National Cheeto Day

Happy children with orange-stained fingers, playing in a vibrant park, surrounded by giant, smiling Cheetos mascots.. — National cheeto day illustration

Welcome to the cheesy and crunchy world of National Cheeto Day! Get ready to indulge in the delightfully orange snack that brings joy to both children and adults. Whether you're a fan of the traditional cheese flavor or enjoy venturing into bold and spicy varieties, this national day celebrates everything Cheeto-related. So, grab a bag of Cheetos, sit back, and let's dive into the world of these addictively cheesy treats!

When is Cheeto Day?

It's national cheeto day on the 6th March.

The Cheesy Origins of National Cheeto Day

Do you know how National Cheeto Day came to be? Well, let me enlighten you! This delicious day originated in the depths of the internet, where Cheeto enthusiasts gathered to express their love for the crunchy snack. It all began on March 6, 2016, when the Cheeto fever reached its peak with a whopping 92 online mentions. People just couldn't resist sharing their cheesy delight with the world! And thus, National Cheeto Day was born.

Indulge in Some Cheesy Goodness

On this special day, it's time to embrace your love for all things Cheeto. Gather your loved ones, whether they are friends, family, or fellow Cheeto enthusiasts, and have a fantastic Cheeto-filled celebration. You can enjoy Cheetos as a snack while watching your favorite sports game or even create an entire Cheeto-themed menu for a unique food experience!

A Fun Fact to Make Your Cheesy Day Even Cheesier

Did you know that Cheetos have their own theme park ride? Yes, you read that right! In 2014, the Plaza Inn at Tokyo Disneyland introduced a limited-time Cheetos-themed menu, including a ride aptly named 'Cheetos Challenge.' Visitors could enjoy an immersive experience with their favorite cheesy snack. Talk about taking the Cheeto obsession to a whole new level!

History behind the term 'Cheeto'

1948

The Invention of the Cheeto

In 1948, a janitor named Edward Wilson discovered an innovative way to make a tasty snack. While working at the Frito-Lay plant in San Antonio, Texas, Wilson noticed leftover cornmeal from tortilla production. He decided to fry it up and add some cheese flavoring, giving birth to the first Cheeto. The crispy and cheesy snack quickly became a hit.

1948

The Beginning of a Snack Legend

It all started in 1948 when a man named Charles Elmer Doolin invented the delicious cheesy snack known as Cheetos. Doolin was the founder of Frito-Lay, a company that produced various snack foods. Hailing from San Antonio, Texas, Doolin had a vision of creating a snack that combined the crunchy texture of a potato chip with the irresistible flavor of cheese. And thus, the Cheeto was born, forever changing the landscape of snack foods.

1948

The Birth of the Cheeto

The term 'cheeto' first emerged in 1948 when Charles Elmer Doolin invented a new snack called Cheetos. Doolin, the founder of Frito-Lay, sought to create a distinctive crunchy cheese-flavored snack that would revolutionize the snacking industry. The term 'cheeto' was derived from the pronunciation of 'cheese' and 'Fritos,' another popular brand owned by Frito-Lay.

1948

The invention of the term 'Cheetos'

In 1948, the term 'Cheetos' was created by Charles Elmer Doolin, the founder of Frito-Lay. He wanted a name that would be catchy and memorable for his new cheesy snack. Doolin combined the words 'cheese' and 'toes' to create the playful and distinctive term 'Cheetos.'

1948

Creation of the snack

The term 'cheeto' originated in 1948 with the creation of a popular snack. Fritos, a company known for their corn chips, developed a new product called 'Cheetos' in San Antonio, Texas. These were cheesy, crunchy snacks made from cornmeal and flavored with cheddar cheese. They quickly gained popularity and became a favorite among snack lovers.

1948

Creation of the Frito Company

In 1948, Charles Elmer Doolin founded the Frito Company in Texas, specializing in manufacturing and selling corn chips. These snacks were made from cornmeal and flavored with various seasonings, including cheese.

