Frito-Lay’s BBQ flavored corn chips, known as BBQ Fritos, have been a popular snack in the United States for decades. With their sweet and smoky barbecue flavor, these crunchy chips are a favorite for BBQ lovers and chip enthusiasts alike. But where can you buy BBQ Fritos if you are craving that distinctive barbecue taste? This guide will give you all the information on where you can find and purchase this iconic snack.
What Are BBQ Fritos?
BBQ Fritos are a variety of Frito-Lay’s classic Fritos corn chips that are seasoned with a sweet and tangy barbecue flavor. Fritos date back to 1932, when Charles Elmer Doolin began selling packages of fried corn chips out of his San Antonio, Texas retail store. Over the years, Fritos grew into one of America’s favorite snack foods.
Fritos come in a number of flavors, but the BBQ variety has one of the most popular and recognizable flavors. BBQ Fritos have the same crunch and corn taste as original Fritos, but they are coated with sweet, smoky, and slightly spicy seasoning that replicates the taste of barbecue sauce. A key ingredient in the BBQ seasoning is molasses, which provides its characteristic sticky-sweetness.
BBQ Fritos have been around since the late 1960s. Over the decades, they have become a standard on convenience store shelves, vending machines, and grocery aisles. They are great for everything from snacking to making unique recipes. The versatility and bold flavor of BBQ Fritos have earned them a passionate fanbase.
Where To Buy BBQ Fritos
BBQ Fritos can be purchased at most stores that sell chips, snacks, and other packaged foods. Here are some of the best places to buy BBQ Fritos:
Grocery Stores
Grocery stores almost always carry BBQ Fritos in the chip aisle. Look for them alongside other Frito-Lay products and national brand chips. The most likely places to find them include:
- Supermarkets – Major chains like Kroger, Safeway, Publix, H-E-B, etc will have BBQ Fritos in stock. Check near the potato chips.
- Warehouse clubs – BJ’s, Costco, Sam’s Club sell them in larger, bulk packages.
- Convenience stores – Wawa, QuikTrip, 7-Eleven, Casey’s General Store, and other convenience chains sell individual bags.
- Ethnic markets – Mexican, Asian, and international markets frequently stock Fritos in their snack selection.
- Drug stores/pharmacies – Rite Aid, CVS, and Walgreens often carry Fritos near the checkout.
- Dollar stores – Dollar General, Family Dollar, and Dollar Tree sell snacks like BBQ Fritos at a discount.
If your regular grocery store doesn’t have BBQ Fritos, you can ask them to order some or switch to a location that carries a better chip selection.
Mass Merchandisers
Retailers like Walmart and Target dedicate whole aisles just to chips, dips, pretzels, and similar snacks. Be sure to seek out BBQ Fritos in the following areas of the store:
- Chips and pretzels – Finds Fritos here alongside other name brand snacks.
- Vending machines – Retailers often stock vending machines with popular Frito-Lay products.
- Impulse buy sections – Displays next to registers frequently feature snacks.
The selection and prices might vary between individual stores. Check availability online through services like grocery pickup if Fritos run out in-store.
Convenience Stores and Gas Stations
Convenience stores, gas stations, truck stops, and travel centers rely on satisfying people’s cravings for snacks like BBQ Fritos. The best places to check include:
- Main chips rack – Look on shelves near the soda fountains and refrigerators.
- Counter display – High-traffic stores might keep chips right by the registers.
- Vending machines – BBQ Fritos are a go-to vending machine item.
- Travel centers – Large highway rest stops and truck stops sell Fritos.
Frito-Lay stocks its best-selling items like BBQ Fritos at convenience chains. Calling ahead about inventory might save an extra trip if they are sold out.
Online Retailers
When stores near you are out of BBQ Fritos, turn to online snack retailers. Buying BBQ Fritos online provides the most options for quantity, price, and convenience:
- Amazon – Get Fritos shipped in bulk through services like Subscribe & Save. Prime members get fast shipping.
- Frito-Lay Store – The official Frito-Lay online shop has variety packs and bulk deals.
- Walmart – Walmart.com has in-store prices for grocery pickup or delivery.
- Snack crate subscriptions – Monthly snack boxes like Bokksu include limited edition Fritos.
- eBay – Find people reselling hard-to-find flavors of Fritos.
Compare online seller ratings, shipping costs, and delivery times to get the best deal on sites like Instacart and Boxed.
