Count 'Ranch dressing' as an unintended star of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Messi, Ronaldo, Mbappé are the globally recognized superstars of FIFA World Cup 2026. Let’s also make way for at least one unexpected ‘viral’ sensation emerging because of soccer’s biggest event.
Ok, maybe two — the synchronized “Viking Row” celebration by Norway fans at the World Cup, and also American ranch dressing.
Let’s focus on ranch dressing in this post.
American palates already love savoring ranch — as a dip, a salad dressing or as their favorite flavor of Doritos. Now, international visitors coming to the United States for the World Cup are understanding what the fuss is all about and falling in love with ranch, too.
Social posts dedicated to these travelers’ newfound obsession with the condiment have exploded on TikTok and Instagram in recent weeks, with many first-time ranch tasters from overseas declaring that they plan to keep a bottle of ranch by their side as they travel from match to match, and maybe even take a few with them when it’s time to fly back home.
Not so fast, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) chimed in via this IG post last week:
“If you’re visiting for a very large sporting event & you happen to discover RANCH while you’re here… pls pack it in your CHECKED BAG on the way home. Thank you.”
The TSA added, “If you’re traveling within the U.S., make sure to keep your carry-on sauces to 3.4 oz or less and place any larger containers in your checked bags.”
In other words, a standard, 16-ounce bottle of ranch won’t fly with TSA, unless it’s in a checked bag.
Step in Kraft Heinz KHC 0.00%↑, one of several food manufacturers with a ranch dressing offering in its portfolio.
Smelling a clever marketing opportunity, the company’s Kraft Sauces unit announced on IG last week that it was preparing to offer a first-of-its-kind limited-edition bulk supply of Kraft Ranch packets packaged in a clear, TSA-friendly quart-sized bag that could be taken in-flight or checked in.
It’s not immediately clear when the Kraft Ranch packets will be available but the TSA cheered the news with the comment, "It’s about time 🥲.”
More stories:
