Mexican Street Corn, often referred to by its proper street name, elote, which roughly means “corn cob” in Spanish, is grilled corn covered in mayonnaise or sour cream, topped with chili powder, Cotija cheese, and lime.
Growing up in California’s Bay Area, I came across this savory delight every week, oftentimes from street vendors also peddling Chicharones de Harina, fried orange wheel chips soaked in lemon juice and Valentina hot sauce, and on a lucky day, mango adorned with a generous sprinkling of Tajín. Needless to say, these are good eats.
I’ve also come across a more modern trend where the traditional Cotija cheese that cakes the outside of the grilled corn is replaced with crunched up Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, which brings me to the natural progression and potential dream creation of Mexican Street Corn Cheetos.
The bag boldly states “TANGY – SPICY – CHEESY” on both the front and back, so before digging in, even though I’ve had actual elote, I know exactly what I’m expecting. The aroma from the slightly slime-colored but eye-catching green bag nails those three elements. I get a citrusy tang flirting with spice and a general fried smell wafting up from the uniquely yellow-tinted crunchy Cheetos.
The first thing I notice in the flavor is the cheese, but it’s not the typical cheddar-meets-nacho kind of artificial cheese that defines Cheetle seasoning. It’s sharper with a touch of that umami quality you get from parmesan with its earthiness and slight funk. Not only is it cheesy, but it’s also creamy, with the distinct tang of sour cream that really stands out with a hint of buttery richness as well. Cotija cheese is really similar to parmesan when dried and aged, and I’m impressed with the depth and uniqueness of this cheesy flavor that is truly as luscious as something that’s crunchy can be.
The cheesiness is followed quickly by the taste of lime and rounded out by spice, but it’s far from the type of spicy usually associated with the brand. It’s a much more of an ancho chili powder taste than heat, and the flavor does a pretty good job of emulating the balance of an elote experience, which isn’t particularly hot. There are also notes of garlic and onion floating in the background.
Since the first ingredient in Cheetos is enriched corn meal, it goes without saying that the corn-flavored chips have an inherent corniness to them that permeates every bite. The only thing absent from the profile of an actual elote stick is the sweetness of fresh corn, which Trader Joe’s added to its sensational Elote Organic Corn Chip Dippers (my favorite chip of all time). But I don’t really mind that missing element here. The cheesiness’s depth and tang are impressive, and they make these Cheetos unlike any that I’ve had 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.
Thanks for the review; I’ve tired of Cheetos and pretty much gone through my “Cheetos phase,” but now would like to give these a try.
Don’t! You will be disappointed, take this from a real mexican. They are on the verge of disgusting . Will never buy them again…now the spicy jalapeño I can do and the flaming hot cheetos.
Elote is a popular snack here in the Phoenix area too. In my old neighborhood there was a street vendor who sold it at the local park and it was always easy to tell when someone bought some cause of the strong scent of the cheese
These Cheetos sound good. But are they only in small bags at 7-Eleven or will bigger bags be available at other stores?
Anyone know do these come in normal size bags or just snack sized ones. No 7-Elevens her in Ohio
Oooooohhhh…I hope I can find these!
They are not good.
I dont get the street corn taste, At all
These. Sound. So. Good.
I hope that I’m able to find them, as well!
I found these at a 7-11. Oddly, only 1 out of the 4 7-11’s near me actually had these! They’re very good, I wish they came in bigger bags!
I’ve enjoyed HEB’s take on Street Corn flavored chips, so these are an easy try for me.
Found regular full-size bags at Dollar General.
Thanks for the tip!
I hope you killed a couple a couple vampires while you were out buying snacks. 😀
They had the regular size bags at Walmart.
I just found and bought a full size bag at Publix. They did not disappoint.
I tryed these they’re really good I don’t eat spicy food so these are not spicy by no means I love the zesty tangy sour cream touch of lime taste they won’t disappoint you I promise
I found a large bag at Kroger on the East Coast
I found a couple expired bags at my friendly local Amish “bent and dent.” I assumed they were a discontinued thing but digging into the issue… actually a new thing that is hard to find?
Recently introduced to the Mexican Street Corn Cheetos. Let me tell you this is by far the best tasting cheetos. I enjoy the original crunchy cheetos but now the Mexican Street Corn Cheetos is my Favorite…
I buy a bag every other day and 2 for the weekend…
They were pretty good for an odd flavor. My only complaint about these is the smokey flavor. Gives me more smoked pork and corn than just the corn. But overall, pretty tasty. Try it with ricotta… it hits different.
They are very good but need MORE corn flavor. Spice and lime flavors are spot on! Just need more corn!