The 10 Wackiest Potato Chip Flavors & The 10 Most Universally Loved
Can You Handle Every Potato Chip Flavor Out There?
Potato chips are one of the world's favorite snacks, and their neutral base lends itself well to flavor experiments. Humans, being the creative creatures we are, have, of course, tried out many wacky potato chip flavors, some of which flopped while others were a surprising hit. Here are 10 of the wildest potato chip flavors ever made and 10 of the OG favorites we will never stop loving.
1. Cappuccino
As part of their “Do Us a Flavor” contest, in which fans were invited to submit a weird potato chip flavor, Lay's created this particularly unhinged chip. The cappuccino chip had a dusting of sweet, cinnamon-sugar, and coffee flavor that tasted like dipping a French fry into a latte.
2. Cajun Squirrel
Ever wondered what Cajun squirrel tastes like? Us neither. Walkers potato chip brand in the UK made it anyway as part of their “Do Us a Flavour” contest, and it went down in history as one of the weirdest flavors the brand has ever put out.
3. Wasabi Ginger
Lay's created the wasabi ginger flavor as part of their “Do Us a Flavor” contest, and to everyone's surprise, they were a massive hit. People liked the balance of warmth and zest so much that the flavor won the 2014 contest.
4. Cucumber
Cucumber Lay's were mainly released in China and parts of Asia, where refreshing flavors are more popular. The cool, crisp, light, and slightly sweet chips have earned themselves a cult following.
5. Garlic Oyster
Garlic oyster Lay's are another unusual flavor you can find in Asia. They combine the umami, fishy taste of oysters with a savory, spicy punch of garlic.
6. Hot Chili Squid
It may seem strange to create a flavor of chip that tastes like squid, but fans report these are surprisingly addictive. The flavor is a well-balanced mix of tangy, spicy, and umami, the fishiness only being a slight undertone.
7. Mint Mischief
Lay’s Mint Mischief is a blend of mint, lime, and jalapeño introduced in India. It's meant to mimic the flavor profile of the traditional Indian mint and yogurt sauce, raita.
8. Borscht
Borscht-flavored potato chips aim to capture the essence of the popular Ukrainian beetroot soup. Several snack companies make the surprisingly popular flavor, which is described as a blend of tangy, savory, and earthy flavors.
9. Caesar Salad
When you have a hankering for potato chips, you don't necessarily want them to taste like salad. However, Lay's Creamy Garlic Caesar chips are shockingly decadent, with more emphasis on the dressing and parmesan cheese flavor of the salad than the green bits.
10. Seaweed
Seaweed-flavored potato chips are actually a big deal in Asia, where it's common to snack on roasted and seasoned nori seaweed. This flavor is umami-packed, with a salty, oceanic flavor.
Alice Wiegand, (Lyzzy) on Wikimedia
Now that we've talked about some of the most bizarre potato chip flavors in the world, let's go over the OGs that we will simply never get tired of.
1. Original
Original or plain potato chips with nothing but salt continue to be the most popular flavor. They're a simple, accessible, indulgent, crispy, and addictive go-to.
Esperanza Doronila on Unsplash
2. Barbecue
Just behind plain in worldwide popularity is the bolder, tangier barbecue chip. These have a smoky, savory, sweet, and tangy flavor that aims to mimic the taste of smoked meat.
3. Sour Cream & Onion
Another beloved chip that's part of the OG flavor lineup is the creamy, tangy, and slightly refreshing sour cream and onion. It's especially popular in North America and Europe.
4. Salt & Vinegar
Salt and vinegar potato chips are the perfect chip for people who like flavors that pack a tangy punch. Maybe because they make your mouth hurt so much, they're a love-them-or-hate-them kind of deal.
5. Cheese
Cheese-flavored potato chips, whether cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan, are incredibly popular in Europe and North America. They taste like French fries covered in cheese. How can you go wrong with that?
6. Jalapeño
Jalapeño chips were created for spice lovers. It's an intense flavor that usually blends heat with garlic, salt, and onion powder for a well-rounded finish.
7. Sea Salt & Black Pepper
You really can't go wrong with salt and black pepper on pretty much any savory food, so it's no surprise it's one of the most popular potato chip flavors. The black pepper adds a little heat and elegance to the otherwise plain chip.
8. Ketchup
Ketchup chips are one of the best-selling chip flavors in Canada, where bold and tangy flavors are popular. They essentially taste like French fries and ketchup.
9. Ranch
Ranch potato chips are especially popular in North America, where folks put Ranch on nearly everything. They taste just like the tangy, herby, creamy dressing.
10. Paprika
Paprika potato chips are a popular flavor, mainly in Europe. They're a mildly adventurous flavor that tastes a little sweet, smoky, and slightly spicy.
Michael Schilling / Michael-schilling at German Wikipedia on Wikimedia
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