Trying to find a favorite potato chip flavor is no easy feat, and it’s even harder to find the perfect brand. Sure, you have the big brand-name guys, but just every grocery store carries its own variety, and sometimes, it tastes even better than whatever Doritos just came out with. (No offense to our beloved Doritos!)
We haven’t even started talking about the nuance of a great potato chip, either. How thick do you want them to be? Are they greasy or a much healthier baked chip? How much seasoning gently coats every chip? A lot goes into this, people! Now, as much as we’d love to chew your ear off about potato chips, we’re only focusing on Ruffles today—come with us as we rank the worst and best flavors!
Flamin' Hot Cheddar and Sour Cream
You know, there’s something to be said for too much of a good thing. We like cheddar cheese, and we like sour cream, but combining them was a giant flub. They’re a far cry from the cousins (sour cream & onion and Flamin’ Hot), with two clashing flavors fighting for top spot on your tongue. The saddest thing is, neither of them wins.
We’ll admit that these guys do boast the spice, as do all of Ruffles' spicy chips. And we’ll also admit that having a splash of sour cream amid the fiery dusting can be a decent balance. However, they still don’t complement each other as much as you’d think—or hope.
If you’re going to go with anything, reach for the flavors that inspired this one. Though Flamin’ Hot is a little much for some people, we can’t help but reach for a bag whenever we spot them in the wild. Just keep a glass of milk on standby.
Smokehouse BBQ
Ser Amantio di Nicolao on Wikimedia
As you can probably guess by the name, this classic BBQ flavor carries all the smoky goodness you’d expect from a great sauce. However, if you prefer your marinade sweet, you might want to look elsewhere ‘cause Smokehouse BBQ packs a pretty noticeable punch.
We’re torn on these chips. To be honest, we need to be in the mood for them. They’re not the best option when you want something light, but they’re perfect when you want something rich and filling. Call us crazy, but the smokiness lingers a heck of a lot longer than your sweet flavors.
Like all Ruffles chips, they’re also beautifully dusted. If you have a night of TV scheduled, these guys could be up your alley. If, however, you’re looking for something alongside your lunch, you’ll need a serious appetite—and definitely a toothbrush.
Sour Cream & Onion
Alright, alright, we know people remain divided on sour cream chips. Let it be known where we stand: it’s an amazing flavor that deserves more respect! While yes, it is true that some brands fall short, Ruffles brings all the tangy goodness right to your chip bowl.
One of the worst things about a bad sour cream & onion chip is the overpowering flavor. But when you get it right, you have a balanced blend of green onion and the slightly acidic kick of sour cream. The best part is that it’s all on a thick, crunchy chip, so every bite is packed with flavor.
Now, we won’t lie: this one is pretty strong. If you’re so much as iffy about either flavor, you’ll want to give this one a pass. But if you don’t mind a pinch of bad breath or a little giddy up, Ruffles just about nailed this classic choice.
Original
“Original” sure sounds boring on the surface, but there’s a good reason why Ruffles didn’t stray far with the name. It’s because original chips are classic chips, and these guys bring everything a snacker could want: simple and salty potatoes!
With so many flavors out there, sometimes the best thing is just plain ol’ regular chips. Not only did Ruffles manage a light option, but they also fine-tuned this classic choice. When you bite into a thin, plain chip, you’re often overcome with sodium and greasy little fingers—Ruffles has all the crunch without any of the mess.
The flavor isn’t too strong either. Nobody wants to sink their teeth into a crumbly mess that tastes like rock salt, and luckily, you won’t have to worry about that here. All you get is fresh spuds for a nice, clean taste.
All Dressed
Oddly enough, not everyone has access to All Dressed chips. Allow us to do the honor of describing this odd, but lovable taste: ketchup, barbecue, sour cream and onion, and salt and vinegar. Sound strange? That’s because it is—and it’s also one of the best options on the market!
If you’ve never had All Dressed chips before, one bite can be pretty powerful. Heck, just smelling the amalgamation of flavors can make you sneeze. We beg you to give it a chance, though; the mismash provides a strangely unique profile that’s distinctly its own.
You won’t find anything like it either. Other brands have tried their hand at All Dressed, but Ruffles’ thickness captures every flavor. (Trust us, you won’t get the same experience from Lays.) It’s an acquired taste, but it also deserves some credit as being the wonderfully weird concoction that it is.
KEEP ON READING
