April Fools! On April 1st, the corporate world swaps its briefcases for whoopee cushions, with hundreds of brands using this international ‘joke of a holiday’ to release viral prank campaigns. From KFC’s fried chicken-flavored toothpaste to Auntie Anne’s pretzel Pringles, it’s hard to tell if we’re laughing or reaching into our wallets.
April Fool’s Day is commonly used by brands to kickstart viral marketing campaigns from creative pranks such as fake product releases, disturbing collaborations, or shocking social media announcements.
In 1996, Taco Bell announced it had bought the Liberty Bell, a historical US monument, and would rename it the “Taco Liberty Bell”— except, of course, none of it was true. Outraged citizens jammed the Philadelphia phone lines in complaint, but the prank increased Taco Bell sales by $1 million over two days, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Research from Oracle Advertising shows 80% of consumers are more likely to repurchase from brands using humor in their marketing. When e.l.f cosmetics released their real pickle-flavored lip gloss in February, Freshman Stella Park said, “when it released, I thought it was a prank, but it sold out really quickly.”
Alternatively, Pringles & Auntie Anne’s left customers wishing their prank was real, promising pretzel-flavored pringles. Viewers were disappointed the next day, when the companies posted, “Find this new flavor at a store nowhere near you.”
Dunkin Donuts, in 2025, took advantage of April Fool’s pranking to release a real promotion on the holiday: the online code THISISNOTAJOKE, gained a more positive response online.
KFC & Hismile collaborated last year to produce fried chicken toothpaste featuring their 11 spices. They sold at $13 each. Customers quickly sold out this product, various reviews noting its flavor accuracy, though many deemed it off-putting.
“Louis Vuitton—the leather brown-beige logo…on the outside of expensive toothpaste” is an April Fool’s product Freshman Christy Nashaat said she would buy. She likes these products for the experience.
Whether or not you share a love for pranks, it’s clear that brands will continue this satirical tradition, and we will continue falling for it, sacrificing our wallets for surprising experiences.
For more information:
How April Fools’ Pranks Can Boost Brand Awareness and Drive Business Growth
From $19 fruit snacks to KFC toothpaste: 25 April Fools’ Day pranks from food brands
Clever 2025 April Fools’ Day Marketing Stunts That You Might Have Missed
e.l.f. Launched A Pickle-Flavored Lip Balm & It’s Not What You Expect
Emotions & Experiences
The fake news about Taco Bell buying the Liberty Bell rang true in 1996
