Unexpected Dental Hygiene Twist: Fast-Food Chain and Oral Care Brand Unite

KFC Drive Thru

KFC’s fried chicken-flavored toothpaste sells out almost immediately as consumers rush to experience Colonel Sanders’ 11 herbs and spices in their morning dental routine.

Quick Takes

  • KFC partnered with Hismile to create a toothpaste that tastes like their famous fried chicken recipe
  • Originally conceived as an April Fools’ joke, the product became reality due to consumer interest
  • Priced at $13 per tube, the limited-edition toothpaste sold out within days of launch
  • A matching KFC-themed electric toothbrush is also available for $59
  • This unusual collaboration represents a growing trend of food brands entering personal care markets

From April Fools’ Joke to Sold-Out Sensation

What began as a playful marketing concept has transformed into one of the most unusual product launches of the year. KFC’s collaboration with oral care brand Hismile has produced a fried chicken-flavored toothpaste that promises to deliver the fast-food chain’s famous blend of 11 herbs and spices with every brush. The fluoride-free toothpaste, priced at $13 per tube, was exclusively available on Hismile’s website but sold out shortly after its introduction, demonstrating the public’s fascination with this unconventional dental product. The rapid sellout suggests American consumers are eager to try novel products that blend everyday necessities with familiar flavors.

According to marketing materials, the toothpaste offers users an experience similar to “biting into a hot, juicy piece of KFC Original Recipe Chicken” while still effectively cleaning teeth. The product managed to capture the essence of KFC’s signature flavor while maintaining its primary function as a dental hygiene product. Initially conceptualized as a humorous marketing stunt for April Fools’ Day, consumer interest convinced the companies to develop an actual product, highlighting how consumer demand can transform what would typically be considered outlandish concepts into marketable commodities.

Colonel Sanders Cleans Your Teeth

For those wanting to fully commit to the KFC dental experience, the collaboration also includes a $59 branded electric toothbrush designed to complement the fried chicken toothpaste. The toothbrush features three cleaning modes, a built-in timer, and soft-tapered bristles for effective plaque removal. This comprehensive approach to the partnership demonstrates how thoroughly both companies committed to the concept, transforming what could have been a simple novelty item into a complete oral care system.

“This started as an April Fools’ joke, but we thought β€” why not make it real?” said Hismile marketing manager Koban Jones.

KFC’s venture into oral care represents part of a broader trend where food and beverage brands are increasingly expanding into beauty and personal care products. Recent examples include Crumbl Cookie’s partnership with Dove and Miller High Life’s dive bar ambiance scent. These unconventional collaborations allow established brands to reach consumers in new and unexpected ways, creating buzz through novelty while potentially opening additional revenue streams. For traditional American companies, these partnerships offer opportunities to stay relevant with younger consumers by appearing innovative and playful.

Marketing Innovation or Flavor Folly?

The unusual nature of fried chicken-flavored toothpaste has naturally sparked questions about its practicality and appeal. Critics might wonder whether consumers genuinely desire to taste fried chicken while performing their daily dental hygiene routine. However, the quick sell-out suggests there is genuine interest, whether from curious consumers, brand enthusiasts, or collectors of unique items. The limited-edition nature of the product also created a sense of urgency that likely contributed to its rapid disappearance from virtual shelves.

This collaboration may herald future partnerships between fast-food chains and personal care products. The success of KFC’s toothpaste could inspire other restaurants to explore similar ventures, potentially leading to a market filled with food-flavored personal care items. For traditional consumers, this trend represents the continuing evolution of American marketing, where brand recognition increasingly crosses previously established boundaries. Whether this represents innovation or simply a passing fad remains to be seen, but the immediate success suggests American consumers remain open to trying products that bring unexpected flavors to familiar routines.