(Flamin’) Hot Take: Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Dill Pickles Puffs Are Better Than Crunchy

Earlier this year, Frito-Lay released what has shaped up to be one of the most popular releases in the chip aisle, Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Dill Pickle. It has been very well received, so much so that Frito-Lay announced at the NACS Expo this year that the flavor was now a permanent product in the Cheetos lineup. What’s more is Frito-Lay announced a new Puffs version as well—and we had the opportunity to try them at the Expo! While I enjoyed the original Crunchy version, I couldn’t help but wish they were more “pickle-y.” Did the Puffs disappoint me in the same way, or did they live up to my hopes and dreams? Let’s dive in!

New Cheetos Puffs!

Cheetos Flamin’ Hot Dill Pickle Puffs

Instacart

Pros: I’ll just get right to the meat and potatoes and answer the question on everyone’s mind: YES, my largest gripe with the Crunchy Dill Pickle Cheetos is fixed here. The Puffs have a much more satisfying “pickle essence.” I’m typically not a Cheetos Puffs enjoyer (you’ll always catch me grabbing the crunchy ones first), but I think that in the case of Flamin’ Hot Dill Pickle Cheetos, you WILL catch me reaching for the Puffs first. The Flamin’ Hot heat delivers in the way that you would expect and it blends perfectly with the elevated pickle flavor that I was hoping for!

Cons: My only con is the same con I have with any Cheetos Puff: sometimes the flavor is gone quickly and you’re left with a flavorless puff in your mouth. But that’s a Cheetos Puff thing, not a Flamin’ Hot Dill Pickle Cheetos Puffs thing, so I won’t count it against them.

Credit: Liv Averett / Instacart

Rating:

8.5/10

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