Unlikely Partnership Mashes Up Fast Food with Oral Care Innovation

Dentist examining a patient in a dental chair.

KFC’s fried chicken-flavored toothpaste sold out almost immediately after launch, proving that Americans’ love for the Colonel’s 11 herbs and spices extends beyond the dinner table.

Top Takeaways

  • KFC partnered with oral care brand Hismile to create a toothpaste flavored with their signature 11 herbs and spices
  • The $13 toothpaste sold out shortly after being released on Hismile’s website
  • A complementary KFC-branded electric toothbrush is available for $59
  • The collaboration began as an April Fools’ joke but was developed into an actual product
  • This partnership represents a growing trend of food brands entering the beauty and personal care space

Finger Lickin’ Fresh: KFC’s Latest Menu Item Is Toothpaste

In a move that combines fast food with oral hygiene, KFC has launched a fried chicken-flavored toothpaste in collaboration with oral care brand Hismile. The fluoride-free toothpaste, infused with KFC’s famous 11 herbs and spices, promises to deliver the taste of Original Recipe chicken while still effectively cleaning teeth. Priced at $13 per tube, the limited-edition product was available exclusively on Hismile’s website but sold out almost immediately after its release, demonstrating strong consumer interest in this unusual flavor innovation.

For those who missed out on the toothpaste but still want to bring KFC into their bathroom routine, a matching electric toothbrush is available for $59. The brush features three cleaning modes, a built-in timer, and soft-tapered bristles designed for optimal cleaning. Both products come in KFC’s signature red and white packaging, making them instantly recognizable to fans of the fried chicken chain. The partnership marks an intriguing intersection between fast food marketing and personal care products.

From Joke to Reality: The Origin Story

What began as an April Fools’ prank has materialized into an actual consumer product that blurs the line between humor and innovation. Hismile’s marketing manager Koban Jones explained the surprising evolution of the product. The concept originated as a playful joke but quickly gained traction as a viable product idea that could capture consumer attention in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

“This started as an April Fools’ joke, but we thought — why not make it real?” said Jones.

According to the companies, the toothpaste captures the essence of KFC’s signature flavor profile while still delivering the clean feeling consumers expect from oral care products. The development process required finding the right balance between novelty and functionality, ensuring that while the product might seem like a gimmick, it still serves its primary purpose as a dental hygiene product. The rapid sell-out suggests that many consumers were intrigued enough to try this unconventional approach to oral care.

Part of a Larger Trend: Food Brands Enter Personal Care

The KFC-Hismile collaboration is not an isolated incident but part of a growing trend of food and beverage brands extending into the beauty and personal care industry. Recent examples include Crumbl Cookie’s partnership with Dove for cookie-scented products and Miller High Life’s dive bar ambiance scent. These crossovers appeal to consumers seeking novel sensory experiences and brands looking to extend their reach beyond traditional product categories. The success of these ventures indicates a market receptive to unexpected combinations.

Industry analysts note that these collaborations serve multiple purposes: generating media attention, creating limited-edition collector’s items, and reinforcing brand identity in unexpected contexts. For KFC, the toothpaste represents an opportunity to emphasize the distinctive nature of their flavor profile, while for Hismile, it’s a chance to stand out in the crowded oral care market. The partnership demonstrates how brands can leverage their strengths in creative ways that resonate with consumers looking for products that combine functionality with entertainment value.