potato chips less healthy than corn chips. On the other hand, a serving of corn chips has about 65.56 grams of carbohydrates with 5.3 grams of dietary fiber and 1 gram of sugars. In addition, there are 23.36 grams fat and 7.79 grams of protein.

Who makes barbeque corn chips? ›

Fritos Bar-B-Q Flavored Corn Chips

Only 16 left in stock - order soon.

Is Frito-Lay in China? ›

Since its entry into China in 1994, Lay's has carefully planned its corporate localisation strategy. Since then, an unprecedented variety of new tastes based on the classic tastes of Chinese consumers have been incorporated into those already known by the rest of the world, allowing entry into the brand new market.

Are Fritos and Lay's the same brand? ›

Lay's is a brand of potato chips with different flavors, as well as the name of the company that founded the chip brand in the United States. The brand is also referred to as Frito-Lay because both Lay's and Fritos are brands sold by the Frito-Lay company, which has been a wholly owned subsidiary of PepsiCo since 1965.

Does Lay's use real potatoes? ›

Lay's® potato chips continue to be made with quality, homegrown Canadian potatoes. Simple, wholesome and real. After carefully washing, peeling and slicing the potatoes, we cook them until they are perfectly crispy, bringing out the wonderful potato taste that Canadians know and love.

Does Frito-Lay own Pringles? ›

Pringles is an American brand of stackable potato-based chips invented by Procter & Gamble (P&G) in 1968 and marketed as "Pringle's Newfangled Potato Chips". The brand was sold in 2012 to Kellogg's. As of 2011, Pringles were sold in more than 140 countries.

Does Coca Cola own any snack foods? ›

Our diverse snacks portfolio includes Tsakiris potato snacks, the first Greek brand that introduced chips category to Greek consumers, and Bambi, the leading confectionery brand in Serbia.

Why can't i find BBQ Fritos? ›

Sadly in 2018, after having been in production nearly 80 years, Frito-Lay North America decided to halt production of our beloved BBQ Fritos and replaced them with the lesser Honey BBQ Twists & Chili Cheese flavors.

Did Fritos stop making BBQ? ›

After Frito-Lay discontinued Fritos Bar-B-Q, one consumer created a Change.org petition in an attempt to resurrect the flavor, and over 32,000 people signed it.

Does KFC use MSG in their fries? ›

Fast food

Some restaurants add MSG to a number of popular dishes, including fried rice. MSG is also used by franchises like Kentucky Fried Chicken and Chick-fil-A to enhance the flavor of foods.

Did Fritos get discontinued? ›

Don't worry - Fritos haven't been discontinued (although certain flavors aren't coming back). They are just in high demand! According to Consumer Reports, products with limited availability include everything from cat food to sports drinks and snack crackers.

Why are Fritos so hard to find? ›

Although the corn that goes in Frito chips isn't in short supply, it's become more expensive. This inflation is also creating bottlenecks, disrupting supply chains.

What are the new Frito-Lay releases? ›

Along with the return of its fan-favorite Fritos BBQ, the snack food giant is introducing three all-new flavors. Cheetos Bolitas, SunChips Black Beans, and PopCorners Cinnamon Crunch are all hitting retailers nationwide.

How many flavors of Fritos corn chips are there? ›

Fritos: All 29 Flavors.

Is Frito-Lay owned by China? ›

Frito-Lay is an American subsidiary of PepsiCo that manufactures, markets, and sells corn chips, potato chips, and other snack foods.

Why do Fritos not taste like tortilla chips? ›

In the United States, Fritos is one of the oldest and most widely recognized brands of corn chips. While corn chips and tortilla chips are both made from corn, the corn in tortilla chips is subjected to the nixtamalization process, resulting in a milder flavor and aroma, and a less rigid texture.

Are Fritos better for you than potato chips? ›

In general, corn chips are better than potato chips. Corn chips have relatively lower calories, lower fat, higher fiber, and higher protein. Corn chips are also richer in calcium. However, just like potato chips, corn chips should be consumed in moderation, as the calorie count is high.

What is the highest selling Frito-Lay chips? ›

Doritos Chips

Not only are they an all-American favorite, but they're also the #1 top-rated Frito-Lay brand of chips worldwide; especially the original Nacho Cheese flavor!

What chips are other than Frito-Lay? ›

In the United States, potato chips are made by national chains like Frito-Lay, Pringles and Kettle Brand; major regional brands like Jay's of Chicago, Better Made of Detroit, Old Dutch of Minneapolis, and Utz of Hanover, Pennsylvania; and specialty brands with local or uneven distribution.

Why are there no Frito-Lay chips in the stores? ›

The chips went off the shelves earlier this year after Frito-Lay attempted to increase prices it charges Loblaw Companies Ltd. for some products. After Loblaw refused, Frito-Lay yanked sales at the grocery giant. The tensions were stoked by supply chain issues and inflating food prices which heightened the pandemic.

Why is there no Frito-Lay chips? ›

In our continued efforts to keep the store shelves stocked, we have simplified our production to best meet the current consumer demand. As a result, we have temporarily paused the production of some items.

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