Potato Chip Afficionado

[FoiGras]

Want to know your favorite potato chip brand and/or flavor. Do any local restaurants make homemade potato chips? They are my secret passion. I love potato chips with whipped cream cheese--better then any sourcream dips.

I think that Eagle, Lays and Martin's have the best chips. Eagle has the russett ones that are dark and crunchy. Utz's and Mrs. Ihries' don't stand up to those brands I mentioned.

I love the vinegar flavors/ barbeque//cheesey/even the Old Bay--but the best are the plain chips. I also love sweet potato chips. There are so many brands and varieties. FoiGras

[mariacarmen]

recently discovered these addictive things, and they are so dangerous to me i won't buy them again!
http://www.amazon.com/Calbee-Potato-C...

they don't taste so much seaweedy as potato-y and sunflower seedy! odd, but delicious.

old faves are Laura Scudder BBQ potato chips, which i ate every day through high school for lunch. also love Tim's.Jalapeno chips. I do love Lays plain potato chips too.

[sisterfunkhaus]

Zapp's, Utz, and Cape Cod are great. I prefer kettle style. I actually prefer my own homemade to bagged. We have several places we go that make homemade chips. Tillman's Roadhouse in Dallas are my favorite.

[hill food]

what I've had of these are all good, but if in Balto at the Cross Street market, Utz sells them cooked fresh out of the pot. they were plain when I was last there, but oh so good tucked into my winter coat pocket for a nice stroll down the hill.

[Clams047]

UTZ get my vote as well. Most others seem to be be simply a vehicle for excessive salt & grease (especially Lays).

I've seen "fresh" potato chips offered at a number of restaurants, but have learned that most (if not nearly all) are actually a factory refrigerated item - not actually fresh cut. I have, however, had some excellent fresh cut chips at fairs & festivals.

[randyjl]

I just found Great Value Steak flavored rippled chips at WalMart. They are not gourmet, but are great. And...I don't usually go for flavored chips.

[Perilagu Khan]

Hmmm. Most interesting. The only steak flavored chips I've seen were Poore Brothers, and I haven't seen them in several moons. May have to investigate these Great Value jobs. GV, incidentally, lives up to its name far more often than not. I've been very pleasantly surprised by the quality of the product.

[FoiGras]

Clams--found a great seasoned chip with Ketchup--not greasy or overwhelming in the taste. Bought the product at Graul's in Ruxton. If you are interested, I'll provide the brand name. It appears to be a small company. FoiGras

[JReichert]

My go-to is Mike-Sell's potato chips - they use peanut oil and they're just plain delicious. I also really like Cape Cod and they're my favorite vinegar chip.

But I tried a real delicacy earlier this summer when I was hiking in Maine: Fox Family Potato Chips. They don't even have a Facebook page or website. They are so stupid delicious that I kicked myself for not buying a dozen bags to take home with me. If you're anywhere within driving distance of Maine, or can afford shipping, GET SOME.

[queueueuq]

Old Dutch *boxed* bbq chips are unlike any other! Most brands' bbq chips are too sweet for me but Old Dutch has a zesty tang that's SO good. I was upset when they changed the formula a few years ago (something to do with taking over Humpty Dumpty and using their bbq instead) but they've gone back to the original bbq in their boxed chips (not the bagged). Thank god.

[John E.]

Have you ever had the Old Dutch BBQ chips produced in the U.S.? I wonder if the Canadian chips and the U.S. BBQ chips are the same.

[queueueuq]

Good question -- I've only ever tried them up here in Canada! I may have to investigate next time I'm across the border. You'd probably know if the U.S. BBQ chips had that tang, as it's pretty distinctive,I think.

I'm also a big fan of the classic plain chip but I think that's the one "flavour" Old Dutch doesn't do that well.

[ptrichmondmike]

Classic only, PLEASE! Can't stand those flavored chips. Yuk, yuk, YUK! The perfect chip is extra-thinly sliced, crisp and light, slightly greasy and salty -- and, of course, potatoey. That's all there is. No ruffles, no ridges, no kettled cheddar, ranch, black pepper and sea salt, thank you. It is enough.

[sandylc]

Excellent point. Although ridges are nice sometimes. The flavored ones seem good sometimes when I'm REALLY hungry, but about six chips in I begin to feel sick. Chemical ick.

[redroses]

the best chips i have ever had was a recipe from my friend in Curacao. You take any kettle cooked chip or thick chip plain flavour only. then in the bag squeeze fresh lemon juice and a generous dash of Maggi seasoning. i dont know what happens but the alchemy that occurs in the bag is awesome. its salty and sour and crunchy. has anyone ever heard of this recipe? try it and tell me i'm not wrong!!

