Just The Specials: Chips Ahoy! X Stranger Things

Welcome to the table,

The global pop culture phenomenon that is Stranger Things has changed the cultural landscape in numerous ways. Thanks to its particular brand of nostalgia horror storytelling, several things happened. Dungeons & Dragons returned to the cultural zeitgeist, my pals Doug and Jon were inspired to make Kids on Bikes (a role-playing game I had the honor of working on), and an endless stream of fun show collaborations across all manner of brands and product lines have come to market.

While we’ve talked about Stranger Things comics, toys, and role-playing games across Comicon.com, I’m excited to showcase a new offering in everyone’s favorite fan food feature, Just The Specials: Chips Ahoy! X Stranger Things. Let’s get into it.

My journey with Chips Ahoy! has been a delightful one, as I was surprised to find a crimson-colored container on my porch with a fun Chips Ahoy! X Stranger Things label. I’ve reviewed and previewed a multitude of food tie-ins for Just The Specials, but this presentation deserves being called out because the fine folks at Chips Ahoy! clearly see this collaboration as more than a cash grab and are really intent on putting care and consideration into their promotional packaging.

This attention and care to packaging extends beyond the box, as Chips Ahoy! is celebrating the upcoming final season of Stranger Things by introducing nostalgic-inspired 1980s packaging for very special, very limited-edition chewy chocolatey cookies with a red filling that is inspired by the Upside Down.

The cookies themselves have a very rich chocolatey flavor, and the crimson filling deepens that flavor by incorporating a sweet strawberry element that cuts through the chocolate with a sharp berry edge. It’s an altogether unique snacking experience that feels perfect for a midnight snack or something you want to pair with a cold glass of milk (cow or almond) while hanging out on the couch, rewatching the first few seasons of Stranger Things before the final season premieres on Netflix this November.

The Upside Down has clearly started to take hold of the packaging as the crimson creeps in from the corner of the packaging to transform this cookie container into a truly collaborative throwback design.

The cool transformation-themed packaging is not the only element on the cookie container to take notice of, though. Chips Ahoy! has launched an Upside Down augmented reality game to save cookies with chances to win real-world prizes.

The QR code found on these special Stranger Things packages is one of two ways to play the game, as you can visit Chipsahoyscan.com as well and get yourself transported into an AR game where you can find hidden cookies through different levels to increase your happy meter while stuck in the Upside Down.

“This isn’t just any product launch – it’s a cultural moment that joins two beloved brands together in an exciting and captivating way,” said Chips Ahoy! Senior Director Sabrina Sierant. “Our collaboration with Stranger Things appeals to both long-time lovers of Chips Ahoy! cookies and Stranger Things fans who have loved every episode. Through experiential components and elements of nostalgia, we are delivering unforgettable experiences for different generations of fans – whether they grew up in the 80s or are experiencing that awesome decade through the show.”

What you do in the AR game will have real-world ramifications, as your in-game achievements will translate into the chance to win exclusive prizes, including an Eddie Munson-inspired guitar.

The Chips Ahoy! X Stranger Things limited edition cookies are starting to pop up in retailers across the country, in the traditional tray cookie packaging, and later this fall, we will be getting 2-count portion packs for on-the-go snacking and Halloween fun.

I love it when a brand puts this much effort into their collaborations.

Until next time, what is your favorite go-to snack for a night of Netflix?