Frito-Lay’s BBQ Fritos were a beloved snack food in the 1990s and early 2000s, featuring the classic Fritos corn chip with a sweet and tangy barbecue flavor coating. However, over the past decade or so, BBQ Fritos have become increasingly hard to find on store shelves, leaving fans of the snack wondering – what happened to BBQ Fritos?
The Discontinuation of BBQ Fritos
In approximately 2008, Frito-Lay made the decision to discontinue BBQ Fritos and remove them from their product lineup. The exact reasons are unclear, but it appears to have been a strategic business move to streamline their offerings and focus on their more popular and profitable snack brands.
Discontinuing products is common practice for food companies. As tastes change and sales decline, they reevaluate their portfolios and cut slower-selling items. Given the crowded salty snack market, Frito-Lay likely felt BBQ Fritos were expendable when faced with stagnating or declining sales.
Why BBQ Fritos Were Likely Discontinued
While snack food companies don’t publicly share their reasoning, there are some likely factors that led to BBQ Fritos being discontinued:
- Declining popularity – BBQ flavors became less trendy in the 2000s compared to spicier flavors. BBQ Fritos didn’t fit consumer flavor preferences as well.
- Cannibalization of other brands – BBQ Fritos possibly competed too directly with Frito-Lay’s other BBQ-flavored products.
- Production costs – Discontinuing BBQ Fritos allowed Frito-Lay to focus production on their core brands.
- Shelf space limitations – Retailers have limited shelf space and likely preferred allotting it to stronger-selling Frito-Lay brands.
The Cult Following Since Discontinuation
While BBQ Fritos were removed from mainstream production, they have retained a cult following who reminisce about the snack’s smoky, sweet and salty flavor. Fond memories of enjoying BBQ Fritos have left some fans longing for their return.
There are numerous online petitions and Facebook groups dedicated to bringing BBQ Fritos back. Many who stocked up on leftover packages sold on sites like eBay have also complained of skyrocketing prices from other nostalgic fans.
This enduring appreciation more than a decade after their discontinuation demonstrates how beloved BBQ Fritos were in their heyday. For certain snack food aficionados, the unique BBQ seasoning gave Fritos an addictive quality that standard Fritos chips simply can’t replicate.
The Occasional Limited-Time Returns
While BBQ Fritos are no longer in ongoing production, Frito-Lay has occasionally brought the flavor back for limited promotional runs.
In 2010 and 2011, BBQ Fritos were available for a limited time to coincide with summer grilling season. They were sold as a specialty flavor at select retailers.
A few years later in 2015, Frito-Lay released a “Retro Grab Bags” promotion that included BBQ Fritos along with other discontinued classics like Nacho Cheese Doritos and Ranch Tostitos. This was marketed as a fun, nostalgic sampling for fans of the retro flavors.
Most recently in 2018, BBQ Fritos were again available in limited quantities at Dollar General stores during summer months. Customers could enjoy the BBQ twang once more, though only for a brief time.
So while not permanently on shelves, Frito-Lay throws BBQ Fritos diehards a bone now and then by bringing the flavor back for promotions. But when supplies run out, fans are left scouring the internet and desperately hoping BBQ Fritos will someday return for good.
Why BBQ Fritos Should Make a Permanent Comeback
There are several compelling reasons why BBQ Fritos deserve more than just occasional limited-batch runs and should be resurrected permanently:
- Fan demand – Judging by online petitions and discussion, there is still sizable demand from consumers who miss this snack. Loyal fans would enthusiastically support an ongoing production run.
- Nostalgia appeal – Capitalizing on nostalgia is big business nowadays. BBQ Fritos have a throwback appeal that would attract Gen Xers and Millennials who fondly remember them.
- No comparable substitute – No other Frito-Lay product truly replicates the smoky BBQ flavor of BBQ Fritos. Fans don’t see other BBQ chips as adequate replacements.
- Summer favorite – BBQ seasonality was part of the original marketing. BBQ Fritos are viewed by many as an ideal summer snack for BBQs, picnics, road trips, etc.
- Versatile flavor – Tangy BBQ seasoning gives Fritos broad appeal as both a standalone snack and a popular chip for homemade dips.
- Distinctive product – In a sea of similar snack foods, BBQ Fritos stand out as something unique. Resurrecting them would add diversity to Frito-Lay’s portfolio.
What It Will Take to Bring Back BBQ Fritos for Good
If fan demand is loud enough, there is hope Frito-Lay might consider a permanent return of BBQ Fritos. Here is what it would likely take:
- Strong sales of limited runs – Success of small batches would display lucrative demand exists and a full production run is warranted.
- Online and social media campaigns – Viral customer campaigns demanding BBQ Fritos’ return could persuade Frito-Lay marketing teams.
- Calling/emailing Frito-Lay – Direct customer outreach expressing interest could help Frito-Lay see the demand.
- Petitions to retailers – Getting stores like Kroger and Walmart to petition Frito-Lay on behalf of customers they see longing for BBQ Fritos.
- Nostalgia factor – Frito-Lay embracing consumer nostalgia trends and reviving retro products to tap into Gen X/Millennial markets.
The Future Possibilities for BBQ Fritos
If BBQ Fritos were to make a permanent comeback, either in their original form or with some minor tweaks, several outcomes seem feasible:
- BBQ Fritos rejoin the everyday Frito-Lay product line in stores nationwide
- BBQ Fritos become a recurring seasonal summer offering
- BBQ Fritos are sold as a specialty flavor at select retailers
- BBQ Fritos are primarily marketed online via sites like Amazon as a nostalgic specialty item
- A “Made to Order” program where BBQ Fritos are produced in limited batches based on customer requests
No matter what the future may hold, BBQ Fritos maintain a special nostalgia and appeal years after being taken off the market. Here’s hoping the “King of the Corn Chips” reclaims its sweet and smoky BBQ throne once more!
Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Fritos
When exactly were BBQ Fritos discontinued?
BBQ Fritos were phased out around 2008, give or take a year or so, by Frito-Lay with the last major nationwide production run appearing to be around that timeframe.
Where can I still find BBQ Fritos today if I want to try them?
Your only options are limited-time releases like dollar stores, searching secondhand sites like eBay, or possibly finding old, expired stock at some small independent retailers. But ongoing everyday production has ceased.
Why can’t I just make my own BBQ flavored Fritos at home?
You can certainly try to mimic BBQ Fritos by seasoning regular Fritos with mixtures of brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika etc. But recreating the exact proprietary blend of smoky, sweet and spicy flavors is virtually impossible at home.
Are there any plans to bring back BBQ Fritos that have been publicly announced?
Nothing definitive has been announced by Frito-Lay yet. Limited summer releases at select locations indicate they know customer demand is still there, but no permanent plans have been shared publicly.
What’s the best way I can voice my demand if I want BBQ Fritos back full time?
Writing directly to Frito-Lay via online forms, emails, and social media is your best bet. Customers demonstrating there is still avid demand for the flavor can go a long way toward a company reconsidering a discontinued product.
Conclusion
BBQ Fritos were a one-of-a-kind BBQ twist on a classic corn chip that amassed a dedicated fanbase during their 1990s and early 2000s heyday. Although sadly discontinued around 2008, BBQ Fritos live on in the memories of snack food aficionados who still clamor for their return after all these years. periodic limited-time comebacks have only teased devotees and intensified demand. Only time will tell if their passionate following is enough to fully revive this sweet, smoky and tangy snack legend. One thing is certain – for those who experienced their signature flavor in the past, no other BBQ chip has come close to replacing the mighty BBQ Fritos.