Quick Hit:

Doritos launched its first-ever space commercial, featuring a special "Zero-G" chip. The campaign, filmed aboard a SpaceX capsule, also raised funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Key Details:

• Doritos debuted its "Zero Gravity Cool Ranch" chips in a commercial filmed aboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule.

• The chips were part of the Polaris Dawn mission and the first to be eaten in space.

• The campaign aimed to raise $585,000 for St. Jude, with Frito-Lay initially donating $500,000.

Diving Deeper:

Doritos reached a new frontier in snack advertising, releasing the first-ever commercial filmed in space. Aboard the SpaceX Dragon capsule, Polaris Dawn astronauts became the first to enjoy "Zero Gravity Cool Ranch" Doritos during their historic mission, which included the first private spacewalk. Jared Isaacman, Scott Poteet, Sarah Gillis, and Anna Menon each sampled the bite-sized snacks while floating weightlessly.

This commercial isn’t just a marketing ploy; it also served a charitable purpose. The chips were sent on the Polaris Dawn mission to help raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Frito-Lay, Doritos’ parent company, committed $500,000, with additional donations collected through promotions.

The "Zero-G" chips, designed specifically for space, featured an oil-based flavoring rather than the usual powdery "Doritos dust" to avoid crumbs—potentially hazardous in a microgravity environment. Packaged in tins for protection during launch, these mini-sized chips maintained the iconic Doritos crunch while adhering to the safety protocols of spaceflight.

The Doritos campaign aimed to raise awareness for pediatric cancer research, contributing to the $585,000 goal for St. Jude.