Introduction
BBQ Doritos were a hugely popular flavor of Doritos tortilla chips that were available in the 1990s and early 2000s. Known for their smoky, tangy barbecue flavor and crunch, BBQ Doritos developed a cult following among chip enthusiasts. However, in the mid-2000s, BBQ Doritos were discontinued in the United States, much to the dismay of their many fans. So what exactly happened to BBQ Doritos, and why were they taken off the market?
The Rise in Popularity of BBQ Doritos
BBQ Doritos first debuted in the early 1990s as part of a new line of flavored Doritos being test marketed by Frito-Lay. The smoky barbecue flavor immediately stood out from other Doritos varieties and quickly became a fan favorite. By the mid-1990s, BBQ Doritos were available nationwide and had gained a reputation as one of the most bold and delicious flavors in the Doritos lineup.
Throughout the late 90s and early 2000s, BBQ Doritos cemented their status as a cult favorite snack. Their popularity stemmed from their addictive smoky, sweet, and tangy flavor profile that was unlike any other chip on the market. Fans loved the combination of barbecue seasoning with the signature crunch and triangle shape of Doritos. BBQ Doritos were a staple at parties and gatherings and also became popular as an everyday snack. Their uniqueness and strong fanbase made them one of Doritos’ standout flavors during this period.
The Discontinuation of BBQ Doritos
In 2004, Frito-Lay made the shocking announcement that they would be discontinuing BBQ Doritos in the United States. The decision was part of a plan to streamline their Doritos offerings and focus on fewer core flavors. Despite BBQ Doritos’ popularity, they were cut while more well-known flavors like Nacho Cheese and Cool Ranch remained on store shelves.
The discontinuation of BBQ Doritos left many fans disappointed and outraged. Sales figures suggest BBQ Doritos were still one of the better performing flavors at the time they were discontinued. However, Frito-Lay decided to move in a new marketing direction, phasing out cult favorites like BBQ in order to promote new experimental flavors which changed much more frequently.
The Failed Re-Release
In 2011, Frito-Lay decided to bring back BBQ Doritos for a limited time as part of a retro line of Doritos flavors. Fans rejoiced at the chance to enjoy this beloved flavor once again. However, the reviews of the relaunched BBQ Doritos were mixed. While some felt the flavor was just as good as they remembered, others complained that the new version was a let down. Many felt the relaunched BBQ Doritos had an artificial smoked taste compared to the original. This suggested that Frito-Lay had changed the recipe rather than simply bringing back the original flavor.
The limited time re-release of BBQ Doritos was considered unsuccessful. Frito-Lay did not choose to add the flavor back into the permanent Doritos lineup. After the retro promotional period ended, BBQ Doritos were taken off shelves once again much to the continued frustration of longtime fans.
Why BBQ Doritos Should Be Brought Back
There are several compelling reasons Frito-Lay should consider bringing back BBQ Doritos for good:
- Strong fanbase – BBQ Doritos have a dedicated fan following who would be thrilled and likely purchase in great quantities if the original flavor returned.
- Nostalgia appeal – Vintage flavors are very popular right now. BBQ Doritos would capitalize on nostalgia.
- Lack of comparable flavors – No other chips truly mimic the unique taste profile of original BBQ Doritos. Their return would fill a flavor gap in the snack market.
- Online demand – Petitions and online chains calling for the return of BBQ Doritos have illustrated there is still substantial demand.
- Goodwill generated – Bringing back such a beloved discontinued flavor would generate lots of positive press and goodwill for Frito-Lay.
Can a Petition Bring Them Back?
Perhaps the best hope for BBQ Doritos to return would be an effective online petition drive by fans. There are currently multiple petitions on websites like Change.org calling for Frito-Lay to resurrect BBQ Doritos that have collected thousands of signatures. However, a larger and more centralized petition that gains mainstream media attention would have a better chance at inspiring real action from Frito-Lay.
If fans were able to organize a massive viral petition that showed just how many people would purchase BBQ Doritos if they returned, Frito-Lay would have difficulty ignoring such concrete market research. Partnering the petition with a social media campaign using a hashtag like #BringBackBBQDoritos could help spread awareness and build momentum. Persistence and passion from fans may be the key to finally convincing Frito-Lay to reinstate this beloved tortilla chip flavor.
Conclusion
BBQ Doritos developed a huge fan following in the 90s and early 2000s with their signature sweet and smoky barbecue flavor. However, they were discontinued in 2004 despite their popularity, disappointing many loyal fans. A limited time re-release in 2011 gave people hope, but the new recipe failed to live up to expectations. Frito-Lay has yet to bring BBQ Doritos back for good, but strong nostalgia and online demand give hope that these cult favorite chips may one day return to store shelves in their original untampered form. A big enough outcry from fans may finally compel Frito-Lay to correct their controversial decision and bring back this unique and much-missed Doritos flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
When were BBQ Doritos first introduced?
BBQ Doritos first debuted in the early 1990s as part of a new line of flavored Doritos test marketed by Frito-Lay. The smoky barbecue flavor quickly became a fan favorite.
Why did Frito-Lay discontinue BBQ Doritos in 2004?
Frito-Lay discontinued BBQ Doritos in 2004 as part of a plan to streamline their Doritos flavors and focus only on their core product line. BBQ Doritos were cut despite still being popular at the time.
How were the re-released BBQ Doritos different?
When BBQ Doritos briefly returned in 2011, many fans complained the flavor was different, likely due to a changed recipe. The new version had an artificial smoked taste compared to the original.
Where can you find petitions to bring back BBQ Doritos?
There are currently petitions on websites like Change.org with thousands of signatures calling for Frito-Lay to bring back original BBQ Doritos. A larger viral petition could help convince Frito-Lay.
Why should Frito-Lay bring BBQ Doritos back permanently?
Reasons to bring back BBQ Doritos include strong nostalgia appeal, lack of comparable chip flavors, and concrete online demand and petitions illustrating people would purchase them.