• 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
Down Arrow Button Icon
By
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
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
  • Leadership
  • Success
  • Tech
  • Asia
  • Europe
  • Environment
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Health
  • Retail
  • Lifestyle
  • Politics
  • Newsletters
  • Magazine
  • Features
  • Commentary
  • Mpw
  • CEO Initiative
  • Conferences
  • Personal Finance
  • 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

Latest in

CryptoWeb3
The world’s leading blockchain-based taxi app is setting its sights on New York City
By Angelica AngDecember 25, 2025
4 hours ago
InvestingCollectibles
Logan Paul auctions off $5.3 million Pokémon card, urging young people to invest more in nontraditional assets: ‘Don’t be afraid to take a risk’
By Sydney LakeDecember 25, 2025
14 hours ago
Kiara Nirghin, the co-founder and CTO of the applied AI lab Chima
AIBrainstorm AI
Gen Z founder on ‘AI anxiety’ and being pigeonholed as generation shortcut: that’s the ‘biggest misconception’
By Nick LichtenbergDecember 25, 2025
17 hours ago
Mark Zuckerberg stands in a doorway
Real EstateMark Zuckerberg
Mark Zuckerberg gifted noise-canceling headphones to his Palo Alto neighbors because of the nonstop construction around his 11 homes
By Dave SmithDecember 25, 2025
18 hours ago
SuccessMillionaires
Meet the millionaires living the ‘underconsumption’ life: They drive secondhand cars, batch cook, and never buy new clothes
By Eleanor PringleDecember 25, 2025
18 hours ago
xmas
Europehistory
Christmas 500 years ago was a drunken 6-week feast that may have been considerably better than the modern holiday, medieval historian says
By Bobbi Sutherland and The ConversationDecember 25, 2025
18 hours ago

Most Popular

placeholder alt text
Real Estate
Mark Zuckerberg gifted noise-canceling headphones to his Palo Alto neighbors because of the nonstop construction around his 11 homes
By Dave SmithDecember 25, 2025
18 hours ago
placeholder alt text
Success
Chinese billionaire who has fathered more than 100 children hopes to have dozens of U.S.-born boys to one day take over his business
By Emma BurleighDecember 25, 2025
19 hours ago
placeholder alt text
Personal Finance
Trump turns government into giant debt collector with threat to garnish wages on millions of Americans in default on student loans
By Annie Ma and The Associated PressDecember 24, 2025
2 days ago
placeholder alt text
Economy
Even if the Supreme Court rules Trump's global tariffs are illegal, refunds are unlikely because that would be 'very complicated,' Hassett says
By Jason MaDecember 21, 2025
4 days ago
placeholder alt text
Success
Meet the millennial father of six who rebuilt his life through the trades—and questions America's obsession with college
By Eva RoytburgDecember 24, 2025
2 days ago
placeholder alt text
Retail
Trump just declared Christmas Eve a national holiday. Here’s what’s open and closed
By Dave SmithDecember 24, 2025
2 days ago

© 2025 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.