For years, Doritos lovers have munched away on their favourite Cool Original tortilla chips without a second thought to the actual taste.
Now, after more than three decades in the UK, the true flavour of these iconic blue packet crisps is causing quite a stir. Originally hitting US shelves 30 years ago, Doritos made their debut here in 1994 and quickly became a staple snack.
Launched alongside the tangy cheese variety, Cool Original soon found its way into the hearts and pantries of Brits nationwide. Ideal for dunking in salsa or simply savouring solo, many fans remained none the wiser regarding what they were actually tasting.
It took a TikTok revelation from one astounded woman for the truth to come to light. “You wouldn’t think we made it to uni,” she admitted, followed by her startling discovery: “Just a house of 20-year old girls who have only just found out cool original Doritos are sour cream flavour.”
And showcasing the reverse of the grab bag in her video, the packet plainly stated: “Full-on crunch with an intense cool original sour cream flavour.”
Doritos themselves explain that the ‘cool ranch’ flavour in their native US had to be renamed due to ranch dressing being less familiar internationally – hence ‘cool original’ in the UK, and ‘cool American’ across the rest of Europe.
In a candid reaction, one TikTok user explained their disappointment: “I literally realised this the other day. I hadn’t had cool Doritos in ages like years and went to get some thinking they were salted and was let down.”
Another was equally baffled, stating: “I hate sour cream and love these so I’m really struggling with this info.” Sharing the sentiment, a third added: “What’s crazy is that I usually turn my nose up at sour cream anything yet these are a go-to for me. I had no idea and I’m 34.”
And a fourth person expressed disbelief: “No way. I simply will not accept such news at age 47.”
Meanwhile, a fifth shared an anecdote of taste betrayal: “I’m a sour cream hater ’til I die and when I tried these I screamed ‘omg there sour cream’ and spat it out. Everyone around me was saying I was wrong and it’s not sour cream, I knew I was right.”
Earlier this year, Doritos shocked snack lovers by unveiling a square version of its iconic triangular chip for the first time ever. The quirky shape change was implemented to celebrate a partnership with the much-anticipated A Minecraft Movie.
The limited-edition twist will saw only 100 packets contain the square-shaped chip, and those lucky enough to find one bagged a whopping £10k cash prize.