Mexican Street Corn, or elote as it’s lovingly known on the streets, is a culinary experience. Imagine grilled corn on the cob, generously slathered with creamy mayonnaise or sour cream, then showered with chili powder, salty Cotija cheese, and a squeeze of zesty lime. This vibrant street food is a staple, especially if you grew up in areas like California’s Bay Area, where the aroma of elote mingles with the tempting scent of Chicharones de Harina and mango sprinkled with Tajín from street vendors. These are the flavors of pure joy.
The evolution of elote hasn’t stopped at the traditional. Food innovation has taken a crunchy turn, with some daring to replace the classic Cotija with crushed Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. This bold move paves the way for what seems like a destined snack: Mexican Street Corn Cheetos.
Bag of Mexican Street Corn Cheetos showcasing product details
The packaging makes a promise, emblazoned with “TANGY – SPICY – CHEESY” on both sides of the vibrant green bag. Even before tasting, if you’re familiar with elote, you know what to anticipate. Opening the bag releases an aroma that delivers on that promise. A citrusy tang playfully dances with a hint of spice, all underpinned by the familiar fried corn scent of Cheetos, now tinged with a unique yellowish hue.
Close-up of Mexican Street Corn Cheetos being poured, highlighting chip texture and color
The first flavor note to hit your palate is undeniably cheese, but it’s a departure from the standard cheddar-nacho artificial cheese dust we associate with typical Cheetos. This is a sharper, more nuanced cheese, echoing the umami depth of parmesan, with its earthy and slightly funky edge. Beyond just cheesy, there’s a creamy dimension, a distinct sour cream tang that cuts through with a buttery richness. Cotija cheese, when aged, shares similarities with parmesan, and the flavor achieved here is surprisingly complex and remarkably luscious for a crunchy snack.
Detailed view of Mexican Street Corn Cheetos emphasizing seasoning and chip details
Following the cheese, the bright taste of lime emerges quickly, balanced by a gentle spice. However, this isn’t the fiery heat usually associated with the Cheetos brand. The spice leans more towards the nuanced warmth of ancho chili powder, skillfully mimicking the balanced flavor profile of elote, which isn’t known for intense heat. Subtle notes of garlic and onion weave in and out, adding further layers of complexity.
Cheetos, at their core, are made with enriched corn meal, ensuring a foundational corn flavor in every bite. This inherent corniness is a constant throughout the experience. The only element reminiscent of fresh elote that’s missing is the sweetness of fresh corn, a note that Trader Joe’s masterfully incorporated into their Elote Organic Corn Chip Dippers. Yet, its absence isn’t a significant drawback here. The impressive depth and tang of the cheese seasoning elevate these Mexican Cheetos, distinguishing them from any other Cheetos variety encountered before.
Price at Purchase: $1.99
Bag Size: 3.25 oz
Purchased From: 7-Eleven
Rating: 9 out of 10
Nutritional Information: (21 pieces – 28 grams) 160 calories, 10 grams of fat, 1.5 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 milligrams cholesterol, 200 milligrams sodium, 15 grams carbohydrates, less than 1 gram fiber, 0 grams sugar, 2 grams protein.
