Get ready to see more influencers in your snack aisle. PepsiCo is launching their first creator-led, social-first product launch, which reimagines chips for Gen Z. Their Flavor Swap line is a collaboration with Madison Beer, iShowSpeed, and the Dude Perfect crew, pairing each influencer with a new flavor combo for Lay’s, Cheetos, and Ruffles, and features their images and names on the packaging. These flavor mashups aren’t random either—they’re rooted in what Gen Z consumers already love: Doritos’ Cool Ranch and Ruffles’ Cheddar & Sour Cream are already Gen Z-favorites and Lay’s Sweet Southern Heat leans into the rising “swicy” trend. Of course, these FYP-influenced snacks are also the company’s first to be sold directly through TikTok Shop, with PepsiCo data showing that 68% of Gen Z have made purchases directly from social media, and 74% of U.S. consumers have purchased a product because of an influencer’s rec. YPulse data also shows that 55% of 18-24-year-olds have used TikTok Shop, so it’s certainly a space brands should be experimenting in. (Marketing Dive)
👀 Read more from YPulse: Why Gen Z is After Limited-Edition, Unique Snacks—in 3 Stats
