Fun Friday: Lay's jumps on the Bandwagon, Hershey's Chocolate World treats and bell, Ibotta snacks data
Sad that Spirit is permanently grounded? Here's some Papa Johns free pizza.
Lay's invites consumers to jump on the bandwagon
When the FIFA World Cup comes to the U.S. this summer, a recent survey reported that 75% of Americans said they will tune in, but only 26% plan to watch “a lot” of matches. You could say the rest are “bandwagon” fans—which are Lay’s favorite kind of fans. The brand's new campaign, “Bandwagon,” flips this idea from an insult into an invitation to join the fun of the tournament and experience it no matter if they’re rooting for their favorite team or just in it for the snacks. In the new “Jump On, America” spot, comedian Will Ferrell hits the road behind the wheel of a Lay’s branded “Bandwagon,” picking up not only everyday people but also celebs like Marshawn Lynch and David Beckham along the way—all while encouraging fans of any caliber to jump on, grab a bag of Lay’s (there are 40 globally-inspired flavors to celebrate) and enjoy the sport together. This summer, Lay’s Bandwagon will come to life through activations in Los Angeles, Dallas, and NYC, with on‑site experiences including talent appearances, product sampling, and interactive moments.
America, you look good for your age
Courtesy of Hershey'sThis season, which marks the 250th birthday of the U.S., brings all-new experiences at Hershey's Chocolate World, including the first new trolley in over 20 years and a refresh of the free Chocolate Tour Ride. In addition, the theme park will host a custom Liberty Bell as part of America250 PA's statewide Bells Across PA program, on display through December, plus have new treats such as Hershey's S'mores Pie, Classic Cheesecake inspired by Hershey's Nuggets, and a frozen hot chocolate.
1 in 5 cutting grocery spend as gas prices surge
Courtesy of Ibotta
Maybe not the most fun thing in a Fun Friday roundup, but Ibotta recently shared data from its 2026 Summer Outlook, which shows how consumers are reshaping spending amid rising gas prices—up 25% since February—and sustained grocery inflation. American households are in a state of “economic shock," but instead of panicking, consumers are strategically adapting their behavior in a few key ways, with 34% planning to stock up on snacks and easy meals. Category data reflects the same trend, with convenience categories like snacks down ~9%.
Khloud, Starbucks gives away Summer Snack Combos
Courtesy of Sophie Sahara To celebrate Khloud White Cheddar Protein Popcorn expanding into Starbucks coffeehouses nationwide, Khloud x Starbucks are giving away 10,000 of Khloé’s go-to “Summer Snack Combos” for consumers to kickstart their snacking this season. Khloé Kardashian then took the campaign IRL with a surprise pop-in at her local Los Angeles Starbucks to hand out Khloud directly to customers. The Summer Snack Combo includes a 1.5-oz bag of Khloud White Cheddar protein popcorn and one grande Tropical Butterfly Refresher drink. Khloud’s White Cheddar Protein Popcorn joins Sweet & Salty Kettle Corn at the chain, which first launched nationally in coffeehouses this January and reflects Khloud’s strategy to meet consumers within their existing daily routines and snacking occasions, it says. The approach has already proven impactful, converting trials for Khloud to nearly double Amazon sales of Khloud Sweet & Salty Kettle Corn in the month following the launch, the brand adds.
Skies to pies: Papa Johns turns points into free pizza
Courtesy of Papa Johns
With Spirit Airlines recently taking its final flight, travelers have been left uncertain and stranded. Papa Johns is stepping in to offer a soft landing with “Skies to Pies,” because when travel plans fall apart, pizza plans shouldn’t. Papa Johns, the brand built on its "Better Ingredients. Better Pizza." promise, is turning Spirit’s unusable airline points into something reliable: hot pizza. For a limited time, the brand is inviting eligible former Spirit loyalty members to convert proof of their loyalty into a free pizza. How it works: DM @PapaJohns on Instagram with proof that you were a Spirit loyalty member (with a screenshot of your account). Those verified will get a code for a free, large one-topping pizza, while supplies last. As Papa Johns SVP of Brand Marketing Shivram Vaideeswaran puts it: "Loyalty points don’t mean much if you can’t use them." The brand can’t fix a canceled flight, but it can definitely fix dinner, it says.
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