1948

Discovery of a new snack

In 1948, the Frito Company and H.W. Lay & Company merged to create Frito-Lay. Around the same time, Cheetos were invented. Cheetos were originally called Cheetos Crunchy Cheese Snacks and were made from cornmeal and cheese. These crunchy and cheesy snacks quickly gained popularity and became a beloved snack option.

1948

Creation of Fritos

In 1948, Charles Elmer Doolin invented a new type of corn chip and named it Fritos. These corn chips were made by deep-frying seasoned cornmeal dough, resulting in a crunchy and delicious snack.

1948

A Revolutionary Snack Invention

The term 'Cheeto' was first coined in 1948 when Fritos creator Charles Elmer Doolin invented a new kind of snack. Doolin noticed that hardened cornmeal snacks, similar to cheese puffs, were popular in Mexican cuisine. Inspired by this, he decided to create his own version of these puffy snacks and named them 'Cheetos' after Chester Cheetah, the brand's iconic mascot.

1948

Creation of the Frito Company

In 1948, the Frito Company, based in Dallas, Texas, was founded by Charles Elmer Doolin. The company specialized in producing and marketing corn chips, which were popular snacks at the time. One of their first successful products was the Fritos corn chip, made from cornmeal that was deep-fried and seasoned with salt.

1971

The Arrival of the Crunchy Cheetos

In 1971, Frito-Lay introduced a new type of Cheeto to the world: Crunchy Cheetos. These snacks featured a crispy texture that brought an entirely new level of enjoyment to snack lovers. The Crunchy Cheetos quickly gained popularity and became a staple snack in households across the United States and beyond. People couldn't resist the satisfying crunch and the addictive cheesy flavor that made Crunchy Cheetos a snack time favorite.

1971

An Iconic Mascot: Chester Cheetah

In 1971, Frito-Lay decided to introduce a mascot for Cheetos to enhance the brand's appeal. They created Chester Cheetah, a cool and suave character who would become highly recognizable. Chester Cheetah quickly became an iconic figure, representing the fun and irresistible nature of Cheetos. His catchphrase, 'It ain't easy bein' cheesy,' became synonymous with the brand.

1961

First Appearance of Cheetos

In 1961, the Frito Company introduced a new cheesy snack called 'Cheetos.' Developed by a chemist named Fritos' George Bigner, Cheetos were made by extruding cornmeal dough through a machine and shaping them into crunchy, cheese-flavored puffs.

1971

The Acquisition by Frito-Lay

In 1971, Cheetos gained even more prominence when they were acquired by the Frito-Lay company. The Frito-Lay brand, known for their popular snack foods, recognized the immense potential of Cheetos and invested in their production and marketing. This acquisition helped to further popularize Cheetos and increase their availability across the United States.

1971

Introducing Cheetos to the World

In 1971, the Frito Company introduced a new snack called Cheetos. The term 'Cheetos' was coined by the company and became the brand name for their cheese-flavored corn puff snacks. These crunchy and cheesy snacks quickly gained popularity among consumers due to their addictive taste and unique texture.

1971

Frito-Lay's Acquisition

In 1971, Frito-Lay, the snack food division of PepsiCo, acquired the Cheetos brand from the H.W. Lay & Company. This acquisition brought Cheetos under the same umbrella as other popular snack brands like Lay's and Fritos, giving it a stronger presence in the snack food market.

1971

Introducing Cheetos

In 1971, Fritos merged with the H.W. Lay & Company to form Frito-Lay, Inc. It was during this time that they introduced Cheetos to the market. Cheetos were a variation of the corn chip, but with a different shape and added cheese flavor.

1971

Frito-Lay acquisition

In 1971, the snack brand Cheetos was acquired by Frito-Lay, a division of PepsiCo. This acquisition helped Cheetos reach a wider audience and allowed the brand to expand its product range. With the marketing power of Frito-Lay behind them, Cheetos became even more popular and started to dominate the snack market.

