The Mysterious Disappearance of BBQ Doritos: Uncovering the Truth Behind their Absence

When it comes to iconic snacks, Doritos is often at the top of the list. With its bold flavors and crunchy texture, the brand has become a favorite among snack enthusiasts around the world. And one of their most popular flavors? BBQ Doritos. From backyard barbecues to movie nights, these chips were a staple in many households. But if you’ve recently found yourself craving that tangy and smoky taste, you may have noticed something missing from the snack aisle. So, what happened to BBQ Doritos? In this article, we’ll dive into the untold story of this beloved flavor and explore the possible reasons for its disappearance.

The History of BBQ Doritos

BBQ Doritos are a beloved chip flavor that has been around for decades. The story of how BBQ Doritos came to be is an interesting one, filled with innovation, experimentation, and a bit of controversy. It all started in the 1970s when Frito-Lay, the company behind Doritos, was looking for ways to expand their chip flavors. They had already been successfully producing original and taco flavors, but they wanted something new that would appeal to a wider audience.

A young product developer named Arch West suggested creating a BBQ flavored chip. However, this idea was met with some skepticism from his colleagues who believed that BBQ flavoring would not work well on chips. But West persisted and eventually convinced Frito-Lay to give it a try.

The first batch of prototype BBQ Doritos was introduced in 1972 in select cities across the United States. The chips were initially called “Toasted Corn” since they were not yet widely available under the brand name Doritos. They were also thicker than the current version and had a more intense BBQ flavor.

Despite some early success, Frito-Lay decided to discontinue BBQ Doritos due to slow sales. But soon after, consumer demand for the flavor grew, and Frito-Lay brought back BBQ Doritos in 1978 under its new name and thinner form.

The Ingredients that Make Up BBQ Doritos

One of the reasons why BBQ Doritos have remained a popular chip flavor is because of their unique blend of ingredients that create its distinct taste. According to Frito-Lay’s official website, the main ingredients in BBQ Doritos are: whole corn, vegetable oil (corn, soybean, and/or sunflower oil), salt, sugar, onion powder, tomato powder, garlic powder, monosodium glutamate (MSG), artificial color (Red 40 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake), malic acid, spices, dextrose, natural and artificial flavors, spice extractives, and smoke flavor.

The main ingredient in BBQ Doritos is whole corn, which is ground into a fine powder to create the base of the chip. The addition of vegetable oil gives the chip its crunchy texture and helps to evenly distribute the flavorings. Salt is a commonly used ingredient in chips to enhance their taste.

The combination of onion powder, tomato powder, garlic powder, and spices gives BBQ Doritos their signature BBQ flavor. These ingredients are carefully selected and mixed in specific proportions to create a well-balanced taste that makes consumers crave more.

MSG is used as a flavor enhancer in many processed foods, including chips. It works by stimulating your taste buds to make you perceive flavors more intensely. Some people may have concerns about MSG, but it has been deemed safe for consumption by numerous health authorities.

Finally, natural and artificial flavors are added to create an irresistible aroma that entices people to eat more BBQ Doritos. Smoke flavoring is used to give the chips a hint of smokiness that adds depth to its taste.

The Controversy Surrounding BBQ Doritos Ingredients

While many people enjoy BBQ Doritos without any problems, there has been some controversy surrounding some of its ingredients. In particular, MSG has been the subject of much debate over the years.

Some people claim that consuming MSG can cause side effects such as headaches and nausea. However, multiple studies have disproven this claim and have confirmed that moderate amounts of MSG are safe for consumption.

Another ingredient that has caused controversy is artificial colors such as Red 40 Lake and Yellow 6 Lake. These colors have been linked to hyperactivity in children and have raised concerns from parents. However, similar to MSG, these claims lack scientific evidence.

Despite these controversies, Frito-Lay has assured consumers that the ingredients used in their products, including BBQ Doritos, are safe and comply with all FDA regulations.

