It’s a classic promotional gambit: let the consumer pitch a product. Lay’s, a ubiquitous brand of potato chips, is crowdsourcing ideas for a new taste sensation in their #DoUsAFlavor campaign, with a $1 million prize on the table. Of course, for many Internet denizens, money doesn’t matter as much as a perfect opportunity to troll a brand that’s trying to make a splash on social media.
Search that official hashtag on Twitter or Tumblr and you’ll find that almost none of the entries are serious, though most are dementedly inspired. Surely I’m not the only one curious about how “Disappointed Parents” hits the palate? (“Kanye Zest” may have better marketing potential.)
I’m having fun. #DoUsAFlavor pic.twitter.com/CSgNcKzaq0
— Emily Dichele (@emilyyynicole7) January 29, 2014
I made a chip flavor hehe #DoUsAFlavor pic.twitter.com/QnwzmrSB6p
— ☠marissa☠ (@gregory_marissa) January 29, 2014
be sure to vote for my flavor in @LAYS #DoUsAFlavor Contest! pic.twitter.com/WlaMenuD3W
— Arrick (Dimitri) (@ArrickHasADD) January 30, 2014
You’re welcome. #DoUsAFlavor pic.twitter.com/c1SFCosuya
— Alicia Budach (@lishalynn91) January 31, 2014
Because these aren’t just Photoshop jobs—all of them were created using the tools on the Lay’s website, and actually submitted—we’re starting to see hilarious voting match-ups like these:
no one is taking this seriously #Lays #DoUsAFlavor pic.twitter.com/zEucitiRmF
— Fat Boy Slim (@PjFray) January 31, 2014
Which would you rather eat? #DoUsAFlavor pic.twitter.com/pDP3fmb3qr
— Lost Dragon (@LostDragonCP) January 26, 2014
Considering that the winning flavor the last time Lay’s ran this contest was “Cheesy Garlic Bread,” it may be too much to hope that something like “Frog” or “Blood of My Enemies” comes out on top. But this is a snackocracy, and every vote counts! Until Lay’s throws out the results because we’re messing with them. I’m good with Utz crab chips anyway.
Photo by Chupacabra Viranesque/Flickr