Cheetos were introduced nationally in the United States in 1948.
The snack was invented by Charles Elmer Doolin, the creator of Fritos, and developed through early test batches in the Frito Company’s research kitchen. Cheetos were made from puffed corn and coated with cheese seasoning, creating a distinct product in the growing American snack-food market.
Doolin’s company initially lacked the manufacturing and distribution capacity needed for a nationwide launch. He therefore worked with potato-chip businessman Herman W. Lay, whose marketing and distribution network helped bring Cheetos to consumers across the country. A related potato product, Fritatos, was introduced alongside the new snack.
The national rollout helped make Cheetos one of the Frito Company’s important brands. In 1961, the Frito Company merged with H. W. Lay & Company to create Frito-Lay. Crunchy Cheetos remained the original version for 23 years; Cheetos Puffs arrived in 1971. The brand later expanded internationally, with flavors adjusted for local tastes in different countries.