[Perilagu Khan]

Bring on the chemicals, baby.

[FoodChic]

Tim's Cascade! Yum!

http://www.timschips.com/

[calmossimo]

Glad to see another Tim's fan! I just scrolled through all the replies to see if anyone had mentioned this Northwest brand. When I was in grad school in VT, I would ask for care packages full of Tim's chips from back home in Seattle -- actually, what I really am obsessed with is their Hawaiian kettle style line. The luau BBQ chips are divine, but I'm also a huge fan of the Tim's original and jalapeño flavors, and many others love the salt and vinegar. There is also a good cheddar flavor, if i remember correctly. Thick and crunchy and very potato-y.

When I was in VT, I also liked Utz and Cape Cod. Miss Vickie's are very good as well.

P.S. in checking the Tim's website after seeing this thread, it looks like their Hawaiian kettle style line has a new flavor -- mango habanero! I haven't seen these yet in the store (I'm in Oregon now) but I'll be keeping my eye out.

[FoodChic]

Love Tim's. They really produce a quality product. I think Tim's vinegar & salt are the best I've had in that flavor combination.

[boyzoma]

I love Tim's as well. My favorite is the Wasabi flavor. I could sit and eat a whole bag in one sitting!

[Perilagu Khan]

For the first time ever, I cracked open a sack o' Zapp's Cajun Spice the other day, intending to eat only a few. Ten minutes later there wasn't so much as the scent of a chip remaining in the bag.

[FoodChic]

Zapp's Gumbo Chips are fabulous.

[Perilagu Khan]

What are they? I looked at Zapp's chip flavors on their website and don't recall seeing gumbo chips. Did see voodoo chips, however, and would love to give them a whirl, along with the rest of their line.

[FoodChic]

They only come out periodically. The package always says "limited edition." I haven't been able to determine any regular schedule around them.

The next time I see them, I'll let you know. If you can't find them, I'll send you some.

[Perilagu Khan]

That's mighty kind of you. Zapp's are scarce in my neckothewoods. Got lucky at a Big Lots when I scored those Cajun Crawtater chips.

[Uncle Bob]

Another Zapp's fan here....I gravitate towards the Regular and Cajun Crawtators mostly...Jalapenos ain't bad either.

[randyjl]

I tried Utz Potato Sticks. They were not good. the longest "stick" was 1/2" long. I threw them out!

[FoiGras]

Just recentl;y discovered another fantastic potato chip--Cape Cod Kettle Cooked ROSEMARY AND FETA. OMG. Fantastic. I'm nove much of a rosemary fan, but the chips were lightly seasoned with the rosemary and the feta was just perfect. You gotta try them. FoiGras

[chocolatetartguy]

I saw an ad for a new variety of Lay's: BLT!

[FoiGras]

I'll definitely have to try the Lay's BLT. FoiGras

[chocolatetartguy]

Don't expect much. I bought a bag and the main taste is of tomato. There was more of a bacon taste left on my thumb and forefinger after I had eaten the bag and wiped off my fingers with a napkin than on the chips themselves. What bacon flavor there was tasted vaguely of artificial bacon bits. The ingredients include "natural bacon type flavor" and "natural lettuce type flavor." Wonder what that means.

[The Professor]

It's made in a laboratory...it MUST be pure. ;-)

[sr44]

I like the flavor, but don't like the coating on the chips. It cuts into the crunch, IMHO.

[hotoynoodle]

as a kid, i could chow an entire bag of chips myself. we always had wise, sometimes ruffles.

now they just all taste like rancid oil to me and i actually get queasy after just a few.

capital grille makes them from scratch as a freebie bar snack and WOW are those good, though.

also make them at home for parties. they get devoured too, lol.

[southernitalian]

Slightly off thread but I was recently introduced to Takis Mexican chips. They're more like a Dorito and they're mad hot! Only available at my local Asian grocery store but worth the trip!

[Exy00]

Due to this thread I did enough research to learn that apparently Better Made is basically Michigan-only. They tend to be my choice for potato chips.

[Roland Parker]

Utz. Plain ol' Utz for me all the way.

As a child we also sometimes had Mrs. Gibbles, a local chip from Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Since it's fried in lard it's very rich with a slight bacony undertaste.

Kettle chips from the UK are also quite good and tend to be similar to Cape Cod chips. The British cheese flavored chips are better than any cheese flavored chips in the US. Burts' Crisps are wonderful and have a hot chili lemon flavored chip that I find addictive.

[randyjl]

I love Pik Nik Potato Sticks!

[Buckeye_Local]

The Pic Nik Potato sticks were my favorite snack until I noticed how much trans fat was in a single serving. Most of the other Potato Chip companies got rid of the trans fat in their chips.

