Ranch cotton candy is now a thing

How it started: Fairy Tale co-owner Meg Shearer says her culinary inspiration came from a walk around Raygun, where she noticed ranch-themed merch everywhere.

• She decided to hop on the ranch train and reached out to flavoring companies to make a "ranch profile" for her cotton candy.

The result: Her company launched the flavor in February and "it's performing so well," Shearer says.

• The flavor is a "broad, herbaceous note" with a little bit of a dill bite and sour cream mouthfeel.

The big picture: Social media has driven demand for more extreme flavors, especially as people film themselves trying unusual foods.

What's next: If ranch is too mellow for you, just wait — ghost pepper watermelon and Carolina reaper cherry are coming next month.

Where to find it: Chocolate Storybook in West Des Moines and online.