As you survey your snack options today, be careful. It’s getting very silly out there.
On April Fools’ Day, the mischievous among us attempt to trick their friends and family for laughs. Although its origins are unclear, the holiday is likely centuries old — meaning that our ancestors probably yucked it up over the televised spaghetti harvest, exploding cigars and even one phony volcanic eruption.
Today, it’s a tradition for food brands to make fake announcements on April 1. They’ve been doing it for decades: In 1996, Taco Bell fooled folks into thinking that it had purchased the Liberty Bell and was renaming it the “Taco Liberty Bell.”
With this in mind, we’re going to help expose the flim-flam from food companies wanting to get one over on you, below.
Arizona’s aRIZZona Rizzberry
On March 31, the 99-cent canned tea company announced a faux flavor on Instagram: aRIZZona Rizzberry. For this, it consulted with rizz expert The Rizzler to guide us on how to make the most charisma-enhancing drink in history and, unfortunately, it’s just not there yet.
“After several rounds of testing, our CRO (Chief Rizz Officer), The Rizzler, has determined that the formula for AriZZona Rizzberry is not yet ready to optimize the American public’s Rizz,” an Arizona rep tells TODAY.com.
“We take our mission to bring maximum Rizz to our consumers very seriously,” the rep continues. “We will not rest until our product is capable of curing the Rizzcession. With that in mind, we’re sending The Rizzler back to the lab to crack the formula and ensure that AriZZona Rizzberry delivers the ultimate dose of Rizz.”
Baskin-Robbins x Tarte Cosmetics
Baskin-Robbins is entering the beauty business.Baskin Robbins
Dessert and beauty have long borrowed from each other, so it makes sense that Baskin-Robbins and Tarte Cosmetics would team up.
The pair have announced a Maracuja Mixed Berries Sundae inspired by Tarte’s fan-favorite Maracuja Juicy Lips lip gloss and also created Melt Lock, a setting spray “designed to protect your ice cream sundae from melting in the heat.”
“Melt Lock helps you lock in the chill of your favorite ice cream, so you can enjoy every bite without racing against time,” the brand tells TODAY.com before admitting that it’s not real.
Cinnabon’s name change
Cinnabon is dropping the “bon.”Cinnabon
Cinnabon, the company responsible for drawing its customers from department stores by the nostril, said it’s dropping the “bon” from its name.
“With the rise of dirty sodas, boba, and bold new beverage flavors, it’s clear that fans are craving their indulgence through a straw,” a representative tells TODAY.com. “But don’t worry, the iconic ‘bon’ flavor isn’t going anywhere.”
Instead of in its solid treats, you’ll find the flavors of Cinnabons in signature beverages like its Chillattas and iced coffees — except, of course, none of it is true.
Crunch Bar — without the crunch
Love Crunch Bars but hate the way they sound? Well the company has a new, quieter version — with cooked rice.
“It wasn’t easy, but we did it. The first-ever silent CRUNCH bar is coming soon,” the brand joked on Instagram.
Denny’s and Mattress Firm’s Bed and Breakfast Drop
This pair of companies has jokingly announced a bed and breakfast experience for customers: a red corner booth bed complete with a Denny’s breakfast warming drawer, sized to fit two of the diner’s signature Grand Slams.
“Whether you’re a delivery devotee or a pick-up artist, it’s the ultimate way to enjoy Denny’s at home in the comfort of a fabulous new bed set,” an rep tells TODAY.com.
Dr. Pepper x Tic Tac
Not only is Tic Tac’s newest flavor inspired by Dr. Pepper, the best soda on earth (in my opinion), the pint-sized candy is taking it a step further with mini can-shaped Tic Tacs.
“Someone call the doctor because Tic Tac is shaking things up with a new flavor and shape — for a limited time only,” a Tic Tac rep tells TODAY.com.
Tic Tac says the faux soda’s blend of sweet, spicy and slightly fruity notes of cherry, cola and cinnamon-y pepper will take on a new shape for the first time ever to look like the iconic can of Dr. Pepper.
Califia Farms’ Tabasco PepperMilk
Mmm… spicy milk.Califia
Unexpected brands love to team up on April Fools’ Day to create wild products that would make Brittany Broski herself cringe and reconsider.
In that vein, Califia, the plant-based milk company, has announced a collaboration with Tabasco for a new product called PepperMilk — made with only hot sauce, water and sea salt, for spicy cereal or “extra bold” lattes.
