# Pop-Inspired Cheesy Snacks Mountain Dew Cheetos Makes for a Strange Combination By Meghan Young | Published 2014-01-07 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mountain-dew-cheetos References: [neatorama](http://www.neatorama.com/2014/01/06/Mountain-Dew-Flavored-Cheetos/) & [brandeating](http://www.brandeating.com/2014/01/news-frito-lay-japan-new-mountain-dew-cheetos.html) The [Mountain Dew Cheetos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trolli-x-mountain-dew) does not seem like a match made in heaven. But it does seem like a gimmicky combination worthy of attention by both fans of these two snacks as well as the press, hence its creation. Resulting in something akin to "[sweet lemon lime chips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mountain-dew-baja-cabo-citrus)," as noted by Redditor jumblebutt, the user goes on to say, "While they're not as gross as I expected, they certainly aren't enjoyable. It's a pretty weird taste." Clearly released in Asia by the looks of the characters on the packaging, the Mountain Dew Cheetos container also could be mistaken for some instant ramen. Although the companies will find very few who truly love the combo, the Mountain Dew Cheetos could make an amusing gift. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.9/10 - Popularity: 40% | Activity: 68% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Pop-inspired Snacks:** There is a trend of creating unconventional and unexpected snack flavors that are inspired by popular beverages or junk food. - **Gimmicky Combinations:** Food brands are exploring gimmicky combinations that attract attention from fans of both snacks involved and generate press coverage. - **Unconventional Taste Experiences:** There is a trend of introducing snacks with unusual flavors that may not necessarily be enjoyable but provide consumers with a unique taste experience. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Food and Beverage:** The food and beverage industry can leverage the trend of pop-inspired snacks to create new and interesting product offerings. - **Marketing and Branding:** Marketing and branding professionals can benefit from the trend of gimmicky combinations to create buzzworthy campaigns and product launches. - **Market Research:** Market research companies can analyze the trend of unconventional taste experiences to understand consumer preferences and develop targeted strategies. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Tangy-Sweet Flavor Collabs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trolli-x-mountain-dew.md) - [Citrus-Forward Soda Arrivals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mountain-dew-3.md) - [Remixed Flavor Snack Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pepsico-flavor-swap.md) - [Extra-Cheesy Pretzel Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cheetos-pretzels.md) - [Spicy Pickle-Flavored Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dill-pickle-hot-cheetos.md) - [Puffed Pizza-Flavored Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cheetos-puffs-cheese-pizza.md) - [Sweet-Heat Soda Snack Chips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/doritos-baja-fiery-mango.md) - [Citrus-Flavored Soda Drink Mixes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mtn-dew-drink-mix.md) - [Tangy Chilli Chips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/frito-lay-1.md)