Buying BBQ Fritos in Grocery Stores
Grocery stores are the most convenient and affordable place to buy BBQ Fritos, especially when you are doing your regular shopping. Here are some tips for finding and choosing BBQ Fritos on your next trip down the chip aisle:
Check the Chips and Snacks Aisle
Head to the potato chip displays, which often have neighboring shelves for corn chips like Fritos. BBQ Fritos come in bright red packaging that stands out from other flavors. If you don’t see them, ask an employee to check for stock in their storage area.
Look for Sales or Coupons
Grocery stores regularly discount snack items like BBQ Fritos or include them in weekly promotions. Load digital coupons from apps or circulars to save money. Combining a coupon with a buy one, get one free deal maximizes your savings.
Compare Brands and Flavors
BBQ might compete for shelf space with other Frito-Lay flavors or versions from store brands. Pay attention to net weight and price per ounce when comparing relative value. Opt for the largest package of original BBQ Fritos that fits your budget and needs.
Inspect for Freshness
Avoid expired or stale bags by checking manufacturing and sell-by dates. Select packages from the back that have farthest-out dates. Make sure bags are sealed and not damaged, which could cause the chips to be stale.
Buy Multiples at Once
Buying 2-3 bags rather than individual portions can provide better per-bag pricing. Stock up when BBQ Fritos go on sale so you always have some on hand for snacks. Just be sure to store unopened extras in a pantry or cupboard.
Use Self Check-Out
Skip the line and grab a quick snack by using self check-out lanes. Many have an express lane for customers buying fewer than 10-15 items that’s perfect for a single bag of chips.
With the right approach, your grocery store can satisfy all your BBQ Fritos cravings on any budget.
Finding BBQ Fritos at Walmart
Walmart’s huge selection of chips and famous low prices make it a prime destination for buying BBQ Fritos. Follow these tips on your search for Fritos at Walmart:
Head to the Snack Aisle
Walmart stores put snacks like Fritos together in a dedicated aisle rather than scattering them throughout. Seek out displays with names like “Frito-Lay” or signs pointing to the chip section.
Check Endcaps and Displays
Endcaps on aisles and special displays often highlight deals or new products. Look for BBQ Fritos as a featured item. These areas tend to get more frequent stocking than shelves.
Compare Sizes and Prices
Walmart sells BBQ Fritos in variety pack bundles, bulk canisters, standard bags, and single-serve portions. Factor in cost per ounce and quantity you will realistically use when deciding best value.
Look High and Low
The most visible shelf space goes to top sellers, with less popular flavors on higher and lower shelves. You may find BBQ Fritos above or below eye level if they aren’t a top regional seller.
Ask for Help Finding It
Employees have scanners that let them quickly lookup if BBQ Fritos are in stock and exactly where. Don’t spend too much time searching if you can’t locate them easily.
Order Online for Pickup or Delivery
Walmart.com shows in-store pricing and availability for grocery items. Order BBQ Fritos online to skip the trip inside or utilize grocery delivery if offered in your area.
Between rollbacks on pricing and constant restocking, you should never have an issue satisfying cravings for BBQ Fritos thanks to Walmart.
Purchasing BBQ Fritos Online
When local stores are out of BBQ Fritos, purchasing them through online retailers offers maximum selection and convenience:
Shop Frito-Lay Directly
The Frito-Lay online store ships Fritos straight from their warehouses. Opt for one-time orders or recurring monthly subscription boxes.
Visit Snack Seller Websites
Online snack specialty shops have entire sections dedicated to Frito-Lay chips. Check SnackCrate, SnackMagic, and The Snackist.
Find Listings on eBay and Amazon
Sellers on eBay and Amazon Marketplace let you buy hard-to-find Fritos flavors from around the country. Check seller ratings before purchasing.
Enable Auto-Delivery on Amazon
Amazon Prime members can get automatic, scheduled deliveries of pantry staples like BBQ Fritos through services like Amazon Subscribe & Save. Discounts apply to recurring deliveries.
Use Grocery Pickup/Delivery
Major chains like Walmart, Kroger, and Albertsons deliver Fritos or have in-store pickup when you order online. This prevents sold-out surprises at physical stores.
Buying online means you can stock up on BBQ Fritos without having to search multiple stores.
Where to Buy Single Serve & Portable BBQ Fritos
BBQ Fritos also come in convenient single-serve and portable packages for enjoying on-the-go:
Check Gas Station Shelves
Gas stations stock 1 oz. and 2 oz. bags of Fritos perfect for a quick snack and road trips. These are by the register.
