• Home
  • Latest
  • Fortune 500
  • Finance
  • Tech
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia
april fools

The Most (and Least) Cringe-Worthy Brand April Fools’ Pranks of 2019

By
Laura Stampler/TIME
Laura Stampler/TIME
Down Arrow Button Icon
By
Laura Stampler/TIME
Laura Stampler/TIME
Down Arrow Button Icon
April 1, 2019, 11:32 AM ET

Gullible citizens of the internet, beware. You’re about to see a lot of brands announcing new products today, all of which serendipitously seem to release on April 1.

It’s April Fools’ Day, and just because Microsoft’s abstaining from pranking festivities this year, that hasn’t deterred other companies from celebrating the holiday.

Here’s a roundup of who’s (not really) doing what, so that you don’t get had.

Mr. Potato Head isn’t getting replaced with man-bunned Mr. Avo Head

Don’t worry. Your carby childhood friend hasn’t fallen victim to a millennial rebrand—we don’t care how many Instagram followers Mr. Avo Head has.

Courtesy of Mr. Potato Head

Gender reveal mozzarella sticks aren’t coming to a frozen food aisle near you

Your Facebook timeline is truly #blessed.

Now you can share your big news with a little cheese. Introducing Gender Reveal Mozzarella Sticks! Grab a box for your big reveal: https://t.co/bQud4NwgaU #FarmRichReveals #MomtoBe #ItsaBoy #ItsaGirl pic.twitter.com/8cgupOx67a

— Farm Rich Snacks (@FarmRichSnacks) April 1, 2019

SodaStream didn’t discover how to turn burps into Seltzer

… yet.

Houston we solved the problem!
Burping in space is a thing of the past. Introducing our new collaboration with @StationCDRKelly, SodastreamME!
Tag a friend you KNOW needs this :) pic.twitter.com/Cx3BIaickU

— SodaStream USA (@SodaStreamUSA) April 1, 2019

Dunkin’ didn’t created its first-ever, edible Super Dough Coffee Holder

Not an April Fools’ Day prank: Dunkin’s Peeps-flavored coffee…

Introducing… The Super Dough Holder! 🍩 pic.twitter.com/K5zt4TO4m2

— Dunkin' (@dunkindonuts) April 1, 2019

Tinder’s new height verification feature is a lie

Let the catfishing continue.

Introducing the thing you never asked for, but definitely always wanted—Tinder Height Verification. Coming soon.
Read more about it here: https://t.co/8MER0L1U6W pic.twitter.com/hZ507zSoic

— Tinder (@Tinder) March 29, 2019

McDonald’s isn’t rolling out milkshake-flavored dipping sauces

All sweet and no sour.

Meet #ShakeSauce — a sweet new way to dip. pic.twitter.com/0c5h8xJZg5

— McDonald's (@McDonalds) April 1, 2019

HyperX and Nissin aren’t collaborating on Cup of Noodles headphones

Dr. Dre just took a big sigh of relief.

These sounds are gonna be hot… 🔥

Introducing @OrigCupNoodles x HyperX Cup MIX-IN Headset: https://t.co/kMp3CCKzmf pic.twitter.com/JAHCURZ4FB

— HyperX (@HyperX) April 1, 2019

White Castle’s auctioning off a 98-year-old burger

No need to participate in the live stream auction of the chain’s first Original Slider, carbon frozen since 1921.

In 1921, we carbon froze our very first Original Slider. 98 years later, we’re auctioning it off to you Cravers. Tune in to our livestream auction now! https://t.co/QDTuP7j1or pic.twitter.com/LKjwguEnwG

— White Castle (@WhiteCastle) April 1, 2019

Fresh Direct didn’t figure out how to turn cauliflower into dairy-free milk

Caulk isn’t real, but pea milk certainly is.

Let's talk Caulk! Go behind the scenes for an intimate look at how our FreshDirect experts created the latest innovation in non-dairy milk: https://t.co/VB5ZKHdB1q pic.twitter.com/KhIdzuikvp

— FreshDirect (@FreshDirect) April 1, 2019

Halo Top unfortunately didn’t invent edible, ice cream face masks

This is a 17-step skin care regiment in which I’d happily partake.

You look like a snack, so your skincare routine should compliment that. Which explains why when we discovered skincare benefits in our ice cream, we decided to develop something special just for our fans- Introducing, new Halo Top Face Masks! Check it out:https://t.co/SeAIQydgP0 pic.twitter.com/8t0h17fXba

— Halo Top (@HaloTopCreamery) April 1, 2019

Roku didn’t create a dog-friendly remote control

Your pooch can’t use the Press Paw remote to catch up on Vanderpump Rules.

We recently surveyed our customers and identified a major pet peeve. 🐶

Introducing the #Roku Press Paws Remote ➡️ https://t.co/djtZjcAa7k pic.twitter.com/6WMieTzzL7

— Roku (@Roku) April 1, 2019

Tik Tok didn’t hire DJ Khaled as a c-suite exec

The rapper announced he was the company’s new Chief Motivation Officer.

