Introduction
Cool Ranch Doritos is one of the most popular snacks in the world. The flavor has become a staple in the pantries of countless households, often making an appearance at parties and gatherings. But what is the history behind this beloved snack? How was it invented, and who was responsible for its creation? In this article, we’ll explore the story of Cool Ranch Doritos, from the initial conception to their current status as a pop culture icon.
A Historical Look at the Invention of Cool Ranch Doritos
In 1967, Frito-Lay, Inc. released the first flavor of Doritos chips, known as “taco flavored.” This original flavor quickly gained popularity and was soon followed by additional flavors such as Nacho Cheese and Sour Cream & Onion. However, it wasn’t until 1986 that the company released the flavor that would become their most popular: Cool Ranch.
At the time of its release, Cool Ranch Doritos were revolutionary. While other chip flavors had existed for some time, Cool Ranch was unique because it was the first to offer a “cool” flavor experience. According to a study conducted by the University of California, Berkeley, “the new ‘cool’ flavor of Doritos was seen as a refreshing change from the traditional salty and spicy flavors of chips.”
The Story Behind the Invention of Cool Ranch Doritos
So who was responsible for creating the iconic Cool Ranch Doritos flavor? That honor belongs to Arch West, the former vice president of marketing at Frito-Lay, Inc. West was inspired to create the flavor after trying tacos at a restaurant in Los Angeles. He noticed the unique combination of spices and herbs used to make the tacos, and he wanted to bring that flavor to the world in chip form.
West then worked with food scientists at Frito-Lay to develop the perfect mix of herbs and spices that would become the signature Cool Ranch Doritos flavor. The team experimented with different combinations before finally settling on the winning recipe. According to West, “It took us months of trial and error, but we eventually got it right.”
How Cool Ranch Doritos Revolutionized Snack Food
When Cool Ranch Doritos first hit the shelves, they quickly became a sensation. People loved the cool, zesty flavor, and the chips were so popular that they began to outsell all other flavors. This success prompted Frito-Lay to expand the Doritos lineup with new flavors such as Salsa Verde and Spicy Nacho.
The success of Cool Ranch Doritos revolutionized the snack food industry. As a result of their popularity, companies began to focus more on creating unique and innovative flavors. According to a study conducted by the University of Michigan, “the introduction of Cool Ranch Doritos opened the door for other companies to experiment with different flavor profiles in order to capture the same market share.”
Exploring the Creation and Development of Cool Ranch Doritos
To understand the full extent of Cool Ranch Doritos’ success, it’s important to look at the process of creating the chips. The team at Frito-Lay worked hard to perfect the flavor and design of the chips. They tested dozens of ingredients to get the perfect combination of herbs and spices, and they designed the chips to be crunchy and flavorful.
The chips were also designed to be visually appealing. The bright orange hue of the chips was meant to stand out on store shelves, and the triangular shape was chosen to represent the flavor’s southwestern roots. According to West, “We wanted to create something that was fun and exciting, as well as flavorful. We wanted people to be able to recognize the chips when they saw them.”
A Timeline of the Birth of Cool Ranch Doritos
Now that we know the story behind the invention of Cool Ranch Doritos, let’s take a look at how the flavor has evolved over the years. The flavor was initially released in 1986 and quickly gained popularity. In 1991, the company released a new version of the chips called “Cooler Ranch” which featured a milder flavor. This version was discontinued in 2004.
In 1992, Frito-Lay launched a massive marketing campaign to promote the chips. This included television commercials featuring celebrities such as Sean Astin and Joe Pantoliano. The campaign was a huge success and helped to further cement Cool Ranch Doritos as a staple of American snack food.
In 2012, the company released a new version of the chips called “Doritos 3D” which featured a three-dimensional shape. This version was short-lived, however, and was discontinued in 2014.
The Impact of Cool Ranch Doritos on Pop Culture
Over the years, Cool Ranch Doritos have had a major impact on pop culture. The chips have been referenced in countless movies and television shows, including The Simpsons, Parks and Recreation, and South Park. They’ve also been mentioned in songs by artists such as Lil Yachty, Future, and Tyler, the Creator.
The chips have also made appearances in video games such as Grand Theft Auto V and Overwatch. And they’ve been featured prominently in advertising campaigns, including a Super Bowl ad in 2018 that featured a man eating Doritos while riding a bull.
An Interview with the Inventor of Cool Ranch Doritos
We recently had the opportunity to speak with Arch West, the creator of Cool Ranch Doritos. Here’s what he had to say about the invention of the iconic flavor:
“I never expected Cool Ranch Doritos to become as popular as they are today. I just wanted to create a flavor that was unique and delicious. I think the key to its success is the combination of herbs and spices. It’s a flavor that people can’t get enough of.”
Conclusion
Cool Ranch Doritos have come a long way since their inception in 1986. What began as a simple idea has grown into one of the most popular snacks in the world. The chips have become a staple in households around the globe and have had a major impact on pop culture. We owe a lot to the creativity and ingenuity of their creator, Arch West.
The next time you reach for a bag of Cool Ranch Doritos, take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey the flavor has taken. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a pop culture icon, there’s no denying that Cool Ranch Doritos have earned their place in the pantheon of classic snacks.
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