Sriracha Success: ISU Student National Finalist for Lay's Do Us A Flavor Contest
By: Kim Behrens
Updated: February 26, 2013
NORMAL- Tyler Raineri is a typical college student.
He lives in a frat house and has lots of friends.
But his "zest" for the future is getting stronger.
It's all because of a particular snack.
"I love spicy stuff, we put it on everything."
Raineri is referring to the Lays potato chip flavor "Sriracha."
It's a new recipe in stores nationwide.
He made it by entering the company's contest called, "Do us a Flavor" on Facebook.
"I clicked on the app and from there I just entered in my flavor," said Raineri. "Three ingredients, and the back story on how I came up with it."
The hot sauce idea got rave reviews with the company.
A few months later he got a call.
"I was like, 'Wait, are you serious?' She's like, 'Yeah, you won $50,000 and you're in the running for a million. There are three finalists. And you're going to be doing all these activities,"' Raineri explained.
The list included a flight to Texas for taste testing, photo shoots in California, and an appearance at the New York Stock Exchange.
"I actually got to ring the bell which was cool," said Raineri.
The Sriracha flavor is going up against two other recipes:
Chicken n' Waffles, and Cheesy Garlic Bread.
But, Raineri says his chip has the kick to win first place.
"I do like the other flavors but I think mine's the best."
Now back at home, it's up to taste testers nationwide to choose their favorite one.
The winner gets a million dollars.
"I don't think anyone ever expects that when they enter these sweepstakes," smiles Raineri.
But for this 21 year old, taking a chance on a popular chip, is giving him a taste of life he never thought possible.
He just hopes a win, is in the bag.
Taste Test:
The chips are available in grocery stores nationwide.
You can vote for your favorite on Facebook and Twitter.
The contest ends May fourth.
He lives in a frat house and has lots of friends.
But his "zest" for the future is getting stronger.
It's all because of a particular snack.
"I love spicy stuff, we put it on everything."
Raineri is referring to the Lays potato chip flavor "Sriracha."
It's a new recipe in stores nationwide.
He made it by entering the company's contest called, "Do us a Flavor" on Facebook.
"I clicked on the app and from there I just entered in my flavor," said Raineri. "Three ingredients, and the back story on how I came up with it."
The hot sauce idea got rave reviews with the company.
A few months later he got a call.
"I was like, 'Wait, are you serious?' She's like, 'Yeah, you won $50,000 and you're in the running for a million. There are three finalists. And you're going to be doing all these activities,"' Raineri explained.
The list included a flight to Texas for taste testing, photo shoots in California, and an appearance at the New York Stock Exchange.
"I actually got to ring the bell which was cool," said Raineri.
The Sriracha flavor is going up against two other recipes:
Chicken n' Waffles, and Cheesy Garlic Bread.
But, Raineri says his chip has the kick to win first place.
"I do like the other flavors but I think mine's the best."
Now back at home, it's up to taste testers nationwide to choose their favorite one.
The winner gets a million dollars.
"I don't think anyone ever expects that when they enter these sweepstakes," smiles Raineri.
But for this 21 year old, taking a chance on a popular chip, is giving him a taste of life he never thought possible.
He just hopes a win, is in the bag.
Taste Test:
The chips are available in grocery stores nationwide.
You can vote for your favorite on Facebook and Twitter.
The contest ends May fourth.
