Madison Beer is a singer-songwriter who uses her platform to sing about mental health, self-empowerment, and relationships. She first gained attention as a teenager when pop star Justin Bieber shared a link to her cover of “At Last” on Twitter. Not only did this lead to a recording contract, but her rise in popularity has also led to several brand deals. Most recently, she partnered with Frito-Lay, a subsidiary of PepsiCo, in order to create her own snack: Flavor Swap Lays Sweet Southern Heat Barbecue on Cheetos Crunchy.
Inside The History Of Madison Beer’s Flavor Swap Cheetos Flavor
Madison Beer collaborated with Cheetos on their “Flavor Swap” collaboration, which launched on March 1, 2026. The launch has been a long time coming, as the “Make You Mine” singer has been teasing the collaboration for months.
On December 18, 2025, Madison Beer posted an Instagram Story video teasing an upcoming collaboration with Cheetos.
On January 21, 2026, the official Cheetos accounts posted about the collaboration on X, with a release date of February 16, 2026.
On February 16, 2026, Madison posted an Instagram video of herself finding her snack bags in stores. “Found my flavor swap bags with @cheetos,” she wrote in the caption. “In stores nationwide, March 1! For a limited time!!”
A fan account also posted the video, showing that one of her bags was available for sale on Amazon for $12.99, although smaller bags are available in some grocery stores for a cheaper price.
Warning: Contains Milk
Although products like Kourtney Kardashian’s Khloud popcorn elevate the snacking experience by offering way more protein than you’d typically get in a handful of popcorn, the Madison Beer x Cheetos collaboration has the same snacking profile that you’d find on pretty much any bag of chips.
One serving is said to contain 160 calories, 10 grams of total fat, 16 grams of carbohydrates, and only 1 gram of protein. The first ingredient is enriched corn meal, and it contains sugar and vegetable oil. It is also said to contain cream, skim milk, and whey, so this is not a product for anyone who is vegan, lactose intolerant, or avoiding dairy.
What Do Fans Have To Say About The New Flavor?
Overall, reactions on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, are pretty positive. “Amazing flavor, but throws me off hard cuz the Cheetos are orange but no cheese flavor. Ty Madison Beer,” one user tweeted.
Justin Herbert’s girl, Madison Beer, did her big one with this creation. Flavor swap. Whatever it is, it is ADDICTIVE. So good. 10/10. And dipped in a lil sour cream… even better. That is all,” another fan posted.
Another user shared, “Madison Beer’s barbecue Cheetos are good lol they kinda taste like the chili cheese Fritos.” Other fans praised them as “spectacular” and “delicious.”
If you’re the kind of person who needs the thing they’re eating to look like what it tastes like, then you might not enjoy these. If you’re the kind of person who reaches for Cheetos looking for the cheese, then these definitely won’t curb that craving.
My Verdict: Are They Worth The Hype?
They do have a bit of a sweet barbecue flavor, but there was no heat. No spice. If you put these out in a bowl at a party, I doubt anyone would complain, but if you’re looking for heat, you won’t find it. Likewise, if you were hoping for at least some cheese with your Cheetos, you’re not going to find that, either.
If you’re curious, wait until the small snack-size bags are on sale at your grocery store before picking one up. They’re definitely not worth the $12.99 price tag on Amazon, unless you’re a huge Madison Beer fan and just want the bag as a collector’s item.
Madison Beer Isn’t The Only One With A Flavor Swap
In February 2026, Marketing Dive reported that PepsiCo was looking to “reimagine” how chips are made with a Gen Z audience in mind. The first creator-led product line didn’t just include a Flavor Swap from Madison Beer, but iShowSpeed and Dude Perfect as well.
While Madison Beer made waves with Lay’s Sweet Southern Heat Barbecue on Cheetos Crunchy, streamer iShowSpeed introduced Ruffles Cheddar & Sour Cream on Doritos, and sports-comedy group Dude Perfect added a unique flavor spin by putting Doritos Cool Ranch on Ruffles.
“Flavor Swap is a campaign full of ‘firsts.’ The first time we’ve remixed these iconic flavors onto unexpected chips. The first time we teamed up with some of today’s biggest tastemakers to help us launch and put their own spin on PepsiCo’s legendary brands,” said Chris Bellinger, chief creative officer at PepsiCo Foods U.S., in a statement. “The first time we’ve executed a truly social-first campaign to debut an iconic flavor drop.”
Fans are looking forward to seeing what other artists, influencers, and flavors might appear in a future drop!
