2021 marks the fifth year of the Paqui One Chip Challenge and the latest iteration of the spicy snack is the spiciest creation yet. The brand got its start selling its intense single-serve chips with the Carolina Reaper Madness chip and this year's version combines the heat of the Carolina Reaper and Scorpion Pepper.
This chip offers a unique experience since it combines the instant heat of the Scorpion Pepper with the gradual heat of the Carolina Reaper. The blue corn tortilla chip is also seasoned with sea salt although this provides little relief. The brand recommends taking the edge off of the spicy chip with milk, ice cream or chocolate, and avoiding the chip challenge before a workday or on an empty stomach.
Ultra-Spicy Chip Challenges
The Paqui One Chip Challenge Combines the Heat of Two Spicy Peppers
Trend Themes
1. Spicy Eating Challenges - Companies can create marketing campaigns around increasingly spicy food challenges to appeal to a daring and competitive customer base.
2. Extreme Flavor Combinations - Food and beverage manufacturers can explore unconventional flavor pairings to create unique and memorable products that stand out in a crowded market.
3. Heat-induced Endorphin Rush - By incorporating spicy ingredients into products, companies can tap into the trend of consumers seeking out food that triggers a pleasurable physical response in the body.
Industry Implications
1. Snack Food - Snack food brands can develop new and increasingly spicy products to appeal to adventurous consumers and capitalize on the growing trend of spicy food challenges.
2. Restaurant and Fast Food - Restaurants and fast food chains can incorporate spicy ingredients into their menu offerings to create a unique selling point and attract thrill-seeking diners.
3. Beverage - Beverage companies can explore the creation of beverages designed to complement spicy food or offer relief from heat-induced discomfort.