In a bold and unexpected move, KFC España has announced a quirky new addition to its promotional lineup: toys inspired by "brainrot" characters, specifically the viral TikTok sensations Tralalero Tralala and Bombardiro Crocodilo.
The fast-food giant teased the release through its official social media channels, showcasing a themed meal box featuring these eccentric, AI-generated characters.
Far from an April Fool’s prank, this campaign has ignited excitement and amusement among fans of internet meme culture, particularly on platforms like X and TikTok.
What Are Brainrot Characters?
The term "brainrot" has become a hallmark of Gen Z and Gen Alpha internet slang, describing absurd, addictive, and often nonsensical online content that captures attention despite its lack of intellectual depth.
In 2024, Oxford University Press named "brain rot" the Word of the Year, highlighting its cultural significance. Among the most prominent examples of brainrot content are AI-generated characters like Tralalero Tralala, a shoe-wearing shark, and Bombardiro Crocodilo, a crocodile with a penchant for chaotic antics.
These characters, born from TikTok’s "Italian Brainrot Animals" trend, have taken social media by storm with their bizarre skits and catchy, surreal humor.
KFC’s decision to embrace these characters taps into a growing fascination with meme-driven marketing. The toys, designed to resemble the quirky duo, will reportedly be included with select KFC meals, following the brand’s tradition of offering collectible items to attract younger audiences.
This isn’t KFC’s first foray into playful promotions—previous collaborations in China with Pokémon and Pop Mart have proven successful in leveraging nostalgia and pop culture.
The Announcement and Fan Reactions On April 15, 2025, a post on X from user @Alexeymash2 broke the news, sharing images of KFC’s promotional box adorned with Tralalero Tralala and Bombardiro Crocodilo.
The post, which included a caption in Russian, emphasized that the campaign is real and not a joke, complete with a laughing cat emoji to underscore the absurdity.
The official KFC España account has since amplified the buzz, with visuals suggesting the toys will be available in limited quantities, likely driving demand among collectors and meme enthusiasts.
Social media reactions have been a mix of delight and disbelief. On X, users expressed their eagerness to snag the toys, with some joking about traveling to Spain just for a KFC meal.
TikTok creators, already familiar with the brainrot animal trend, have begun speculating about whether the toys will include interactive features, like the viral dancing Psyduck toy KFC China released in 2022. Others have praised KFC for leaning into the chaotic energy of internet culture, with comments like “KFC gets it” and “This is peak brainrot marketing.”
Why Brainrot? Why Now?
KFC’s embrace of brainrot characters reflects a broader trend of brands aligning with hyper-online subcultures to stay relevant. The fast-food chain has a history of creative promotions, from Tamagotchi-inspired “Eduardochi” drumstick toys in Spain to catnip-filled popcorn chicken toys in China.
By tapping into the brainrot phenomenon, KFC is targeting Gen Z and Gen Alpha, who dominate platforms like TikTok and drive viral trends.
The absurdity of Tralalero Tralala and Bombardiro Crocodilo —characters with no clear narrative but immense meme appeal — makes them perfect ambassadors for a campaign aiming to go viral.
Moreover, the timing aligns with the growing mainstream acceptance of brainrot culture. From “Skibidi Toilet” merchandise to Roblox games like Brainrot Tower Defense, meme-inspired products are finding a lucrative market. KFC’s toys are likely to become collectibles, especially if they’re as limited as past releases, where resellers capitalized on high demand.
What to Expect
While details about the toys’ design and functionality remain sparse, early images suggest they’ll capture the colorful, exaggerated aesthetic of their digital counterparts.
Given KFC’s track record, the toys might include playful features like sound effects or small movements, similar to the Psyduck toy that danced to a catchy tune. The meal boxes themselves are a draw, with vibrant artwork that could become a social media flex for fans.
The campaign is currently exclusive to Spain, leaving international fans hopeful for a wider release or reliant on resellers, as was the case with the Eduardochi toy, which fetched $30 on the secondary market. KFC has yet to confirm whether the toys will be available through its app, website, or only in restaurants, but the buzz suggests a pop-up event in Madrid, akin to the Eduardochi launch, could be in the works.
A Meme-Fueled Future for Fast Food?
KFC’s brainrot character toys are more than a gimmick — they’re a testament to the power of internet culture in shaping modern marketing. By embracing the absurdity of Tralalero Tralala and Bombardiro Crocodilo, KFC is not just selling chicken but also tapping into a cultural moment.
Whether the toys become a fleeting fad or a collector’s gem, they’ve already succeeded in sparking conversation and cementing KFC’s reputation for bold, meme-savvy campaigns.
As brainrot continues to define online discourse, other brands may follow suit, blurring the line between fast food and fandom.
For now, KFC España is the place to be for anyone looking to own a piece of TikTok’s weirdest corner.
Keep an eye on KFC’s socials—and maybe your local reseller—if you want to get your hands on these delightfully unhinged toys.
