Snack Secrets: The Wild Origins of Snack Names Exposed!

You can’t walk down the snack aisle without being bombarded by an explosion of colours, flavours, and fun brand names.

Ever wondered how these quirky snack brands got their names?

Get ready to dive into the fascinating stories behind some of the most iconic snack brands, and find out how they got their deliciously funky names!

Cheetos: The Cheesy Legend

Cheetos, the beloved cheesy, crunchy snack, started its journey in 1948 with a salesman named Charles Elmer Doolin.

Charles found a corn snack recipe from a local vendor and decided to create his own version. The name “Cheetos” was derived from the word “cheetah” and the Spanish word “chito,” meaning little.

The brand wanted to convey speed and playfulness, and thus, the iconic cheetah mascot, Chester Cheetah, was born.

Pringles: The Perfectly Poppable Provenance

When you think of Pringles, their unique curved shape and cylindrical packaging come to mind.

But have you ever wondered where the name comes from? In 1968, two Procter & Gamble employees were inspired by a street name, Pringle Drive, in Finneytown, Ohio.

They felt the name had a catchy, fun ring to it, and so the Pringles we know and love today came into existence.

Doritos: The Flavourful Fiesta

Doritos, the party snack that never fails to pack a punch of flavour, started in Disneyland in 1964.

The name “Doritos” comes from the Spanish word “doradito,” which translates to “little golden things.”

True to their name, these crispy, golden triangles quickly became a fan favourite, turning snack time into a fiesta.

Skittles: The Rainbow Connection

Taste the rainbow! Skittles, the colourful, fruit-flavoured candies, have been delighting taste buds since the 1970s.

The brand name is believed to have come from the word “skittles,” a traditional British game resembling bowling.

The idea was to evoke a sense of fun, playfulness, and energy, which is undoubtedly reflected in the vibrant brand we know today.

Bugles: The Trumpeting Tidbit

Bugles, the cone-shaped corn snacks, were introduced by General Mills in 1966.

Named after their distinctive shape, the word “bugle” refers to a small brass instrument often used in military ceremonies.

With their unique appearance and a name that echoes a musical note, Bugles quickly became a quirky favourite among snack lovers.

Ritz: The Ritzy Revelation

When it comes to crackers, Ritz has always been synonymous with sophistication.

Introduced in 1934, during the Great Depression, the brand was named after the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Hotel. The idea was to give consumers a taste of high-class living at an affordable price.

And with their buttery flavour and golden colour, Ritz crackers have been adding a touch of elegance to snack time ever since.

Pop-Tarts: The Popping Pastries

These toaster pastries, introduced in 1964 by Kellogg’s, have been a beloved breakfast and snack option for decades.

The name “Pop-Tarts” was inspired by the pop art movement of the 1960s, which was characterised by bold colours, shapes, and quirky imagery.

Just like the movement, Pop-Tarts aimed to make a statement with their bright packaging and fun flavours, providing a lively start to the day.

Toblerone: The Swiss Sensation

Toblerone, the distinctive triangular chocolate bar, was created in Switzerland in 1908.

The name is a portmanteau of the creator’s last name, Theodor Tobler, and “torrone,” the Italian word for nougat, one of the main ingredients in the chocolate bar.

The triangular shape of the bar was inspired by the Swiss Alps, and together with its unique name, Toblerone has become a symbol of Swiss chocolate excellence.

Hula Hoops: The British Crunchy Circles

Hula Hoops, the ring-shaped potato snacks, have been a British favourite since their introduction in 1973 by KP Snacks.

The name “Hula Hoops” was inspired by the popular hula hoop toy that took the world by storm in the late 1950s and 1960s.

The playful name and the snack’s unique, looped shape make Hula Hoops a fun and memorable addition to the UK snack scene.

Jammie Dodgers: The Sweet British Biscuit

Jammie Dodgers, the classic British biscuit with a raspberry or strawberry jam filling, have been a teatime staple since the 1960s.

The name “Jammie Dodgers” is a playful take on the term “jam sandwich” and the character “Roger the Dodger” from the British comic strip The Beano.

The name perfectly captures the cheeky spirit of the biscuit, with its jam-filled centre “dodging” between two layers of shortbread.

From playful cheetahs to ritzy hotels, the stories behind these snack brands’ names are as varied and exciting as the snacks themselves. Next time you’re munching on your favourite snack, take a moment to appreciate the history and creativity that went into creating these iconic names.

Happy snacking!