1948

Introducing Cheetos to the world

Later in the same year, Frito-Lay's first product, Cheetos Crunchy Cheese Flavored Snacks, were introduced to the public. These tasty, cheesy snacks quickly gained popularity, and their unique name, 'Cheetos,' became synonymous with the product itself.

1971

Introduction of a cheesy mascot

In 1971, Cheetos introduced their famous mascot, Chester Cheetah. Chester Cheetah, known for his cool and mischievous personality, quickly became a recognizable and beloved character associated with Cheetos. His catchphrase, 'Dangerously Cheesy,' further solidified Cheetos' image as a fun and indulgent snack.

1986

The "Dangerously Cheesy" tagline

In 1986, Frito-Lay launched a new marketing campaign for Cheetos with the tagline, "The cheese that goes crunch!" The campaign featured Chester Cheetah, a charismatic anthropomorphic cheetah, who proclaimed the snack as "Dangerously Cheesy." This iconic tagline and mascot played a significant role in popularizing Cheetos.

1971

The Cheetos mascot is born

In 1971, the Cheetos brand unveiled its beloved mascot, Chester Cheetah. Chester, a cool and mischievous cheetah, quickly became a symbol for the brand and a cultural icon. With his sunglasses and slick personality, Chester Cheetah added to the allure and recognition of the term 'Cheetos.'

1973

The Cheesy Fingers Phenomenon

By 1973, Cheetos had become so popular that they started to generate a unique cultural impact. Cheeto lovers soon discovered a humorous side effect of enjoying these cheesy goodies - the infamous 'Cheese fingers.' The vibrant orange cheese powder used to coat the Cheetos would often stick to people's fingers, leaving behind telltale traces of cheesy residue. This phenomenon became a source of amusement and a symbol of unabashed snacking pleasure.

1979

The Introduction of Flamin' Hot Cheetos

In 1979, a janitor named Richard Montañez at the Frito-Lay plant had an idea that would revolutionize the world of Cheetos. Montañez created a spicy version of the snack and called them Flamin' Hot Cheetos. He pitched his creation to the Frito-Lay executives, and they loved it. Flamin' Hot Cheetos quickly became a cultural phenomenon, capturing the hearts (and taste buds) of people across the country.

1971

Merger with the H.W. Lay & Company

In 1971, the Frito Company merged with the H.W. Lay & Company, forming Frito-Lay, Inc. This partnership expanded the distribution of Cheetos and helped make them more widely available across the United States.

1997

Acquisition by PepsiCo

In 1997, the Frito Company merged with PepsiCo, forming Frito-Lay, Inc. This merger significantly expanded the reach and distribution channels for Cheetos, making them available to a wider audience. PepsiCo's global presence and marketing prowess helped propel Cheetos into becoming a household name around the world.

1986

The World of Cheese Puffs Expands

As Cheetos gained popularity, Frito-Lay decided to expand its cheese puff offerings. In 1986, they introduced a new variation called 'Flamin' Hot Cheetos.' These spicy and tangy snacks quickly became a hit, appealing to consumers who craved a bolder flavor experience. Flamin' Hot Cheetos eventually became one of the most successful spin-off products in the Cheetos line.

1992

Expanding the Cheeto Family

In 1992, Frito-Lay expanded the Cheetos product line by introducing a new variation called 'Cheetos Puffs.' This addition featured a softer, melt-in-your-mouth texture, providing a contrast to the original crunchy Cheetos. The launch of Cheetos Puffs further solidified the popularity of the 'cheeto' concept, capturing the hearts and taste buds of snack enthusiasts worldwide.

1992

Expanding the Cheetos family

In 1992, Frito-Lay expanded the Cheetos family by introducing a new variation called Cheetos Puffs. These puffy snacks provided a softer texture compared to the original crunchy Cheetos, appealing to a broader range of snacking preferences. Cheetos Puffs quickly became a popular choice for fans of the brand.