While in my local Walmart here in Arizona over the weekend, I saw for my first time the UTZ brand Potato Stix. Ingredients: Potatoes, Cottonseed Oil, Salt. 0 Trans Fat, Gluten Free.

[arktos]

I just tried 'Ode to the Classic Potato Chip' by Trader Joe's. Easily one of the best potato chips I've ever had, and a steal at that price. Tastes the way potato chips used to taste.

[FoiGras]

arktos--okay, you got my attention. What made the Trader Joe's chip special? Was it kettle cooked, plain--flavored? By the name- I suspect it is a basic chip. That's great--especially for dipping into all types of dips, which is my second post.

I'm still waiting to hear if anyone has any info with local restaurants who make their own potato chips. And, please keep those chip dip recipes and ideas flowing. Thanks--FoiGras

[arktos]

They're just a very well made LAY'S type chip. Very crispy, with the right amount of salt and a deep flavor. Get some!!

[sandylc]

1. I grew up with Seyfert's and they were amazing. Many years ago I found some and they were rancid and greasy. It was so sad.

2. I also grew up with cream cheese chip dip. My version of it now is to soften a block of good cream cheese, then take a pea-sized bit of sweet onion and put it thru the garlic press into the cream cheese, then add a big spoonful of sour cream, some salt, and stir like mad. The bit of onion juice that comes through the press adds a tiny bit of background flavor rather than smacking you in the face.

[David11238]

Wise BBQ & their Garlic & Onion are two of my favorite flavored potato chips. Kay & Ray's make my favorite regular and dark. The best chips I've eaten were made by Amish cooks at a Renascence fair near Philly. Fried in lard, crispy, salty & hot. Dee-fugging-lischous!

[Perilagu Khan]

Say "dee-fugging-licious" in front of an Amish cook and you're liable to wind up with a pan fullo hot lard in yer mug. ;)

[centralpadiner]

Living in Central PA, the potato chip capital of the world, I only buy local chips. The epicenter is definitely Lancaster, Lebanon, and York Counties. Herr's and Martin's are really good and readily available in the broader region. Favorites include the harder to find Deiffenbach's and King's (the 2 brands I grew up on). Kay and Ray's are a relative newcomer to the Central PA chip scene, and are pretty good - I like the dark ones. They are from farther west, Franklin Co., and the parent company is the Martin's of Martin's Potato Bread/Rolls fame. The classic Franklin Co. chip, though, is Gibble's, yum.

Chef Andrew Little of Sheppard Mansion in Hanover makes upscale versions of classic Central PA foods. His chips and truffled onion dip are to die for. I'm actually starting to drool thinking about it. It's a long drive for me, but I must make the trip back there soon.

[melpy]

Is Sheppard Mansion a restaurant? Must investigate. That dip sounds to die for.

[centralpadiner]

Yes, a restaurant/inn in the small town of Hanover, PA where chef Andrew Little creates amazing upscale versions of traditional PA Dutch foods and local specialties. It is also farm to table. They grow most, if not all, of their own produce, and raise heritage breed pigs. They use local, organic and cruelty/hormone free farmers for anything they don't raise themselves. It is pretty amazing! I've only been twice, but great food! It's a little over an hour drive for me, so it makes for a long evening out, but totally worth it!

[The Professor]

I used to love WISE potato chips before the several takeovers...I even appeared in a commercial for them almost 40 years ago. Nowadays though, they're pretty bland and generic unfortunately.
These days for 'standard' chips I like HERR's the best. A very close second would be Wegman's store brand. UTZ aren't too bad either.

For the 'kettle chips', I think my vote would go to Cape Cod, or the UTZ old fashioned brand ("Grandma Utz") ...cooked in lard rather than veg oil. Yum.

[melpy]

Love Wise BBQ- so unique! Also love Cape Cod brand.

[laliz]

I grew up on Wise and they were always my favorite. Moved away from PA and didn't get back for many years. When I did return, after we checked into our hotel, the first thing I did was locate the vending machine and (sigh) Wise potato chips.

They weren't in that blue bag I grew up with, but that doesn't matter. sigh. Wise.

[melpy]

We don't have Wise in this part of PA that I know of. We always eat them on vacation in VT because my uncle buys them on the way from CT.

[Shann]

For sandwiches, plain Lays are great. However, you must get the big bag, not the little individual size bag or you will get nothing but tiny little chips and pieces.

One of the best chips I have ever had was something called 1851 Original that I got at K-Mart. I beleive that they were a Herr's kettle product. They were just awesome but they don't carry them any more and I can't find them anywhere.

