Munchies, a well-loved snack brand, is returning to Canada with a new look, reviving fond memories for many. First introduced in 1981 as mascots for Hostess Potato Chips, these characters hold a special place for Canadians who grew up in the 1980s and 1990s. Hostess, a major player in the Canadian snack market in collaboration with Frito-Lay, was rebranded as Lays in 1996. Now, PepsiCo Foods Canada and its subsidiary Frito Lay Canada are bringing back Munchies as a stand-alone brand with a range of snacks.
The new lineup features six permanent flavors, including snacks like popcorn, tortillas, and potato chips. Flavors include bold combinations like Chili Cheese Stampede tortilla chips, Supreme Sour Cream, and Onion tortilla chips, as well as playful popcorn varieties like Cheeky Cheddar and Deliciously All Dressed. Longtime fans will appreciate the return of Tangy Ketchup and Old School BBQ potato chips, paying tribute to classic Hostess flavors while drawing in new consumers.
The new logo, designed by the branding agency Vocabulary, balances nostalgia with a modern twist. Its bold use of drop shadow and thick, playful lettering grabs attention. The font, likely based on National 2 (Compressed), has been customized to give the wordmark a unique bounce, with inverse flares added to the letter stems. Rounded corners and vibrant strokes add a sense of motion and playfulness, capturing the fun spirit of the brand while making it feel fresh for today’s market.
The design has a playful, slightly skewed feel, giving it a dynamic and whimsical effect. The slanted presentation, thick outline, and shadow make the logo stand out on the packaging. While there are minor differences between the digital logo and its packaging version, particularly in the drop shadows on certain letters like “M” and “i,” the overall look successfully conveys the brand’s sense of fun.
The 2024 reintroduction of Munchies connects generations, offering a familiar experience to those who grew up with Hostess chips while appealing to new consumers with modern flavors and vibrant packaging.
The rebrand shows how a nostalgic brand can be refreshed for today’s audience without losing its original charm. With bold flavors and a standout logo, Munchies is set to win over longtime fans and a new generation of snack lovers.