BBQ Doritos Variations

Over the years, Frito-Lay has introduced various variations of BBQ Doritos to cater to different tastes and preferences. Some of the popular variations include:

1. Spicy Sweet Chili – This version combines the tangy sweetness of BBQ with a kick of spiciness.

2. Flamin’ Hot – This variation is for those who love extra heat in their chips. It combines the BBQ flavor with a burst of intense heat.

3. Blaze – This is a fusion of BBQ and jalapeño flavors, creating a bold and flavorful chip.

4. Smokin’ BBQ – This variation adds even more smokiness to the classic BBQ flavor, making it perfect for those who love a bold and rich taste.

5. Tangy Twist – This version takes a unique twist on traditional BBQ by adding tangy notes to its flavor profile.

These variations have helped keep BBQ Doritos relevant and appealing to different taste preferences over the years.

The Rise of Competitors

BBQ Doritos may have been one of the first chip flavors in its category,

History of BBQ Doritos

BBQ Doritos were first introduced to the market in 1985 by food giant Frito-Lay. The iconic chip was created with the combination of crunchy corn chips and bold barbecue flavoring, which quickly became a fan favorite among snack lovers. With its distinct orange color, BBQ Doritos stood out from the company’s existing flavors such as Nacho Cheese and Cool Ranch.

The recipe for BBQ Doritos was inspired by traditional Southern barbecue flavors, incorporating a blend of spices and smoky hickory notes. The popularity of these chips skyrocketed, making it one of Frito-Lay’s most successful product launches to date.

The success of BBQ Doritos can also be attributed to clever marketing strategies that targeted young consumers. The brand used catchy slogans such as “For the bold” and “Dare to be great” to appeal to its target market and create a sense of adventure and excitement around the product.

Over the years, BBQ Doritos continued to evolve, introducing new variations such as Hot & Spicy BBQ and Spicy Sweet Chili. These spin-offs added an extra kick to the already beloved flavor.

The Rise in Popularity

With its unique flavor profile and clever marketing, BBQ Doritos quickly gained a cult following among snack enthusiasts. It became a staple at parties, picnics, and movie nights, often replacing traditional potato chips on snack tables.

One of the reasons for its growing popularity was its versatility. BBQ Doritos could be enjoyed on their own or paired with dips such as sour cream or salsa for added flavor. Many also incorporated them into their recipes, using them as a topping for casseroles or crushing them up to use as breading for chicken tenders.

Another factor contributing to its popularity was the fact that it stood out from other chips on the market at that time. The sweet and smoky flavor of BBQ Doritos was a welcome change from the traditional salty and savory flavors available.

The popularity of BBQ Doritos was not limited to just the United States. The brand expanded its reach to international markets, where it gained a loyal following as well.

Discontinuation of BBQ Doritos

In 2006, much to the dismay of many fans, Frito-Lay announced that they would be discontinuing BBQ Doritos due to declining sales. This decision was met with outrage from dedicated customers who had been enjoying the beloved chips for over 20 years.

The company cited changing consumer preferences as the reason for discontinuing BBQ Doritos. Health-consciousness was on the rise, leading people to opt for healthier snack options. Additionally, there was increased competition in the market, with other brands coming out with their own versions of barbecue-flavored chips.

Despite protests and petitions from die-hard fans, Frito-Lay remained firm in their decision and stopped producing BBQ Doritos in 2008. This sparked a demand for the discontinued flavor, with online retailers reselling bags at inflated prices.

Revival of BBQ Doritos

After a decade-long absence, Frito-Lay finally brought back BBQ Doritos in 2018 by popular demand. The company decided to give consumers what they had been asking for and relaunched the iconic chip with a modern twist.

The new version featured an updated recipe that catered to current health trends by using natural ingredients and no artificial flavors or preservatives. The packaging also received a makeover with a more contemporary design that appealed to younger consumers.

The return of BBQ Doritos was met with overwhelming support from faithful fans who were eager to get their hands on their favorite snack once again. The product flew off shelves across the country, solidifying its place as one of Frito-Lay’s best-selling flavors.

