In a surprising twist, Doritos may soon change its classic chip shape from triangle to square, as hinted in a recent social media post.
Doritos is considering a shift from its iconic triangle-shaped chips to a square form, sparking mixed reactions among consumers, Daily Mail reported.
The story began with a cryptic Instagram post from Doritos's UK account on Saturday night. The post featured an image of a square-shaped Doritos chip with the caption "The shape of things to come," sparking curiosity and speculation among the brand's followers.
This post marks a significant departure from the Doritos design that has been recognized worldwide for over seven decades.
Following the Instagram post, a Doritos spokesperson elaborated on the potential change. Although the company did not disclose specifics, they confirmed that square-shaped Doritos are under consideration and promised to share more details about this innovative concept later in the month.
The announcement has ignited enthusiastic discussions about the brand's direction and the implications of such a change.
Fans have loved the triangle-shaped Doritos since their accidental creation at Disneyland in the early 1960s. Originally, the chips served as a way to use up unused tortillas, which were cut into triangles, seasoned, and fried, ultimately becoming the first nationally sold tortilla chip in the US by 1966. This innovation has since become a staple in snack aisles.
Following the surprising reveal, fans quickly took to social media to share their reactions to the potential change. Some treated the news with humor, joking that the announcement was an early April Fool's joke, while others pleaded with the brand to keep the classic triangle shape. Comments like "Don't mess with my triangle!" reflect the strong bond fans have with the original design.
Moreover, prototypes and graphics shared by Doritos reveal that each side of the new square chip would measure 65mm (2.56 inches), about the same size as each side of the existing triangle chips. This suggests that, while the shape may change, the overall size and possibly the texture will remain familiar to consumers.
Doritos has ventured into new chip shapes, marking their latest experiment with the beloved snack. Last year, for instance, the company reformulated its products in the UK, adding new flavors and reducing fat and salt content in response to consumer health concerns.
These changes highlight Doritos's ongoing efforts to innovate and meet evolving consumer tastes and health preferences.
Since its introduction in 1994, the Doritos lineup in the UK has expanded beyond the classic flavors. After PepsiCo acquired Walker Crisps in 1989, the brand broadened the Doritos range to include more than ten flavors and various dips, constantly diversifying its offerings to attract a wide audience.
However, it remains unclear how this proposed shape change will roll out across different markets. While the specifics are still under wraps, the company has not confirmed whether the square chips will become a staple in both the UK and the US or if this will be a regional test.
The Doritos spokesperson shared, "The news isn't ready to be shared quite yet, but great to know how much interest there is in the shape of our chips. As you've now seen, square Doritos are something we're exploring and we'll reveal more officially later this month." This statement confirms that while the change is being considered, nothing is set in stone.
Regardless of the shape, Doritos maintains its intrinsic value as a crunchy, flavorful snack. As the brand explores different aesthetics, fans continue to debate and eagerly anticipate the upcoming announcement.
While the shift signifies a dramatic change in visual identity, Doritos’s efforts to remain relevant and appealing in a dynamic market are clear.
Meanwhile, as the snack world awaits more detailed information, discussions about chip shapes may seem trivial to some, yet they represent a significant aspect of consumer identity and brand interaction for others. Consequently, how this change will impact Doritos’s market position and consumer loyalty is a topic of interest for both snack lovers and industry watchers.
The proposed change reflects broader trends in food marketing, where brands continuously evolve to capture consumer interest and adapt to market demands. Doritos's willingness to experiment with the design of its flagship product demonstrates a forward-thinking approach, which could set the stage for future trends in the snack industry.
Moreover, this potential change highlights the dynamic nature of brand and consumer interactions in today’s markets. As the details unfold later this month, both the snack industry and its consumers will closely watch how one of its most iconic brands navigates this significant transformation.
