National Cheetos Day

A joyful person with orange, cheese-dusted fingers, surrounded by bags of Cheetos. The room is vibrant and filled with colorful Cheetos-themed decorations.. — National cheetos day illustration

Grab a bag of crunchy deliciousness and get ready to celebrate National Cheetos Day! Whether you're a fan of the classic cheesy puffs or prefer the spicy varieties, this is the perfect occasion to indulge in some finger-licking goodness. Let's dive into the world of Cheetos with a cheesy grin on our faces!

When is Cheetos Day?

It's national cheetos day on the 5th March.

The Cheesy Origins of Cheetos

Did you know that Cheetos were created by a janitor? Yes, you read that right! In 1948, a janitor by the name of Richard Montañez was working at the Frito-Lay plant when he got a brilliant idea. While watching the production of Cheetos, he noticed that the puffed corn snack was simply coated with plain old cheese powder. Being a lover of Mexican street corn, Richard decided to add a twist by sprinkling chili powder on the Cheetos. And voila! Flamin' Hot Cheetos were born.

An Internet Sensation

It didn't take long for Flamin' Hot Cheetos to become a viral sensation. People of all ages couldn't resist the fiery taste and addictive crunch. Before we knew it, Flamin' Hot Cheetos took over the internet and even became a popular ingredient in various snack creations. From Flamin' Hot Cheetos mac and cheese to Flamin' Hot Cheetos pizza, the possibilities are endless!

A Cheetos Fan Club

Cheetos have such a dedicated fan base that they even have their own fan club! The Cheetos Fan Club is filled with enthusiasts who share their love for all things cheesy and crunchy. Members of the club get access to exclusive promotions, Cheetos-themed merchandise, and even the chance to create their own limited edition Cheetos flavor. Now that's something every Cheetos lover dreams of!

Cheetos in Pop Culture

Cheetos have made their mark in pop culture as well. From being featured in movies and TV shows to becoming a popular snack choice for celebrities, these cheesy treats have become iconic. Who can forget the iconic scene in the movie 'E.T.' where Elliott uses Cheetos to lure the extraterrestrial cutie? And let's not forget about Chester Cheetah, the suave mascot who always brings the cheesy swagger to our screens.

History behind the term 'Cheetos'

1948

The Birth of Cheetos

Cheetos were born in 1948 when Charles Elmer Doolin purchased a fried corn snack at a local snack food factory. Intrigued by its unique flavor and texture, Doolin decided to acquire the recipe along with the manufacturing equipment. This marked the beginning of a new snack revolution.

1948

The Birth of CHEETOS

CHEETOS, the beloved cheesy snack, was born in 1948. It was first created by Charles Elmer Doolin, who was the founder of the Frito-Lay company. Doolin wanted to create a new, innovative snack that would be irresistible to consumers. This led him to develop a unique production method where cornmeal was extruded, shaped, and fried to create a crunchy, cheesy treat.

1948

Creation of the Frito Company

In 1948, the Frito Company was founded by Charles Elmer Doolin. The company initially specialized in manufacturing corn chips, which were a popular snack at the time. Doolin had a vision of creating new and exciting snack foods to cater to the changing tastes of consumers.

1948

Crunchy beginnings

Cheetos was first created in 1948 by Charles Elmer Doolin, the founder of Frito-Lay. Doolin acquired a recipe from a local restaurant in San Antonio, Texas, for a crunchy corn snack and started experimenting with it in his kitchen. After much trial and error, he discovered the perfect combination of cornmeal, oil, and cheese that would become the basis for Cheetos.

1949

A cheesy debut

In 1949, Cheetos made its debut as 'Cheetos Crunchy Cheese Snacks'. The original Cheetos were made by extruding the cornmeal mixture through a machine known as the pellet press, which gave them their iconic tubular shape and crispy texture. These early Cheetos were dusted with a cheesy seasoning and quickly gained popularity for their unique taste and texture.

1971

The Arrival of CHEETOS Puffs

In 1971, Frito-Lay introduced a new variation of CHEETOS known as CHEETOS Puffs. These fluffy and light snacks won the hearts of consumers around the world. The process to make CHEETOS Puffs involves using hot air to puff the cornmeal mixture, creating a soft and airy texture.

1971

The Crunchy Cheetos Debut

The year 1971 witnessed the introduction of Crunchy Cheetos, a new variation of the beloved cheesy snack. Frito-Lay, the company founded by Charles Doolin, recognized the demand for a crunchier texture and successfully launched the iconic orange puff with a satisfying crunch, captivating snack lovers everywhere.

1948

Discovery of the Extrusion Process

During the same year, Doolin learned about an extrusion process used to make puffed cereal. This process involved forcing grains through a machine under high pressure and heat, which created a crunchy texture. Doolin saw the potential to apply this technique to snacks and began experimenting with various ingredients.