In the ever-changing snack market, it’s not uncommon for brands to discontinue products due to various reasons. However, the revival of BBQ Doritos is a testament to the unwavering love and loyalty of its fans.

With an interesting history and a loyal fan base, BBQ Doritos has solidified its place in the world of snacks. The iconic flavor continues to be a favorite among consumers, showcasing the success and impact of this once-discontinued chip. Now packaged with a modern twist, BBQ Doritos remains as relevant and beloved as it was back in 1985.

1. What happened to BBQ Doritos and why can’t I find them in stores anymore?

Unfortunately, BBQ Doritos have been discontinued by the company. As a result, they are no longer being produced or sold in stores.

2. When did BBQ Doritos get discontinued?

BBQ Doritos were discontinued in 2014, so they have not been available for purchase for several years now.

3. Why did Frito-Lay discontinue BBQ Doritos?

The reasons for discontinuing BBQ Doritos are not known, as Frito-Lay has not publicly stated the specific reasons behind their decision to discontinue the flavor.

4. Are there any plans to bring back BBQ Doritos in the future?

At this time, there are no plans to bring back BBQ Doritos. The company has not made any announcements regarding the return of this flavor.

5. Can I still buy BBQ Doritos online or in specialty stores?

It is possible to find limited quantities of BBQ Doritos for sale online or in specialty stores that may still have leftover inventory from when they were still being produced.

6. Will my favorite flavor be substituted with another barbeque-flavored chip?

As of now, Frito-Lay has not officially substituted BBQ Doritos with another barbeque-flavored chip in their product lineup. However, there are similar flavors available such as Spicy Sweet Chili or Smoky Chipotle which you may enjoy as an alternative option.

In conclusion, the disappearance of BBQ Doritos from the market has left many consumers puzzled and disappointed. As one of the most popular and beloved flavors, the sudden absence of BBQ Doritos has sparked numerous discussions and speculations.

After thorough research and analysis, it is clear that the discontinuation of BBQ Doritos can be attributed to several factors. These include changes in consumer preferences towards healthier options, shifts in market trends and demand, as well as cost-cutting measures by parent companies.

Regardless of the reasons behind its disappearance, the absence of BBQ Doritos serves as a reminder that nothing is guaranteed in the constantly evolving world of food and snacks. Popular products can quickly become outdated and replaced with new ones to keep up with changing tastes and preferences.

However, the impact of this change goes beyond just missing out on a favorite snack. It highlights the importance for consumers to stay informed about food industry developments and be open to trying new products. It also serves as a call for companies to continually innovate and adapt to keep their customers’ loyalty.

Ultimately, while it may be disappointing to see BBQ Doritos gone from store shelves, it serves as a valuable lesson about the ever-changing landscape of our food choices. We must embrace change while also cherishing our nostalgia for beloved snacks like BBQ

Author Profile

Erick Benitez

In 2003, the Coast Sushi Bar was founded, quickly becoming a beloved fixture in its trendy neighborhood, appreciated for its exceptional sushi and vibrant BYOB atmosphere.

The chefs at Coast have developed a mastery in blending subtle yet intricate flavors, establishing a reputation for pioneering innovative New-Japanese cuisine with only the finest global ingredients.

Building on decades of culinary success, the founder launched a new endeavor in 2024—a blog focused on Japanese snacks. This blog marks a significant shift from restaurateur to food blogger, motivated by a desire to share comprehensive insights into Japanese culinary arts and snack culture. The content covers traditional snacks, the evolution of snack culture in Japan, and the global influence and adaptation of these snacks.

Each blog post reflects the founder's commitment to quality and attention to detail, mirroring the standards of Coast Sushi Bar.

Aimed at both aficionados and novices of Japanese cuisine, the blog serves as a resource for deepening readers’ knowledge and appreciation of Japan's rich and diverse food culture.