1994

Introduction of different flavors

In 1994, Cheetos introduced a variety of new flavors to their product line. These flavors included Flamin' Hot, Salsa Con Queso, and Jalapeño Cheddar. The introduction of different flavors helped Cheetos cater to the changing preferences of consumers and further solidified its position as a snack brand loved by many.

1997

Cheetos becomes a Global Success

By 1997, Cheetos had gained immense popularity not only in the United States but also internationally. The cheesy puffs were well-received in many countries, becoming a beloved snack around the world.

2006

Cheetos in popular culture

Cheetos made their mark in popular culture in 2006 when a fictional character named 'Chester Cheetah' appeared in the popular video game 'Guitar Hero II.' This collaboration showcased the cultural impact of both Cheetos and video games, further solidifying Cheetos as a recognizable and iconic brand.

1997

Cheesy Innovation: Cheetos Flamin' Hot

In 1997, Frito-Lay introduced a groundbreaking flavor variation of Cheetos known as 'Cheetos Flamin' Hot.' This bold and spicy iteration offered a fiery twist on the classic cheesy taste. Cheetos Flamin' Hot quickly gained a cult following, appealing to individuals who craved intense heat with their snack. The innovative introduction of Cheetos Flamin' Hot showcased how the 'cheeto' concept could adapt and cater to diverse consumer preferences.

2011

The Cheetos Museum

In 2011, Cheetos launched the 'Cheetos Museum,' a campaign that encouraged people to find unique and interesting shapes in their Cheetos snacks. This campaign sparked a social media phenomenon, with people sharing their Cheetos discoveries online. The Cheetos Museum showcased the creativity and imagination of fans, further engaging them with the brand.

1997

The Cheetos Mascot Comes to Life

In 1997, Cheetos gained an iconic mascot that would become synonymous with the brand - Chester Cheetah. Chester Cheetah, a smooth-talking cheetah with cool shades, was introduced as the official spokesperson and representative of Cheetos. With his sly and mischievous persona, Chester Cheetah became incredibly popular and helped further solidify Cheetos' status as a household name in the snack industry.

1993

The Expansion of Cheetos Varieties

Cheetos continued to grow and evolve, with Frito-Lay introducing various new flavors and formats over the years. In 1993, they launched Cheetos Puffs, a more airy and cheesy version of the original Cheeto. This addition to the Cheetos family offered a different texture and eating experience, expanding the options for Cheetos lovers everywhere.

1986

Expanding the Cheetos family

In 1986, Frito-Lay introduced a new variety of Cheetos called Cheetos Puffs. These airy and crunchy cheese-flavored snacks expanded the Cheetos family and cemented the term 'Cheetos' as a brand that offers a range of cheesy snacking options.

2006

Beyond Cheese Puffs

In 2006, Frito-Lay introduced a groundbreaking addition to the Cheetos family: 'Cheetos Giant Snacks.' These snacks were larger than traditional Cheetos and had a different shape, creating a unique eating experience for fans of the brand. Alongside their iconic cheese puffs, Cheetos proved that they could innovate and expand their product offerings beyond the familiar.

1992

Flamin' Hot Cheetos innovation

In 1992, a janitor named Richard Montañez had a brilliant idea that changed the course of Cheetos history. He dusted a batch of regular Cheetos with chili powder and other spices, creating a spicy and tangy flavor. Montañez's creation, known as Flamin' Hot Cheetos, became a massive success and sparked a new trend in spicy snacks.

2001

Expansion of Cheetos Varieties

In 2001, Cheetos expanded its product offerings by introducing new varieties and flavors. This included the introduction of Cheetos Puffs, a larger and lighter version of the original crunchy Cheetos. Over the years, Cheetos has continued to innovate, introducing limited-edition flavors, such as Flamin' Hot, Jalapeño, and Sweetos (a sweet cinnamon-flavored version), to cater to diverse consumer preferences.

