Cheetos Lip Balm Anyone? Check Out These Ridiculous Brand Extensions

This post originally appeared at Mental Floss. 

When I heard about the Burger King Whopper Bar, my immediate thought was that it wouldn’t be the first place I’d go for a cocktail.

See The 8 Bizarre Brand Extensions >

Then I read they won’t be serving alcohol, and I knew I wouldn’t be going to a Whopper Bar any time soon.

This also reminded me of Burger King’s other recent brand extension – the fragrance called Flame by BK.

This meat perfume was obviously a promotional stunt designed to sell more burgers, but in general, corporate brand extensions are serious attempts to grow a brand beyond its initial range of products. Sometimes the tactic works, and other times it just leads to some good comedy.

1. Bic Underwear

We first knew them as the company that made very reliable writing instruments. Then Bic got into the disposable lighter and razor market, and we still bought their products.

But we had to draw the line somewhere (get it?!), and the idea of disposable underwear just wasn’t that appealing.

2. Cheetos Lip Balm

Several brands have dipped into the lip balm product category. The basic rule is, ‘if it tastes good, why not smear it on your face?’ But I don’t think works with cheese products.

Frito-Lay got in the game in 2005 when they launched Cheetos lip balm. Now maybe it was a great way to experience the delicious joy that is Cheetos, with only a fraction of the calories, but the dozens of negative reviews have convinced me that it was an idea ahead of its time. One thing is certain — I really want some Cheetos right now.

3. Lifesavers Soda

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See Also:

• A Letter To Amazon From A Once-Loyal Customer
• This Article Explains Why Apple Makes iPhones In China And Why The US Is Screwed
• Meet Paul Pittman, Mr. US Economy