KFC’s fried chicken-flavored toothpaste sold out within hours of launch, leaving curious consumers wondering if brushing their teeth can actually taste like their favorite fast food.
Key Takeaways
- KFC partnered with oral care brand Hismile to create a toothpaste that tastes like their famous 11 herbs and spices
- The $13 fluoride-free toothpaste sold out almost immediately after its release
- A matching electric toothbrush is also available for $59, featuring three cleaning modes
- The product was initially conceived as an April Fools’ joke before becoming a real product
- This collaboration represents a growing trend of food brands entering beauty and personal care markets
From April Fools’ Joke to Sold-Out Sensation
In one of the most unexpected culinary crossovers of the year, KFC has partnered with oral care brand Hismile to create a fried chicken-flavored toothpaste that captures the essence of their famous 11 herbs and spices. The limited-edition product, which retails for $13, promised to deliver the experience of “biting into a hot, juicy piece of KFC Original Recipe Chicken” while still keeping teeth clean. Despite what some might consider an unusual flavor profile for dental care, the product sold out almost immediately after its release, demonstrating significant consumer interest in novel flavor experiences.
What began as a playful concept has transformed into a legitimate product with actual consumer demand. Hismile marketing manager Koban Jones revealed the surprising origin story behind the collaboration, explaining, “This started as an April Fools’ joke, but we thought — why not make it real?” This approach of turning humorous concepts into tangible products shows how brands are increasingly willing to experiment with unconventional ideas to capture consumer attention in today’s competitive market.
KFC’s Fried Chicken Toothpaste Is Real, and We Have Questions https://t.co/BtpZfW7aDk via @foodandwine
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Functionality Meets Flavor
Despite its novelty appeal, the KFC toothpaste isn’t just about the flavor gimmick. The product is positioned as a legitimate oral care option, albeit one with an unusual taste profile. The fluoride-free formula is designed to clean teeth effectively while delivering the savory experience of KFC’s signature blend. For those seeking a complete finger-lickin’ dental care routine, Hismile also offers a matching electric toothbrush for $59, complete with three cleaning modes, soft-tapered bristles, and a built-in timer to ensure thorough brushing.
The collaboration raises interesting questions about consumer preferences in oral care products. While mint has traditionally dominated the toothpaste market, this bold move suggests there may be untapped demand for more adventurous flavors. The rapid sell-out indicates that many consumers are at least curious enough to try brushing their teeth with something that tastes like fried chicken, even if it’s just for the novelty experience.
A Trend of Brand Crossovers
The KFC-Hismile partnership is part of a larger trend where food and beverage brands are venturing into beauty and personal care markets. Recent examples include Crumbl Cookie’s partnership with Dove and Miller High Life’s dive bar ambiance scent. These unexpected collaborations allow established brands to reach new audiences and create buzz through limited-edition offerings that merge distinct product categories in surprising ways.
Jones described the collaboration as “bold, unexpected, and seriously fun,” highlighting the playful nature of the partnership. This type of marketing approach resonates particularly well on social media, where unusual products can quickly gain attention and drive conversations. The quick sell-out suggests this strategic partnership successfully generated both interest and sales, potentially paving the way for similar unconventional collaborations in the future. For consumers who missed out on this initial release, the question remains whether KFC and Hismile will produce additional batches to meet the unexpected demand.
