Fritos Just Launched a Limited-Edition “Cowboy” Flavor That’s Even Better than the Original
When it comes to corn chips, Fritos reign supreme — and it’s easy to see why they’ve garnered a massive fan base for decades. They’re far thicker and sturdier than many tortilla chips with a satisfying crunch that rivals even the best kettle chips. Fritos Scoops are the ultimate vessel for dips, and the Honey BBQ Flavor Twists are a must-buy snack at the gas station. They are also a beloved topper on chili or the base for a hearty dinner in the classic frito pie. While I don’t have them often, I will absolutely snack on them if they’re around.
Over the years, Fritos have dabbled in some fun flavor combinations, including limited-edition flavors like Queso and Nashville Hot. Most recently, the brand collaborated with hit show, Yellowstone, the gripping drama following John Dutton (played by Kevin Costner) and all the family secrets, conflicts, and murder that ensue on their cattle ranch in Montana: Yellowstone Edition Ranch Flavored Fritos. Very on theme!
Hard-core Fritos fans may recognize this flavor. Fritos has actually released limited-edition ranch flavored chips in the past. This Yellowstone-ified collaboration combines the two iconic ranches with one crunchy corn chip.
Would they be doubly delicious? I enlisted some coworkers, naturally, to find out.
What You Should Know About Fritos Yellowstone Edition Ranch Flavored Corn Chips?
The Yellowstone Edition Fritos are the same iconic crunchy corn chips you know and love, now coated in a tangy, buttermilk ranch seasoning. In place of the bright and shiny red and yellow classic Fritos packaging, you’ll find a more subdued mostly blue bag with the Yellowstone logo and a faded ranch in the background. These Yellowstone Edition Ranch Fritos come in an extra-large 9.25-ounce bag (for the biggest of ranch fans) and hit retailers nationwide earlier this May.
My Honest Review of Fritos Yellowstone Edition Ranch Flavored Corn Chips
Similar to The Kitchn’s social media manager, Andrea Kaufman, I’m not a huge ranch fan. I had a phase during childhood when I’d douse baby carrots in bottled ranch dressing, but nowadays I reach for other dressings and dips first. So to see how the Yellowstone Fritos truly compared to the original, I tapped some ranch-enthusiast Kitchn staff members to try them with me.
They look JUST like the classic, but you can clearly see flecks of green and red seasoning covering the corn chips. From the first bite, I got a hint of ranch flavor: tangy with an essence of garlic. It didn’t overpower the Frito and went away quickly.
Some people agreed: “I can taste ranch but, just for a second and then it tastes just like Fritos,” says Vicky Wasik, our studio director.
Others, like Henry Chen, senior product designer, were big, dare I say, XXVL-size fans: “As a Fritos and ranch fan, I am on board with these. The ranch-ness is toned down compared with [other brands], in a good way.” Adds Alex Lepe, our staff photographer, “they’re not as strong as the Chili Cheese ones, which I can only eat a few of.”
Bottom line: These refreshed Fritos are crowd-pleasers. They’re flavorful enough for ranch fans, but artfully seasoned in a way that still satisfies skeptics. The only drama you’ll have to worry about will be the one on screen.
Buy: Fritos Yellowstone Edition Ranch Flavored Corn Chips, $6.14 for 9.25 ounces at Instacart
Have you tried the new Yellowstone Edition Fritos? Tell us about it in the comments below.
This post originally appeared on The Kitchn. See it there: Fritos Just Launched a Limited-Edition “Cowboy” Flavor That’s Even Better than the Original