2019

Cheetos Goes High-End

In 2019, Cheetos made a surprising move into the high-end culinary world. The brand collaborated with celebrity chef Anne Burrell to create a pop-up restaurant called 'The Spotted Cheetah.' The temporary eatery offered a menu featuring dishes made entirely with Cheetos, elevating the snack to a gourmet level. This unexpected venture showcased the enduring appeal and versatility of Cheetos as a cultural icon.

2020

A cultural phenomenon

Today, 'Cheetos' is not just a brand name but a cultural phenomenon. The term has become synonymous with cheesy snacks and is widely recognized by people of all ages. From its humble beginnings in 1948, 'Cheetos' has become a household name and an iconic part of snacking culture.

2020

Cultural Popularity and Memes

Cheetos have not only become a beloved snack but have also gained significant cultural popularity. The distinct cheesy residue left on fingers after consuming Cheetos has even led to internet memes and viral challenges like the 'Cheetos Challenge.' Additionally, Cheetos have been featured in various culinary creations, including Cheetos-infused recipes and collaborations with renowned chefs.

2016

Cheetos-inspired fashion

Cheetos' cultural impact extended beyond the realm of snacks. In 2016, the brand collaborated with fashion designer Betsey Johnson during New York Fashion Week. The runway show featured models donning Cheetos-inspired accessories, including Cheetos-shaped handbags and even a Cheetos-inspired dress. This unique collaboration demonstrated the influence Cheetos had on popular culture.

2019

Creative culinary innovations

In 2019, Cheetos expanded beyond their traditional form with the introduction of innovative culinary creations. From Cheetos-flavored mac and cheese to Cheetos-infused desserts, these unique creations showcased the widespread creativity and love for Cheetos. The culinary innovations further solidified Cheetos' presence not only as a snack but also as an ingredient in various dishes.

2018

Crossovers and Collaborations

Cheetos continued to push boundaries and engage with their audience by collaborating with various food brands. In 2018, they partnered with Taco Bell to create the flavorful 'Cheetos Crunchwrap Slider' and 'Cheetos Burrito,' combining the beloved taste of Cheetos with popular fast-food items. These limited-time offerings delighted fans and showcased the versatility of Cheetos as a brand.

Present Day

Cheetos' Cultural Phenomenon

Today, the term 'cheeto' has expanded beyond its initial snack origin and become a cultural phenomenon. From viral challenges like 'Cheetos lip balm' to creative recipes incorporating Cheetos in unexpected ways, the term 'cheeto' has transcended its humble beginnings. Cheetos continues to be a beloved and iconic brand, embodying the joy of snacking and the imaginative possibilities that emerge from embracing a cheesy indulgence.

Present

Cultural impact and popularity

Today, the term 'cheeto' has become synonymous with cheesy, crunchy snacks. Cheetos have grown to be a cultural icon, with their distinctive cheese flavor and distinctive orange color. The brand has expanded globally, reaching snack enthusiasts in various countries. Cheetos continue to be a favorite snack choice, enjoyed by people of all ages.

2010

Introduction of New Cheetos Varieties

In 2010, Cheetos expanded its product line and introduced several new flavors and variations. These included 'Flamin' Hot,' 'Puffs,' and 'Crunchy' Cheetos, offering consumers a range of options to satisfy their cheesy snacking cravings.

2018

Cheetos in Popular Culture

Over the years, Cheetos have become more than just a snack. They have solidified their place in popular culture, inspiring a variety of merchandise, including clothing, toys, and even collaborations with fashion brands. Cheetos have also been featured in numerous viral videos and challenges, showcasing their widespread recognition and impact.

Did you know?

Fun Fact: Did you know that the Cheetos mascot, Chester Cheetah, made his debut in 1986? This cool and confident cheetah quickly became a beloved icon, entertaining us with his eccentric personality and love for all things cheesy.