Fritos

A type of corn chip snack food

Fritos is a brand of corn chips and dipping sauces created in 1932 by Charles Elmer Doolin. The original Fritos corn chip is made from whole corn, corn oil, and salt. Fritos is one of the flagship brands of Frito-Lay, which is a division of PepsiCo.

History

File:Fritos corn chips.jpg

A bag of Fritos corn chips

The story of Fritos began in 1932 when Charles Elmer Doolin, a confectionery store manager in San Antonio, Texas, purchased a corn chip recipe and a handheld potato ricer from a local entrepreneur. Doolin saw potential in the corn chip, which was a relatively unknown snack at the time. He began making the chips in his mother's kitchen and selling them from his Model T Ford.

Doolin's vision was to create a snack that was not only tasty but also affordable and accessible to everyone. He named the chips "Fritos," which means "fried" in Spanish, reflecting the cooking process used to make them. The chips quickly gained popularity, and by the late 1930s, Fritos had become a staple snack food in the United States.

Production

Fritos are made from whole corn that is cooked, ground into masa, and then shaped into chips. The chips are fried in corn oil and seasoned with salt. The simplicity of the ingredients and the unique texture of the chips have contributed to their enduring popularity.

Varieties

Over the years, Fritos has expanded its product line to include a variety of flavors and styles. Some popular varieties include:

• Fritos Original - The classic corn chip that started it all.
• Fritos Scoops! - A thicker version of the original chip, designed for dipping.
• Fritos Chili Cheese - Corn chips flavored with chili and cheese seasoning.
• Fritos Flamin' Hot - Spicy corn chips with a hot seasoning.

Cultural Impact

A serving of Frito pie

Fritos have become an iconic snack in American culture, often associated with casual gatherings and sporting events. One popular dish that features Fritos is the Frito pie, a combination of Fritos corn chips, chili, cheese, and other toppings. Frito pie is a staple at fairs, carnivals, and sports venues across the United States.

Marketing

Fritos has been marketed through various advertising campaigns over the years. One of the most memorable campaigns featured the "Frito Bandito," a cartoon character used in the 1960s and 1970s. Although the character was eventually retired due to cultural sensitivity concerns, it remains a part of Fritos' advertising history.

Related pages

• Frito-Lay
• PepsiCo
• Corn chip
• Snack food
• Frito pie