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]

Funyuns
Product typeOnion-flavored corn snack
OwnerFrito-Lay
CountryUnited States
Introduced1969; 55 years ago (1969)
Websitefunyuns.com

History

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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

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  • 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-present)[5]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Myers, Dan (9 June 2016). "What Exactly Are Funyuns, Anyway?". The Daily Meal. Archived from the original on 29 September 2020. Retrieved 12 November 2016.
  2. ^ "Cebolitos". PepsiCo (in Brazilian Portuguese). Archived from the original on 2016-12-29. Retrieved 2017-02-26.
  3. ^ DB Grady (20 November 2013). "11 things you didn't know about chip engineering". The Week. Retrieved 26 January 2017.
  4. ^ James, Becca (November 20, 2018). "You should sneak Funyuns into your Thanksgiving spread". The Takeout. Archived from the original on February 24, 2020. Retrieved February 24, 2020.
  5. ^ Sanchez, Rudy (July 17, 2024). "Funyuns and Maruchan Team To Create Ramen-Inspired Flavor". DIELINE. Archived from the original on September 10, 2024. Retrieved July 28, 2024.
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