Mexican Street Corn, or elote as it’s known on the streets, is a culinary delight. Imagine grilled corn slathered in creamy mayonnaise or sour cream, then dusted with chili powder, crumbly Cotija cheese, and a squeeze of lime. It’s a flavor explosion that’s a staple for anyone familiar with authentic Mexican street food.
Growing up in California, the vibrant flavors of elote were a regular treat. Street vendors were my go-to for this savory corn on the cob, often alongside other delicious snacks like Chicharrones de Harina, those puffy fried wheat crisps drenched in lime juice and hot sauce, and sometimes even fresh mango sprinkled with Tajín. These are the tastes of summer and pure snacking joy.
Recently, I’ve noticed a modern twist on elote popping up: swapping out traditional Cotija cheese for crushed Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. This sparked a thought – what if Cheetos themselves captured the essence of Mexican Street Corn? Enter Mexican Street Corn Cheetos, a snack that promises to deliver that elote experience in every bite.
Bag of Mexican Street Corn Cheetos – Front Packaging Displaying Tangy Spicy Cheesy Flavors
The bag boldly declares “TANGY – SPICY – CHEESY” on both the front and back. Even before opening the eye-catching green bag, reminiscent of lime with a hint of slime, I had a clear flavor expectation thanks to my elote experiences. And the aroma? It hits all those notes immediately. A citrusy tang dances with a subtle spice, all underpinned by that familiar fried corn chip scent. The Cheetos themselves are a unique, almost vibrant yellow, promising a different kind of Cheetos experience.
Pouring Mexican Street Corn Cheetos – Close Up of Crunchy Yellow-Tinted Snack
The first flavor to greet your taste buds is undeniably cheese, but it’s not the typical artificial cheddar blast you expect from Cheetos. This is different. It’s sharper, with an umami depth that reminds me of parmesan – earthy and with a slight funk. Beyond just cheesy, there’s a creamy element, a distinct sour cream tang that cuts through the richness, hinting at a buttery smoothness. Cotija cheese, when aged and dry, shares similarities with parmesan, and I’m genuinely impressed by the complexity and authentic taste of this cheese flavoring. It manages to be both deeply flavorful and surprisingly luscious for a crunchy snack.
Detailed Close-Up of Mexican Street Corn Cheeto – Showcasing Texture and Seasoning
Following the cheese, the lime flavor emerges quickly, balanced perfectly by a gentle spice. However, don’t expect the intense heat usually associated with Cheetos “spicy” varieties. This is a much milder, ancho chili powder type of spice, more about flavor than fiery heat. It effectively mimics the balanced flavor profile of elote, which isn’t typically known for being overly spicy. Subtle background notes of garlic and onion add further depth and complexity to the overall taste.
Given that enriched corn meal is the primary ingredient in Cheetos, there’s an inherent corn flavor that’s present in every bite, a foundational corniness that works perfectly for this flavor profile. The only missing component, when comparing it to authentic elote, is the sweetness of fresh corn. Trader Joe’s Elote Organic Corn Chip Dippers, which are a personal favorite, cleverly incorporate that sweetness. Yet, its absence here isn’t a significant drawback. The impressive depth and tang of the cheese flavoring make these Mexican Street Corn Cheetos a standout snack, unlike any other Cheetos I’ve tried before.
Purchased Price: $1.99
Size: 3.25 oz bag
Purchased at: 7-Eleven
Rating: 9 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (21 pieces – 28 grams) 160 calories, 10 grams of fat, 1.5 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 200 milligrams of sodium, 15 grams of carbohydrates, less than 1 gram of fiber, 0 grams of sugar, and 2 grams of protein.
