The “Do Us a Flavor” contest, launched by Lay’s in 2012, has been a game-changer in the world of potato chips. The contest allowed fans to submit their unique flavor ideas, with the chance of seeing them become a reality. Over the years, the contest has received millions of submissions, and some truly innovative flavors have emerged as winners. In this article, we’ll delve into the history of the contest, explore the winning flavors, and examine what makes them so special.
A Brief History of the “Do Us a Flavor” Contest
The “Do Us a Flavor” contest was first launched in the United States in 2012, with the goal of encouraging fans to share their creative flavor ideas. The contest was a huge success, with over 1.4 million submissions in the first year alone. The contest has since become an annual event, with new winners emerging each year.
How the Contest Works
The contest typically begins with a call for submissions, where fans can share their flavor ideas on the Lay’s website or through social media. A panel of judges then reviews the submissions and selects the top finalists. The finalists’ flavors are then produced and released in stores, with the public voting for their favorite flavor. The winning flavor is then announced, and the creator receives a grand prize of $1 million.
The Winning Flavors
Over the years, the “Do Us a Flavor” contest has produced some truly unique and delicious winning flavors. Here are some of the most notable winners:
2013: Cheesy Garlic Bread
The first-ever winner of the “Do Us a Flavor” contest was Cheesy Garlic Bread, submitted by Karen Weber-Mendham from Land O’ Lakes, Wisconsin. This flavor was a huge hit, with its rich, savory taste and aroma of freshly baked garlic bread.
2014: Mango Salsa
The 2014 winner was Mango Salsa, submitted by Julia Herzog from Sacramento, California. This flavor was a refreshing twist on traditional salsa, with the sweetness of mango balanced by a spicy kick.
2015: Greektown Gyro
The 2015 winner was Greektown Gyro, submitted by James Wagner from Chicago, Illinois. This flavor was inspired by the classic Greek dish, with a blend of lamb, beef, and spices.
2016: Everything Bagel with Cream Cheese
The 2016 winner was Everything Bagel with Cream Cheese, submitted by Lindsay Hoffman from Palm City, Florida. This flavor was a creative take on the classic bagel, with a blend of cream cheese, sesame seeds, and poppy seeds.
2017: Everything Bagel with Cream Cheese (Again!)
In a surprise twist, the 2017 winner was again Everything Bagel with Cream Cheese, submitted by Ellen Sarem from San Francisco, California. This flavor was a variation on the previous year’s winner, with a slightly different blend of ingredients.
2018: Fried Pickles with Ranch
The 2018 winner was Fried Pickles with Ranch, submitted by Gregory Pope from Birmingham, Alabama. This flavor was a unique take on the classic Southern dish, with a blend of tangy pickles and creamy ranch dressing.
What Makes These Flavors So Special?
So, what sets these winning flavors apart from the rest? Here are a few key factors that contribute to their success:
Unique Flavor Combinations
One of the key factors that sets the winning flavors apart is their unique flavor combinations. Whether it’s the blend of mango and salsa or the combination of garlic and cheese, these flavors offer something new and exciting that fans can’t find elsewhere.
High-Quality Ingredients
Another factor that contributes to the success of these flavors is the use of high-quality ingredients. Lay’s uses only the freshest ingredients, sourced from the best suppliers, to ensure that their chips taste great.
Creative Inspiration
The winning flavors are often inspired by creative sources, such as food trends, cultural traditions, or personal experiences. This creative inspiration helps to set the flavors apart and make them more interesting and unique.
Conclusion
The “Do Us a Flavor” contest has been a huge success for Lay’s, with millions of submissions and some truly innovative flavors emerging as winners. From Cheesy Garlic Bread to Fried Pickles with Ranch, these flavors offer something new and exciting that fans can’t find elsewhere. Whether you’re a fan of unique flavor combinations, high-quality ingredients, or creative inspiration, there’s something for everyone in the world of Lay’s “Do Us a Flavor” contest.
Get Involved in the Next Contest
If you’re feeling inspired by the winning flavors, why not get involved in the next “Do Us a Flavor” contest? Whether you’re a foodie, a creative thinker, or just a fan of delicious snacks, this contest is a great opportunity to share your ideas and potentially win a grand prize of $1 million. So, start brainstorming your flavor ideas and get ready to submit them when the next contest launches!
Stay Up-to-Date with the Latest News
Want to stay up-to-date with the latest news and updates from the “Do Us a Flavor” contest? Follow Lay’s on social media or sign up for their newsletter to get the latest information on the contest, including when submissions open and close, and who the winners are. You can also follow food bloggers and influencers to get their take on the latest flavors and trends.
Try the Winning Flavors for Yourself
Finally, why not try the winning flavors for yourself? Whether you’re a fan of Cheesy Garlic Bread or Fried Pickles with Ranch, these flavors are available in stores and online. So, grab a bag and taste the creativity and innovation of the “Do Us a Flavor” contest for yourself!
