Is Cheetos made by PepsiCo?

Yes. Cheetos is made and distributed by Frito-Lay, which operates within PepsiCo’s snack business.[1][3]

Who invented Cheetos?

Charles Elmer Doolin, the creator of Fritos, is credited with inventing Cheetos in 1948.[1][2]

What was the first Cheetos product?

The first Cheetos product was Crunchy Cheetos, a cheese-flavored corn snack introduced in 1948.[1][2]

When did Cheetos Puffs come out?

Cheetos Puffs were introduced in 1971.[2]

Are Cheetos sold outside the United States?

Yes. PepsiCo reports Cheetos among the convenient food brands sold through its businesses across multiple international regions, including Latin America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific, Africa, Middle East, and South Asia regions.[3]

Who owns Cheetos?

Cheetos

Ultimate ownerUnited StatesPepsiCo, Inc.

Made O'Meter is free and ad-free, built to keep ownership like this transparent.

Brand origin: United States
Main production: Several countries, incl. Spain

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Political donations in the US

PepsiCo gave US$500,000 to Donald Trump's inauguration in January 2025.

The company's political action committee gave 33% to Republican and 19% to Democratic candidates in the 2025 to 2026 election cycle.

Information from the US Federal Election Commission (FEC). Made O'Meter takes no side. Source: FEC · the PAC

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About Cheetos

What is Cheetos?

Cheetos is a snack brand made by Frito-Lay, a PepsiCo subsidiary. Cheetos products include cheese-flavored corn snacks in crunchy and puffed forms. PepsiCo lists Cheetos among its convenient food brands and trademarks.[3]

Who owns Cheetos?

Cheetos is ultimately owned by PepsiCo, Inc., according to Made O’Meter’s ownership data verified on 13 September 2026. Frito-Lay makes, markets, and distributes Cheetos within PepsiCo’s snack business.[1][3] PepsiCo, Inc. is headquartered in the United States and is a publicly listed company.

Where does Cheetos come from?

Cheetos originated in the United States in 1948. Charles Elmer Doolin, the creator of Fritos, developed the first Cheetos product for The Frito Company.[1][2] The first product was Crunchy Cheetos, which began national distribution in the United States.[1] The Frito Company and H.W. Lay & Company merged in 1961 to form Frito-Lay.[1] Frito-Lay later became part of PepsiCo in 1965.[1][3]

What products does Cheetos make?

Cheetos makes crunchy cheese-flavored corn snacks and puffed cheese snacks. Cheetos Puffs were introduced in 1971, expanding the range beyond the original crunchy product.[2] Product names and flavors vary by market. PepsiCo’s annual report identifies Cheetos as a brand sold through its businesses in North America, Latin America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific, Africa, Middle East, and South Asia regions.[3]

Subsidiaries: Frito-Lay

Frequently asked questions about Cheetos

Is Cheetos made by PepsiCo?: Yes. Cheetos is made and distributed by Frito-Lay, which operates within PepsiCo’s snack business.[1][3]
Who invented Cheetos?: Charles Elmer Doolin, the creator of Fritos, is credited with inventing Cheetos in 1948.[1][2]
What was the first Cheetos product?: The first Cheetos product was Crunchy Cheetos, a cheese-flavored corn snack introduced in 1948.[1][2]
When did Cheetos Puffs come out?: Cheetos Puffs were introduced in 1971.[2]
Are Cheetos sold outside the United States?: Yes. PepsiCo reports Cheetos among the convenient food brands sold through its businesses across multiple international regions, including Latin America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific, Africa, Middle East, and South Asia regions.[3]

Sources: en.wikipedia.org, businessinsider.com, pepsico.com, es.wikipedia.org, snackhistory.com, historyoasis.com, contact.pepsico.com, wiki.ubc.ca