The Flavor Swap: A Match Made in Snack Heaven

The new Doritos flavor, a bold combination of Ruffles’ signature Cheddar & Sour Cream seasoning on a Doritos chip, isn’t a random experiment. As Speed explained, it’s a natural progression of flavor profiles that snack enthusiasts already adore. “When you think about it, it’s two of the best flavors in the world,” he said. “Everybody loves the cheddar cheese and everybody loves the Doritos flavors. So when you combine them, when you flip them, what does it make? It makes greatness.” Doritos has previously explored this concept with Cool Ranch Ruffles on Doritos, proving the potential for successful flavor crossovers.

Speed’s enthusiasm for the new flavor is genuine. “100%,” he declared, “Because when I tried the first chip, I couldn’t stop. I literally ate the whole bag.” This isn’t simply a paid endorsement; it’s a testament to a flavor combination that clearly resonated with the streamer.

From Global Travels to Hometown Tastes

IShowSpeed’s life is a whirlwind of international travel, fueled by his online success and recent appearances, including a memorable Super Bowl ad alongside Benson Boone. But even with access to cuisines from around the globe, Speed maintains a strong connection to his roots in Cincinnati, Ohio. When asked about snacks he brings on tour to remind him of home, he quickly responded, “Nah, because you can get snacks everywhere. All snacks are everywhere if you think about it. But I would say from my hometown, my hometown has these little candies I just love to bring.”

This connection to Cincinnati extends beyond just sweets. Speed’s culinary preferences are deeply intertwined with the city’s unique food scene. When the conversation turned to the age-old debate of Skyline versus Gold Star chili, his answer was definitive: “Gold Star all the way, man.” He elaborated on his go-to order: “I get four chili dogs with a four-way. I got a fast metabolism and I train.”

Decoding the Cincinnati Four-Way

For those unfamiliar with Cincinnati’s chili tradition, a “four-way” is a culinary masterpiece consisting of spaghetti noodles, chili, cheese, and onions. “Four-way is basically spaghetti noodles with chili and some cheese on top,” Speed explained. “And you could put onions on it, and you just mix it together and it comes out as the best dish ever.” He keeps it simple when washing it down, opting for “Water, man. Nah, you can’t get too crazy. You got to just wash it down with water. Water or sparkling water.”

Frisch’s Big Boy and Graeter’s Raspberry Chocolate

The Cincinnati food tour continued with a discussion of Frisch’s Big Boy, a local burger institution. “I say the Big Boy. The Big Boy Burger. I kind of just get the Big Boy burger. French fries,” Speed stated matter-of-factly. When it came to ice cream, the choice was equally clear: “Oh, Graeter’s. Raspberry chocolate is the best flavor. That’s been my favorite flavor since I was 12. That’s a classic.” He prefers his Graeter’s plain, savoring the classic combination of raspberry and chocolate.

Cane’s Over Chick-fil-A and Detroit vs. Cincinnati Pizza

Speed’s hometown pride extended to his chicken tender preference. “Oh no. We might got to go to Cane’s. We got to go to Cane’s on this one because I’m in my hometown. I got to get the Cane’s with the sauce and the toast.” The debate between Detroit and Cincinnati pizza was settled quickly: “See, Cincinnati has LaRosa’s… I think it’s probably because I just grew up on this pizza so much but I might have to go with Cincinnati.” His LaRosa’s order? “I get the half. I get the half. I get the cheese and pepperoni.”

Fueling the Hustle: IShowSpeed’s Diet on the Road

Maintaining peak performance requires a strategic approach to nutrition. Speed explained that his team ensures he’s always well-fed while traveling. “Oh no, food’s always prepared. I have somebody on my team to always make sure that the team is getting fed. So either it will already be at the hotel or we have a room and the food will already be all set up. Kind of like a buffet.” His diet focuses on protein and complex carbohydrates. “I’d say protein, protein and carbs. We try to get good carbs, good protein. Obviously everybody on a team eats differently. Some people like to go insane and crazy. I like stuff my mouths in because I need a lot of calories. I need a lot of energy because I use so many calories that I need to overeat so I can be good for what I have to do.” He enjoys chicken, steak, sweet potatoes, and even pizza when he needs a calorie boost. And yes, the new Flavor Swap Doritos definitely qualify as a dessert option.

What about cheat foods? “Yeah. Chocolate and sweets. I don’t rate candy, but I do like chocolate and chips. I like salt.”

Adventures in African Cuisine

Speed’s travels have exposed him to a wide range of culinary experiences, including some truly adventurous dishes. “I had a snail in the Ivory Coast and it actually tasted good. They were cooked and seasoned. I had this drink, it had cow blood and cow milk in it, and that tasted pretty good as well.” The cow blood drink, he described, tasted simply like “blood and milk mixed together, but it’s good protein.” While not for the faint of heart, Speed encourages others to try it if they have the opportunity. “Well, you got to hang out with the tribes (in Africa) to try it, but if you want to, then go ahead! But you got to go somewhere special.”

What’s your go-to snack when you’re on the move? And, if you could travel anywhere in the world for a unique culinary experience, where would you go?

Frequently Asked Questions About IShowSpeed and the Doritos Flavor Swap

What makes the Ruffles Cheddar & Sour Cream Doritos flavor unique?

The unique flavor comes from combining the beloved cheddar and sour cream seasoning of Ruffles chips with the signature crunch and boldness of Doritos.

Where is IShowSpeed originally from?

IShowSpeed hails from Cincinnati, Ohio, and frequently references his hometown favorites.

What is a “four-way” in Cincinnati chili?

A four-way consists of spaghetti noodles, chili, cheese, and onions, a classic Cincinnati culinary experience.

Does IShowSpeed have any dietary restrictions while traveling?

IShowSpeed focuses on a high-protein, high-carb diet to fuel his energy levels, but enjoys indulging in treats like chocolate and, of course, Doritos.

What was the most surprising food IShowSpeed tried during his travels?

IShowSpeed was surprised to find that he enjoyed snail and a drink made with cow blood and milk in the Ivory Coast.