It can be risky for businesses to partake in April Fools’ Day shenanigans . . . because while some people like to have fun with it, a lot of people do NOT like being pranked and if you’re a global brand, some cultures may not think the joke is very funny. Here are some companies that WENT FOR IT . . . for better or worse:
In Australia, McDonald’s teased a new sandwich called the “McFry” a Quarter Pounder with French fries stuffed inside. Some people were so excited that they were disappointed that this WASN’T a real thing.
And in the U.K., McDonald’s hyped “McNugget boots.”
📣Calling all fashionistas 📣
We’ve got the must have drop of the season.
Unveiling the Big McNugget Boot, the most flavoursome shoe of SS23. Releasing exclusively through the McDonald’s App this Monday. pic.twitter.com/1hjFuFZOfG
— McDonald’s UK (@McDonaldsUK) April 1, 2023
Tinder claimed they were banning photos of singles . . . holding FISH . . . making Tinder the first dating app in history to be “fish free.”
The Columbus, Ohio Public Library claimed they were debuting “a large boat filled with books that goes up and down the river.”
Stouffer’s announced that they’d now be calling their chicken enchiladas “ladas” in an attempt to attract more Gen Z customers. And the brand itself was going to be called “Stouff’s” . . . to save you even more time.
View this post on Instagram
Glenlivet said they were debuting a new “boxed whiskey,” as a play on (terrible) boxed wine. They even made an ad for it.
Subaru said that they were entering the granola business, with “Subaru Forager Granola” described as, “The closest thing you’ll find to eating compost for breakfast.”
View this post on Instagram
The Chicago Botanic Garden claimed they were “embracing A.I.” and installed a “smart garden” with “emergent plants” that were “sending messages.”
The GasBuddy app joked that they were coming out with a new signature fragrance called “Pump #5.”
We’re pleased to unveil the latest fragrance from GasBuddy that captures the essence of everyone’s favorite grudge purchase. Introducing Pump No. 5.
Top notes of that puddle on the ground at your feet. Recommended use: once or twice a week. Order now: https://t.co/1IJOVrrJ6G pic.twitter.com/iZvMfleHPd
— GasBuddy (@GasBuddy) April 1, 2023
Fiat USA took a page from the TV show “Pimp My Ride” and said they’d be selling cars with a pasta maker installed in the console.
Panera Bread tried to convince (very gullible people) people that they’d be releasing a “Breadbowl Hot Tub.”
View this post on Instagram
The travel company Skiplagged had an offer for you to buy bad seatmate plane insurance.
Say hello to Skiplagged’s Bad Seatmate Insurance
A $1M answer to inebriated passengers, tiny tantrums, and chair-foot invaders on all flights
Your ultimate #AprilFools flying buddy 😂 pic.twitter.com/4ToVCKvHJ8
— Skiplagged | Travel ✈️ (@Skiplagged) April 1, 2023
A custom auto shop Ruff Tuff Products had an idea to keep you alert while driving with car seat covers laced with caffeine.
A Swedish company that makes weight lifting equipment named Eleiko was peddling an 18.7 pound solid-steel coffee mug.
View this post on Instagram
You could’ve bought square doughnut holes from Canadian coffee chain Tim Hortons.
View this post on Instagram
Grocery chain Natural Grocers unveiled “Lickable Labels” so you can lick a package of frozen broccoli florets to taste before you buy them!
👅 Lickable Labels are coming soon to #NaturalGrocers Brand Products ‼️ You’ll be able to peel, lick & try all of your favorite foods before you buy them – just look for the new patented lickable label. Grab a $5 off coupon to try the new products! https://t.co/QuQjFF8z11 pic.twitter.com/2RkM8nLUk8
— Natural Grocers (@NaturalGrocers) April 1, 2023
Duluth Trading Company is on the cutting edge of clothing with a shirt that has a specially designed pocket for hot pizza slices.
There was a fragrance war between Peet’s Coffee, Mash Direct and Gibson guitars
View this post on Instagram
Gibson is proud to announce our Limited Edition Nitrocellulose Cologne!
With notes of leather, patchouli, and confidence, this cologne will have you feeling like a rockstar in your every day life.#gibson #theoriginal #eaudecologne #aprilfools pic.twitter.com/IrS2GT9e7U
— Gibson (@gibsonguitar) April 1, 2023
There was the Spam Candle in VERY limited quantities fron candle and beauty company Charmed Aroma
View this post on Instagram
The Eiffel Tower wanted us all to believe they were installing the world’s tallest slide.
🇫🇷 Vous n’êtes pas prêts pour ma nouvelle attraction de l’été ! Le plus haut toboggan du monde sera installé sur mon sommet à partir du 1er juillet !
🌐You’re not ready for this! The tallest slide in the world will be installed on my summit from July 1st!
📽️@origiful pic.twitter.com/MrwlmYvtic
— La tour Eiffel (@LaTourEiffel) April 1, 2023
Emory University claimed it was launching a new degree: A Bachelor of Science in Mascot Arts. They posted a YouTube video about it!
England’s University of Gloucestershire is expanding the physical education curriculum and offering a degree in “cheese rolling and exercise sciences.”
@theuniofglos 🥁Introducing the world’s first and only Cheese university degree 🧀 #Cheese #cheeselover #University #course #uniofglos #unitok #uni ♬ original sound – DL TOOTS
The National Park Service had everyone on the lookout for GIANT SQUIRRELS in Zion National Park. They also wanted us to believe that they were able to regenerate the cherry tree George Washington cut down. You know, the one he didn’t actually cut down.
View this post on Instagram
Unbelievable! The legendary cherry tree cut down by young George Washington has regenerated on the Washington Monument grounds and is patriotically blooming red, white & blue blossoms. #NationalMall #WashingtonDC pic.twitter.com/r82ob8WSjV
— National Mall NPS (@NationalMallNPS) April 1, 2023
