Overview:
Snacks come and go, but that doesn’t mean they disappear from our memories. Some snacks face fierce competition, some cater to niche tastes, and others simply don’t resonate with consumers. Today, we’re taking a look at four Doritos flavors that have vanished from store shelves—and pondering whether they might ever make a comeback.
Doritos first debuted in 1966 with a single flavor: Toasted Corn. The following year saw the release of Taco Doritos, and in 1972, the now-iconic Nacho Cheese flavor hit the market. Since then, the brand has experimented with more than 200 flavors—ranging from subtle twists to complete culinary departures.
Sour Cream & Onion (1978–Early 1980s)
Sour Cream & Onion Doritos might sound like a natural fit, given the popularity of the flavor among potato chips since the 1970s. Yet, it didn’t stand the test of time. While it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact reason, it’s likely that the arrival of Cool Ranch in 1986 replaced it in spirit—both flavors offering a “cooling” contrast to Doritos’ spicier and cheesier mainstays.
Will They Return?
Versions of the chip have resurfaced through the years in various forms. Doritos Extreme Zesty Sour Cream & Cheddar and Doritos Collisions Cheesy Enchilada Sour Cream carried forward elements of the flavor. Doritos Sonic Sour Cream (2000–2001) and Doritos Sour Cream & Onion (2012) also served as nostalgic nods to its legacy. The enduring appeal of sour cream as a flavor component suggests we haven’t seen the last of it.
Re-releases:
- Doritos Sonic Sour Cream (2000–2001)
- Doritos Extreme Zesty Sour Cream & Cheddar (2000–2001)*
- Doritos Collisions Cheesy Enchilada Sour Cream (2009)*
- Doritos Sour Cream & Onion (2012)
Snack Fact: Doritos launched in 1966 shortly after Frito-Lay merged with Pepsi-Cola to form PepsiCo, Inc. The original Toasted Corn flavor was followed by Nacho Cheese (1972) and Cool Ranch (1986).
Sesame Seed (1978–1979)
Sesame Seed Doritos emerged during a short-lived era of culinary experimentation. Uniquely, this variety incorporated actual sesame seeds baked into the chips—one of the few times Doritos focused on texture rather than powdered seasoning.
Will They Return?
The chances are slim. Today’s Doritos brand identity leans heavily on bold seasoning rather than novel ingredients. A flavor like Sesame Seed might find a more fitting home under Frito-Lay’s Tostitos label, which emphasizes traditional tortilla chips.
Snack Fact: The name “Doritos” stems from the Spanish word doradito, meaning “little bits of gold.”
X-13D (2007–2008)
In 2007, Doritos released a mysterious new flavor called X-13D with plain packaging and no description. Consumers were invited to taste and guess what it was. Online reactions noted a meaty, pickled tang, and the secret was later revealed: the flavor was Cheeseburger.
Will They Return?
The X-13D promotion was a marketing success, generating strong engagement and curiosity. However, the polarizing flavor—especially the distinct pickle note—kept it from returning permanently. It did make a brief comeback as Doritos Late Night Sizzlin’ Cheese Burger (2010), but its future remains uncertain.
Re-releases:
- Doritos Late Night Sizzlin’ Cheese Burger (2010)
Snack Fact: Arch West, the Frito-Lay marketing executive credited with creating Doritos, passed away in 2011. As a tribute, his family sprinkled Doritos over his urn before burial—honoring his enduring legacy in snack history.
Doritos Baja Fiery Mango (2024)
The most recent flavor to vanish is Baja Fiery Mango, launched alongside the 20th anniversary of Mountain Dew Baja Blast. The chip offered a blend of tropical fruit sweetness and lingering habanero heat—a daring combination that sparked debate among fans.
Will They Return?
Too soon to tell. Reception has been divisive: some appreciated its novelty, while others found the fruit-forward flavor off-putting. It may resurface as a limited-edition summer flavor, but for now, it seems destined for the archives.
Snack Fact: In 2023, Danish spirits company Empirical collaborated with Doritos to create a limited-edition liquor designed to taste like Doritos chips. The 84-proof drink sold out quickly and generated over 8.6 billion global impressions—though reviews were as mixed as the flavor itself.
Past Entries
Missing in Snacktion: Little Debbie’s
Sources
- Taquitos.net | Dorito Flavor Archive
- Doritos X-13D Flavor Notes
- NBC | The Man Behind Doritos
- Sporked | Baja Fiery Mango Review
- The Daily Meal | Fiery Baja Mango Review
- Walmart | Baja Fiery Mango Review
- Shorty Awards | Empirical x Doritos Liquor
Editor’s Note:
Presence News is dedicated to revisiting the snacks, brands, and pop-culture staples that shaped our taste memories. “Missing in Snacktion” is an ongoing feature series exploring discontinued favorites and their cultural footprints.
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