If you’ve been snacking for a while, you know Cool Ranch isn’t just another chip flavor, it’s the Doritos classic. That blue bag has been around since 1986 and has pretty much owned its spot in the snack aisle. But now PepsiCo is taking a big swing with something new: Golden Sriracha.
This isn’t a quick seasonal flavor that disappears in a month. Golden Sriracha is going to be a permanent flavor, which means Doritos believes it can be one of their big hitters for years to come. And honestly? It’s one of the more interesting snack launches they’ve done in a while.
Doritos skipped the usual bright red sriracha and went for yellow sriracha — the kind you might see in Koreatown spots or tucked away in Southeast Asian kitchens. it’s still spicy, but with a sweeter, tangier flavor and a little more depth. they’re betting this twist might just give cool ranch a real run for its money.
Why Golden Sriracha feels different
Golden Sriracha isn’t just a new paint job on the same old chip. The flavor has a totally different personality than red sriracha. Yellow sriracha brings a softer, slightly sweet heat that’s balanced out with tang, so you get a flavor that keeps you reaching into the bag without burning out your taste buds.
Doritos says the “Golden” part isn’t just for looks, it’s a signal that this chip is something special. It took about two years to develop, and while they skipped artificial coloring, they did use artificial flavors to lock in that signature sriracha taste.
And the early buzz? Pretty good. In a Delish poll, Golden Sriracha cracked the top five Doritos flavors, which is impressive for a brand-new chip. Even personalities like Kay Adams are raving about how good the flavor is.
Made for snackers who want something new
PepsiCo knows today’s snack fans (especially Gen Z) are always chasing new flavors. Golden Sriracha is built for them: interesting, layered, with just enough spice to feel adventurous but not so much that you can’t enjoy a full handful.
The ads lean into that “fun but not too fiery” vibe. One commercial features Walton Goggins as a “not too spicy” plumber, which perfectly matches the chip’s approachable heat.
It’s a smart move, especially now. Snack sales have dipped in convenience stores thanks to higher prices, trump’s Tariff and changing habits. A flavor that feels fresh without being polarizing could help Doritos stand out and keep people coming back.
Will it be the next Cool Ranch?
Beating Cool Ranch is a huge challenge. That flavor has been a fan favorite for nearly four decades. The favorite spot have been well earn, and overtaking will be difficult… But not impossible. Will see in a few decades.
Doritos has pulled off hits before, like Nacho Cheese, Spicy Sweet Chili, and Flamin’ Hot. So in worst case scenario, Golden Sriracha might be next on that list.
It’s got all the right pieces for a great snacks launching: a twist on a flavor people already love, a catchy name, a fun marketing hook, and the confidence to launch it as a permanent flavor. It also taps into the growing love for spicy-sweet combos, which have been showing up everywhere from chicken wings to gourmet sauces.
Whether it reaches Cool Ranch status is up to snack lovers everywhere. But if you like a chip that’s a little sweet, a little tangy, and just spicy enough, Golden Sriracha might be the new bag you grab without thinking twice. And who knows, a few years from now, it could be sitting on the shelf right next to Cool Ranch.