Funyuns

Funyuns is the brand name of an onion-flavored corn extruded snack introduced in the United States in 1969, and invented by Frito-Lay employee George Wade Bigner.[1] Funyuns consist primarily of cornmeal, ring-shaped using an extrusion process, representing the shape of fried onion rings. A salt and onion mix gives them their flavor. They are a product of PepsiCo's Frito-Lay company. In Brazil, Funyuns are sold under the name "Cebolitos".[2]

History

They were named "Funyuns" by University of North Texas professor and copywriter Jim Albright after it was discovered that the first choice of name for the product, "OnYums," was a registered trademark of Rudolph Foods.[3] Initial television advertising for the snack featured a variation of Susan Christie's 1966 song, "I Love Onions."

Over the years, several recipes have come out that use Funyuns as an ingredient, including one using the product as a replacement for fried onions in green bean casserole and using the crushed snack food as a Thanksgiving turkey coating.[4]

Flavors

  • Original Funyuns (1969–present)
  • Wasabi (2001–2002)
  • Flamin' Hot (2007–present)
  • Chilli & Limón (2014–2018)
  • Steakhouse Onion (2015–2018; 2024–present)
  • Spicy Queso (2023–present)
  • Maruchan Hot & Spicy Chicken Ramen (2024)[5]
  • Sour Cream & Funyuns (2025)[6]

See also

References

  1. Dan Myers. What Exactly Are Funyuns, Anyway? The Daily Meal, 9 June 2016, retrieved 12 November 2016^
  2. Cebolitos PepsiCo, retrieved 2017-02-26^
  3. 11 things you didn't know about chip engineering The Week, 20 November 2013, retrieved 26 January 2017^
  4. Becca James. You should sneak Funyuns into your Thanksgiving spread The Takeout, November 20, 2018, retrieved February 24, 2020^
  5. Rudy Sanchez. Funyuns and Maruchan Team To Create Ramen-Inspired Flavor DIELINE, July 17, 2024, retrieved July 28, 2024^
  6. Jacqueline Burt Cote. Funyuns Fans 'Definitely Will Try' New Flavor: 'I'm Intrigued' Parade, February 4, 2025, retrieved February 6, 2025^