Look in Vending Machines
Frito-Lay keeps its vending machines stocked with popular individual-size Fritos ranging from 1-2 ounces per bag.
Seek Out Multipacks
Walmart and Frito-Lay sell multi-packs with numerous small tear-open bags of BBQ Fritos perfect for lunch boxes.
Order From Snack Box Companies
Monthly snack box subscriptions provide portable packages of Fritos along with other munchies in each shipment.
Buy Lunch Packs
Frito-Lay makes combo Lunch Packs with chips, a dipping sauce, and Rold Gold pretzels for a balanced on-the-go meal.
Purchase Disposable Bowls
Fun sauces like Fritos Chili Cheese Fix turn chips into dips, while disposable bowls make snacking cleaner.
With the right individual packages and accessories, BBQ Fritos can be enjoyed anywhere from road trips to sporting events.
Best Practices for Choosing Fresh BBQ Fritos
To enjoy BBQ Fritos at peak freshness, implement strategies like:
- Inspect packaging – Avoid bags that are damaged or already opened, which exposes chips to air.
- Check manufacturing dates – Select newer bags from the back rather than older ones up front that might be stale.
- Feel the crunch – Gently squeeze bags to ensure the chips still have a crisp texture and haven’t gone soft.
- Review appearance – Bags shouldn’t contain broken chip pieces or powdery residue indicating staleness.
- Shop high-turnover locations – Buy from major retailers and chains where inventory moves quickly for freshest snacks.
- Buy only what you need – Resist overstocking more than you can eat within a month or two before Fritos lose their crunch.
- Store properly – Once open, keep BBQ Fritos in a sealed container or bag to maintain freshness between snacks.
With a few smart shopping strategies, you can avoid stale chips and always enjoy BBQ Fritos at their peak deliciousness.
Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Fritos
Finding where to buy BBQ Fritos easily and affordably leads to some common questions:
Are BBQ Fritos healthy?
No, BBQ Fritos are considered a junk food with little nutritional value. A 1 oz bag contains 160 calories, 130 mg of sodium, and up to 8 grams of fat. They lack vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein. Moderation is key.
Why can I sometimes not find BBQ Fritos?
Regional popularity determines production and distribution. BBQ might sell out fast in high-demand areas. New shipments arrive around once a week at major retailers. Ask employees when they expect more stock.
Do I have to go to a Frito-Lay factory store to buy in bulk?
No, many regular retailers like Sam’s Club sell 20 oz tubs and variety packs for snacking savings. But factory stores do offer even larger bulk sizes.
Can I make my own BBQ Fritos at home?
Yes, there are homemade recipes that replicate the seasoning by coating plain corn chips with a mixture of spices, sugar, molasses, onion powder, chili powder, garlic powder, liquid smoke, and other ingredients.
How long do leftover open bags stay fresh?
Around 2-3 weeks if tightly sealed in original bag or an airtight container. Staleness happens faster in humid environments. Refrigeration can slightly prolong freshness as well compared to room temperature storage.
History of BBQ Fritos
BBQ Fritos have been around for over 50 years, though Fritos trace their origins back to the 1930s:
- 1932 – Charles Elmer Doolin begins selling packaged fried corn chips in San Antonio, TX.
- 1961 – Frito Company officially merges with H.W. Lay & Company to form Frito-Lay, Inc.
- Late 1960s – BBQ flavor introduced along with other new flavors beyond original salted Fritos.
- 2009 – Release of limited edition “Pizza Cravers” line that includes Zesty Pizza BBQ Fritos.
- 2013 – Frito-Lay quietly discontinued BBQ Fritos for a period of 2 years.
- 2015 – BBQ flavor returned by popular demand as a permanent Fritos variety once again.
- 2021 – Current BBQ seasoning recipe tweaked, reducing sodium content.
Part of Fritos’ appeal has always been the variety of flavors beyond the classic original that snackers crave. For BBQ fans, the sweet smoky zing of BBQ Fritos has made them stand out on store shelves for over 50 years.
Summary
BBQ Fritos offer a uniquely sweet, sticky, and smoky flavor in a crunchy corn chip. This tasty snack can be found at most major grocery stores, mass retailers like Walmart, convenience stores, and online snack sites. When you get a craving for that barbecue taste, look for BBQ Fritos on the chip aisle or order online from Frito-Lay for fast delivery. Stick to checking expiration dates and proper storage once open so you can enjoy every bite of this beloved snack.