The duo says the “scorching sip” may be too hot to handle and that it’s only available for one day.
Of course, it’s not real, but if “the heat-seeking coffee fans demand it, we just might make it a reality,” a Califia representative tells TODAY.com.
Eight O’Clock Coffee’s Coffee-Infused Whole Black Beans
Java brand Eight O’Clock Coffee announced it’s adding a bean of a different sort to its product lineup: coffee-infused black beans.
“For those who prefer their coffee as dark and rich as their sense of humor,” the brand says.
It may be a joke, but a product like this would really go well in a chili with brisket, wouldn’t it?
Grillo’s Pickles x Furby
Grillo’s is teaming up with a rather unexpected partner for an Instagram takeover: the 90’s icon itself, Furby.
“If you didn’t know, in addition to being every 90’s kid’s quirky, colorful, toy companion Furby is a HUGE pickle lover,” a Grillo’s spokesperson tells TODAY.com.
The takeover started on March 30 with a jump-scare introduction to the furry friend with no explanation, leaving many commenters confused yet delighted.
“warning next time plz almost threw my phone through the glass sliding door,” one wrote.
Smucker’s Jamba Electric Berry Lemonade Jam
“Smucker’s is putting the Jam in Jamba!” the pair of brands exclaim on Instagram.
The two brands have (jokingly) teamed up on an Electric Berry Lemonade Jam based on the smoothie chain’s beverage of the same name that they say is “sure to electrify.”
Josh x Joss & Main
Viral wine brand Josh has partnered with furniture company Joss & Main to create a wine-stain patterned sofa for April Fools’ Day to “turn ‘oops’ into ‘ooh la la.’” But, of course, they were just joshing with us.
KFC x Hismile toothpaste
A match made in … heaven?KFC
KFC and dental hygiene company Hismile partnered for the limited-edition launch of a fried chicken-flavored toothpaste. This isn’t fake, though. They really made this toothpaste.
“The KFC-flavored toothpaste brings the unmistakable taste of crispy, golden perfection with notes of the legendary 11 herbs and spices,” a KFC rep tells TODAY.com, adding that the toothpaste is like biting into a “hot” and “juicy” piece of its chicken — which is something someone somewhere must want first thing in the morning.
“This toothpaste is irresistible, coating your teeth in flavor before leaving your mouth feeling fresh and clean,” they tell us.
Starting April 1, KFC Toothpaste will be exclusively available on the Hismile website for a limited time while supplies last for $13. There’s also a Hismile x KFC Electric Toothbrush emblazoned with Colonel Sanders for $59.
Kikkoman perfume
The soy sauce and seasoning company is dipping its toes into the perfume industry with “Spritz of Soy,” a scent it says is inspired by the umami and gourmand fragrance trends taking over the beauty world.
The faux fragrance “captures the essence of Kikkoman’s beloved soy sauce” with notes of soybeans and hints of wheat and salt.
Lipton discontinues Peach Iced Tea
On March 18, Lipton Ice Tea sent its fans into hysterics on social media when it announced it was discontinuing its Peach Iced Tea.
“REST IN PEACH,” the post began along with an image of a can of iced tea with angel wings. “You may have heard that our iconic Peach Lipton Ice Tea flavour is getting discontinued. We know — it hurts (sorry if we’ve ruined your go-to afternoon chill bev).”
A day later, the company revealed that the whole thing was an early April Fools’ Day prank.
“i’m gunna buy you a calendar,” wrote one fan.
Spritz Society Grape by Manischewitz
Kosher products brand Manischewitz has jokingly partnered with Spritz Society to release a grape-flavored beverage.
“From pool to shul, this grape spritz is sure to knock your yamaka off,” a Spritz Society representative tells TODAY.com. “And yes, it’s kosher.”
The companies go on to say the beverage is available to purchase through a link — except when you click, you find out it’s all a joke … at least, for now.
Spritz Society has built quite the reputation for teasing its fans on April Fools’ Day, joking that they would release a 20% ABV shooter product in 2024. The company also once joked about a pickle spritz on April Fools’ Day in 2022, and when fans begged for it to become reality, it did.
Now Spritz Society Pickle is served at New York Mets games and available nationwide at Target, Harris Teeter and Jewel-Osco stores.
