Funyuns

Funyuns is the brand name of an onion-flavored corn extruded snack introduced in the United States in 1969, and invented by Frito-Lay employee George Wade Bigner.^[1] Funyuns consist primarily of cornmeal, ring-shaped using an extrusion process, representing the shape of fried onion rings. A salt and onion mix gives them their flavor. They are a product of PepsiCo's Frito-Lay company. In Brazil, Funyuns are sold under the name "Cebolitos".^[2]

Funyuns

Product type	Onion-flavored corn snack
Owner	Frito-Lay
Country	United States
Introduced	1969; 56 years ago (1969)
Website	funyuns.com

History

They were named "Funyuns" by University of North Texas professor and copywriter Jim Albright after it was discovered that the first choice of name for the product, "OnYums," was a registered trademark of Rudolph Foods.^[3] Initial television advertising for the snack featured a variation of Susan Christie's 1966 song, "I Love Onions."

Over the years, several recipes have come out that use Funyuns as an ingredient, including one using the product as a replacement for fried onions in green bean casserole and using the crushed snack food as a Thanksgiving turkey coating.^[4]

Flavors

• Original Funyuns (1969–present)
• Wasabi (2001–2002)
• Flamin' Hot (2007–present)
• Chilli & Limón (2014–2018)
• Steakhouse Onion (2015–2018; 2024–present)
• Spicy Queso (2023–present)
• Maruchan Hot & Spicy Chicken Ramen (2024)^[5]
• Sour Cream & Funyuns (2025)^[6]

See also

• List of brand name snack foods