1948

Creation of the First Cheetos

In 1948, after many trials and experimentation, Doolin successfully created the first Cheetos. These crunchy, cheese-flavored snacks were made by extruding cornmeal dough into a shape resembling a cheese curl. Doolin believed he had an innovative and delicious snack that would appeal to consumers.

1971

Introducing the mascot

In 1971, Chester Cheetah, the cheetah mascot, was introduced to promote Cheetos. Created by marketing specialist Hawley Pratt, the slick and cool Chester Cheetah became an instant hit among consumers. Chester's catchphrase 'It ain't easy bein' cheesy' became synonymous with the brand and further solidified Cheetos' popularity.

1986

Flamin' Hot Cheetos Ignite Passion

In 1986, a janitor named Richard Montañez had a brilliant idea to spice things up. He dusted an ordinary bag of Cheetos with a homemade chili powder blend, creating the fiery sensation now known as Flamin' Hot Cheetos. Montañez's innovative twist on the classic snack quickly became a hit, paving the way for a line of bold and daring flavors.

1986

The Launch of CHEETOS Crunchy

The year 1986 marked the introduction of CHEETOS Crunchy. This variation featured a harder texture and a ridged shape, providing a satisfying crunch with every bite. CHEETOS Crunchy quickly became a favorite among snack enthusiasts for its addictive combination of crunchiness and cheesy flavor.

1992

Flamin' Hot CHEETOS - The Spicy Revolution

In 1992, Frito-Lay introduced a game-changer in the snack industry with the launch of Flamin' Hot CHEETOS. This fiery variation brought a spicy kick to the classic CHEETOS flavor, creating a sensation among consumers. Flamin' Hot CHEETOS quickly gained a devoted fan base and paved the way for various other spicy snack innovations.

1948

Making Cheetos Available to the Public

The Frito Company officially launched Cheetos in 1948, making them available to the public. Initially, Cheetos were only sold in the Texas region, but their popularity quickly spread, leading to nationwide distribution. The unique cheese flavor combined with the addictive crunchy texture made Cheetos a hit among snack lovers.

1992

Expansion into international markets

In 1992, Frito-Lay expanded Cheetos into international markets, bringing the cheesy snack to consumers worldwide. Cheetos quickly gained a global following and became a favorite snack in many countries. The brand introduced various flavors and variations to cater to the diverse taste preferences of different regions, further fueling its worldwide success.

2013

Mac 'n Cheese Cheetos Collaboration

2013 saw an unexpected and delicious partnership between Cheetos and another popular cheesy dish. For a limited time, Cheetos teamed up with Kraft to create Mac 'n Cheese Cheetos, combining the cheesy crunch of Cheetos with the creamy goodness of macaroni and cheese. This creative fusion captured the imagination of snack enthusiasts, proving that Cheetos can continue to innovate even after decades of success.

2006

The World's Longest CHEETOS Snack

In 2006, long-time CHEETOS fans attempted a fascinating feat. They embarked on the mission to create the world's longest CHEETOS snack, measuring over 4 feet in length! This impressive achievement showcased the popularity and creativity that CHEETOS has inspired among its dedicated fan base.

1971

Acquisition by PepsiCo

In 1971, the Frito Company, including the Cheetos brand, was acquired by PepsiCo. This acquisition further elevated the reach and popularity of Cheetos, allowing them to expand globally and become a household name. With the backing of PepsiCo, Cheetos gained access to extensive resources and marketing capabilities.

2010

Flamin' Hot phenomenon

One of the most significant moments in Cheetos' history came in 2010 with the introduction of Flamin' Hot Cheetos. These spicy snacks quickly developed a cult following, especially among younger generations. The success of Flamin' Hot Cheetos inspired a range of spin-off products and even led to the creation of Flamin' Hot Cheetos-inspired dishes in popular food culture.

1986

Introduction of Flamin' Hot Cheetos

In 1986, Cheetos introduced a game-changing addition to their product line: Flamin' Hot Cheetos. The spicy flavor instantly captivated consumers, especially those seeking bold and adventurous snacks. Flamin' Hot Cheetos quickly became a cultural phenomenon, with devoted fans and even inspiring creative recipes and innovative snack creations.

Present

Continued Innovation and Popularity

Cheetos has continued to innovate and introduce new flavors and variations over the years, including different shapes, sizes, and textures. The brand has extended its product line to include puffs, sticks, and even collaborations with other famous snack brands. Cheetos has become a cultural icon, frequently referenced in popular culture, and has a dedicated fan base worldwide.

Did you know?

Did you know that there is a Flamin' Hot Cheetos-themed restaurant in Los Angeles? That's right, the Flamin' Hot Spot served up all kinds of spicy Cheetos-infused dishes, from Flamin' Hot Cheetos tacos to Flamin' Hot Cheetos ice cream. Talk about a fiery food adventure!