McAlister’s Deli’s Pickle Tea
Surprisingly refreshing.McAlister’s Deli
McAlister’s announced it’s adding a new beverage to the menu: Pickle Tea. The bogus bevvy combines the salty goodness of its pickles with the McAlister’s sweet tea.
While McAlister’s beverage is an April Fools’ joke, Popeye’s just announced its own very real pickle menu, including pickle lemonade and a pickle glaze chicken sandwich.
Mooala x Le Pickle Club’s Pickle Milk
Nondairy beverage company Mooala and Le Pickle Club, a pickleball-inspired clothing company, have announced a startling collaboration: Pickle Milk. Thank goodness it’s a prank.
“Pickle milk isn’t actually a thing (yet…),” the companies shared on social media.
The companies added, however, that there is a 100% real prize: One winner will get a case of Mooala milks, a Le Pickle Club sweatshirt and hat and a $25 Whole Foods gift card to stock up on their favorite pickles.
Mrs. T’s Pierogies Premium Pampering Set
Pierogies are known for their soft texture, so it makes sense that Mrs. T’s is entering the skin care category, right?
“Perfect for those who need to recharge and inspired by the big, bold flavors of Mrs. T’s Pierogies, this all-in-one self-care kit features luxurious products that will make you wonder why you didn’t start rubbing mashed potatoes all over your face sooner,” a rep tells TODAY.com.
The phony products include: Whipped Mashed Potatoes & Cheesy Goodness Face Cream, which the brand calls “smooth and buttery” and is enriched with vitamin C from potatoes and vitamin B2 from cheese, as well as a lip oil made from pierogies with butter and onions, and mini-pierogi eye patches.
Nutella BnB
Nutella announced it is opening a home rental in beautiful Lake Placid, New York, curated for “ultimate” chocolate-hazelnut spread lovers, which includes a Nutella pool floatie. While this is a joke, Airbnb commented, “Let’s make it happen.”
Omaha Steaks’ romance novels
Omaha Steaks has got you on date night.Omaha Steaks
Omaha Steaks has announced it’s going to inspire some sizzle in a much different way than its steaks by releasing a trio of short romance novels, starting with one called “Certified Tender.” While this is a real book that folks can read for free via the Omaha Steaks blog, the last page reveals that it’s actually also an April Fools’ Day joke.
The Nebraska-based company is also offering a (real) $99 Meat Cute Collection, which features filet mignons, steakhouse fries and a bottle of Drawbridge cabernet sauvignon.
Pringles x Auntie Anne’s Butter & Salt
Auntie Anne’s and Pringles have teamed up on a phony product that many would actually wish to become reality: Auntie Anne’s pretzel-flavored Pringles.
“Find this new flavor at a store nowhere near you because this isn’t real,” the brands wrote on Instagram.
Raising Cane’s x IPSY Moisturizing Sauce
Raising Cane’s announced a first-of-its-kind-and-also-fake collab with IPSY. “Raising Cane’s x IPSY Moisturizing Sauce” is perfect for those looking to update their skincare routine with a product as effective as it is delicious.
To add to the ruse, Cardi B posted a video to announce the collaboration, and so did influencers like Avani Gregg, Brooke Monk and Raye Boyce.
“Everyone always asks me how my skin looks so beautiful, so shiny, so amazing at the age of 32 with three kids, a job that stresses me out, and sleepless nights,” said Cardi B. “I’ve been using this new cream … it’s not greasy, not sticky, and it smells just like chicken.”
Smarties x Quizlet Thinkies
Smarties has fake-partnered with education company Quizlet for Thinkies candy, ideal for when studious minds “want a little treat.”
Sumo Citrus
Sumo Citrus jokingly announced it would start selling Nano Citrus, a miniature fruit the size of a fingernail, perfect for on-the-go snacking.
“We hate to brag, but we’re known for our size,” reads an Instagram post from the brand. “Sumo Citrus is larger than life, enormously delicious, and the biggest thing in the produce aisle. Until now.”
Welch’s Fruit Snacks’ $19 strawberry
Welch’s Fruit Snacks has seen the hubbub surrounding Erewhon’s $19 strawberry and decided to introduce its own, shelf-stable version for the same price.
“Our most luxurious and precious fruit snack yet, bursting with decadent strawberry flavor,” reads its facetious Instagram post. “Indulge in the ultimate, single-bite experience — because some moments are too precious to share.”