Proud to announce that I am the FIRST and the NEW CHIEF MOTIVATIONAL OFFICER for TIKTOK. #sponsored Follow me on @TikTok_US @DJKhaled and visit https://t.co/4fevVeESC8 Let's get inspired. BLESS UP. ​https://t.co/XTeY7SW0Z2 pic.twitter.com/1Bw8BaJMmp

— DJ KHALED (@djkhaled) April 1, 2019

Shutterstock isn’t going brick-and-mortar

The video and image online marketplace said it was building the world’s largest physical library with 250 million images, 14 million reels of film, and 20,000 music tracks.

Move over @librarycongress! @Shutterstock is opening the world’s largest brick-and-mortar stock library with 250 million images, 14 million reels of film & 20,000 music tracks. Check out the enormous structure: https://t.co/zwo8lW9Fpp #ShutterstockLibrary #ItsShutterstock pic.twitter.com/0fU5BGP7nW

— Shutterstock (@Shutterstock) April 1, 2019

Google hasn’t found a way to let you talk to tulips

Although, the tech giant will let you play Snake on Google Maps for the next week.

Burger King actually IS launching a plant-based burger with Impossible Foods

Although it did successfully trick carnivores into thinking it was meat.

Virgin Voyages won’t fly customers to cruise ships via private jet

Only Richard Branson gets to do that. (Probably.)

TFW you arrive on the ship by private jet. Wait, you don’t know that feeling? Not… yet anyway. Introducing Ship 2 and upgraded RockStar Sailor experiences, private jets and The Runway to house them. #RockStarPJ#VirginVoyages #AreWeForReal? pic.twitter.com/DLSqR2dDht

— Virgin Voyages ⚓️ (@VirginVoyages) April 1, 2019

About the Author
By Laura Stampler/TIME
See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon

Latest in

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025

Most Popular

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Fortune Secondary Logo
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • Future 50
  • World’s Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
Sections
  • Finance
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Features
  • Leadership
  • Health
  • Commentary
  • Success
  • Retail
  • Mpw
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
  • CEO Initiative
  • Asia
  • Politics
  • Conferences
  • Europe
  • Newsletters
  • Personal Finance
  • Environment
  • Magazine
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
About Us
  • About Us
  • Editorial Calendar
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Diversity And Inclusion
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
Fortune Secondary Logo
  • About Us
  • Editorial Calendar
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Diversity And Inclusion
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • Facebook icon
  • Twitter icon
  • LinkedIn icon
  • Instagram icon
  • Pinterest icon

Latest in

A man wearing a red hat shakes Trump's hand in a crows
Personal FinanceRetirement
Trump’s universal 401(k) architect on why lower-income people distrust retirement accounts: ‘they want to know what the catch is’
By Jacqueline MunisFebruary 28, 2026
20 minutes ago
AIMarkets
The week the AI scare turned real and America realized maybe it isn’t ready for what’s coming
By Nick LichtenbergFebruary 28, 2026
45 minutes ago
AIFinance
She joined Block to build AI. Weeks later, AI cost her job.
By Sheryl EstradaFebruary 28, 2026
50 minutes ago
Middle EastIran
Trump confirms ‘massive and ongoing’ attacks on Iran, warns of possible casualties, and calls on Iranian people to overthrow regime
By Jason MaFebruary 28, 2026
2 hours ago
Form Energy CEO Mateo Jaramillo is pictured at Form Factory 1 in Weirton, West Virginia.
Energybatteries
Google is building a bevy of renewable energy in Minnesota—including the world’s largest battery system providing power for a whopping 100 hours
By Jordan BlumFebruary 28, 2026
3 hours ago
sam altman
AIOpenAI
Sam Altman tells staff at an all-hands that OpenAI is negotiating a deal with the Pentagon, after Trump orders the end of Anthropic contracts
By Sharon GoldmanFebruary 27, 2026
12 hours ago

Most Popular

placeholder alt text
Innovation
An MIT roboticist who cofounded bankrupt robot vacuum maker iRobot says Elon Musk’s vision of humanoid robot assistants is ‘pure fantasy thinking’
By Marco Quiroz-GutierrezFebruary 25, 2026
3 days ago
placeholder alt text
Success
Japanese companies are paying older workers to sit by a window and do nothing—while Western CEOs demand super-AI productivity just to keep your job
By Orianna Rosa RoyleFebruary 27, 2026
20 hours ago
placeholder alt text
Commentary
'The Pitt': a masterclass display of DEI in action 
By Robert RabenFebruary 26, 2026
2 days ago
placeholder alt text
Economy
It’s more than George Clooney moving to France: America is becoming the ‘uncool’ country that people want to move away from
By Nick LichtenbergFebruary 27, 2026
1 day ago
placeholder alt text
Success
Walmart exec says U.S. workforces needs to take inspiration from China where ‘5 year-olds are learning DeepSeek’
By Preston ForeFebruary 27, 2026
1 day ago
placeholder alt text
Law
China's government intervenes to show Michigan scientists were carrying worms, not biological materials
By Ed White and The Associated PressFebruary 26, 2026
2 days ago

© 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.