What is the Lay’s “Do Us a Flavor” contest?
The Lay’s “Do Us a Flavor” contest is a popular annual competition where fans can submit their unique potato chip flavor ideas for a chance to win a grand prize. The contest, which has been running for several years, encourages creativity and innovation, allowing people to think outside the box and come up with flavors that are both delicious and unusual. The contest is open to residents of various countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Each year, a panel of judges reviews the submissions and selects a group of finalists. The finalists’ flavors are then produced and sold in stores, and the public is invited to vote for their favorite flavor. The winner receives a cash prize and the opportunity to see their flavor become a permanent addition to the Lay’s product line. The contest has been a huge success, with many unique and tasty flavors being introduced over the years.
What are some of the past winners of the Lay’s “Do Us a Flavor” contest?
Some of the past winners of the Lay’s “Do Us a Flavor” contest include Cheesy Garlic Bread, Sriracha, and Greektown Gyro. These flavors were chosen from among thousands of submissions and were selected for their creativity and taste. Other notable winners include Mango Salsa, Cheddar Bacon Mac & Cheese, and Wasabi Ginger. Each of these flavors has been well-received by fans and has helped to make the Lay’s brand even more popular.
The winners of the contest are often surprised and thrilled to see their flavor ideas come to life. Many of them have reported being inspired by their favorite foods or childhood memories, and they are excited to share their creations with the world. The contest has also provided a platform for people to showcase their culinary skills and creativity, and many winners have gone on to pursue careers in the food industry.
How do I enter the Lay’s “Do Us a Flavor” contest?
To enter the Lay’s “Do Us a Flavor” contest, you can visit the Lay’s website or social media pages during the submission period. You will be asked to fill out a form with your contact information and flavor idea, and you may also be required to submit a brief description of your inspiration and a suggested name for your flavor. Be sure to read the official rules and guidelines carefully before submitting your entry.
It’s also a good idea to follow Lay’s on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest news and announcements about the contest. You can also share your flavor idea on social media using a branded hashtag, which can help to generate buzz and excitement around your entry. Remember to be creative and think outside the box when coming up with your flavor idea – the more unique and delicious it is, the better your chances of winning.
What are the judging criteria for the Lay’s “Do Us a Flavor” contest?
The judging criteria for the Lay’s “Do Us a Flavor” contest include creativity, taste, and originality. A panel of judges reviews each submission and selects the finalists based on these criteria. The judges are looking for flavors that are not only delicious but also unique and innovative. They also consider the inspiration behind each flavor and how well it aligns with the Lay’s brand.
In addition to the judging criteria, the contest also takes into account the feasibility of producing each flavor on a large scale. The judges work with the Lay’s product development team to determine which flavors can be successfully manufactured and distributed. The winning flavor is ultimately chosen based on a combination of these factors, as well as consumer feedback and voting.
Can I submit more than one flavor idea to the Lay’s “Do Us a Flavor” contest?
Yes, you can submit more than one flavor idea to the Lay’s “Do Us a Flavor” contest. However, each submission must be unique and meet the contest’s eligibility requirements. You can submit multiple flavor ideas, but you must fill out a separate entry form for each one. Be sure to read the official rules and guidelines carefully to ensure that you are eligible to participate and that your entries are valid.
Submitting multiple flavor ideas can increase your chances of winning, but it’s also important to make sure that each entry is of high quality and meets the judging criteria. Take the time to carefully consider each flavor idea and make sure that it is well-thought-out and delicious. You can also ask friends and family for feedback to help you refine your ideas.
How long does the Lay’s “Do Us a Flavor” contest typically run?
The Lay’s “Do Us a Flavor” contest typically runs for several months, with the exact duration varying from year to year. The contest usually begins in the spring or summer and runs through the fall, with the winner being announced in the winter. During this time, fans can submit their flavor ideas, and the finalists’ flavors are produced and sold in stores.
The contest is usually divided into several phases, including the submission period, the judging phase, and the voting phase. The submission period is usually the longest phase, lasting several weeks or months. The judging phase typically takes place over several weeks, during which time the panel of judges reviews the submissions and selects the finalists. The voting phase usually lasts for several weeks, during which time the public can vote for their favorite flavor.
What is the grand prize for the Lay’s “Do Us a Flavor” contest?
The grand prize for the Lay’s “Do Us a Flavor” contest is typically a cash prize of $1 million or more. The winner also receives the opportunity to see their flavor become a permanent addition to the Lay’s product line. In addition to the cash prize, the winner may also receive other prizes, such as a year’s supply of Lay’s potato chips or a feature on the Lay’s website and social media pages.
The grand prize is awarded to the winner at the end of the contest, after the voting phase has concluded. The winner is usually announced at a special event or ceremony, and they are presented with their prize in person. The grand prize is a life-changing award that can help to launch the winner’s career or provide them with financial security.