Strangely enough, the Cumberland Farms convenience store brand is very cheap and really good. I like the sour cream ridged and the barbeque

[chocolatetartguy]

I have slight high blood pressure but love those chips. I tried (and just bought) Lay's Lightly Salted and they are surprisingly good. They have 50% less salt and seem to be just as crispy. I can (and will) live longer without that extra salt. The Lightly Salted Fritos are good too.

When not thinking about my health, I like Zapp's BBQ. I had a brand I bought in Kirtland, Oh east of Cleveland last summer that was so good, I took a bag with me to Indianapolis. I tried Shearer's there and they were pretty good, but not as good as the Ohio brand. They might have been Mike-Sells.

There is a stand in the Ferry Plaza Market in San Francisco that sells great home-made chips dusted with rosemary.

[TrishUntrapped]

Scarpetta's in NYC makes fresh waffle-cut chips seasoned with salt and rosemary and served free at their bar. I love them so much I ask for them for the table and they provide them.

[nedh]

Shearer's in the midwest.

http://www.shearers.com/

[smithareeny]

My favorite is by Solea, Olive Oil & Rosemary Potato Chips. Unfortunately, I can't find them anymore. They are very addictive.

[Perilagu Khan]

It's amazing how many great potato chip brands disappear or are confined to a small part of the country.

[pdxgastro]

See, now you've come up with a great idea: a potato chip bar! With potato chips from around the country, if not world. (There is a peanut butter bar and a cereal bar in NYC so why not chips?)

[Perilagu Khan]

You put up the capital, and I'll make it a reality. ;)

But what about dips? And beer?

[punkin712]

I remember my Business Logistics professor in college talking about how the fragile nature of potato chips and their packaging made it difficult or undesirable for smaller potato chip manufacturers to distribute them across large areas. That may explain why there are so many different regional chip brands. Not sure if that's still the case (that was...um...20 years ago), but it sounds reasonable.

[ferret]

The packaging is better now (mylar film bags injected with nitrogen gas to puff them up and prevent crushing of the contents/rancidity) but it's still about distribution and shelf space.

[poser]

Here in California, F-L has three manufacturing plants. One in Modesto that does Potato two in southern California that does corn products. Also some of the products come from Mexico. the main reason for the necessity of having many plants is not because of the fragile nature of the chips but the cost of transportation.

Smaller regional manufactures are not equipped to supply as much product as needed if they were doing a wide spread business.

back to the idea of how fragile the chips are, if you saw a trailer full of chips you would know any damage to the product does not occur there. And the idea of the mylar bag filled with gas? That is strictly for shelf life F-L products usually have about six weeks until the pull date (Note, chips do not go stale by the pull date for all you date freaks) while kettle brand chips using the more expensive (your paying for it) bag have at least 8 weeks.

[Motosport]

I love Herr's Heinz Ketchup potato chips. They remind me of Nathan's Coney Island French fries!! Thank goodness they come in small bags since I can't stop eating them until they are all gone.
Blue Smoke in NYC makes a nice potato chip with dip that is excellent.

[Perilagu Khan]

I do love the crab flavored chips made by Utz and Herr's. But I wish they (or somebody) would upgrade them to kettle/thick/crinkle chips.

[MGZ]

I thought your Utz's crab chip on a better chip notion was a great one yesterday. Today I realized that I think it might be worth getting a bag of Granda Utz's lard cooked, kettle chips and dipping them in Old Bay. One of those "Duh"/light bulb moments.

[Bob W]

Route 11 has your chip:

http://www.rt11.com/category/chesapea...

[Perilagu Khan]

Are they "kettle" style?

[Bob W]

I would say "yes." Route 11 chips are thick and very crunchy. Definitely a premium chip. Even if I didn't live in VA, I would rank them right up there with Zapp's and others of that ilk.

[Perilagu Khan]

I hope to strike them some day.

[Bob W]

If you ever get to their factory (in a great tourist area with lots of wineries, battlefields, caves, etc) -- at least when I was there....unlimited samples!!

[Perilagu Khan]

Definitely sounds worth a side trip next time I'm in Harrisburg to visit the wifey's kinfolk.

[Bob W]

You'd be a lot closer to the many Pennsylvania chip/pretzel makers (Martin's, Utz, Herr's, Snyder etc) . Route 11 is going to be at least a couple of hours from Harrisburg -- whether that's a side trip is in the eye of the beholder. 8<D

[Perilagu Khan]

I live in Texas. It's a side trip. ;)

[Bob W]

LOL I figured something like that. The Valley is a great place to spend a day and eat good chips.

[FoiGras]

Thanks everyone for your input. This topic was posted by another Chowhounder on February 12, 2008, but I was interested in our specific area. Sounds as though there are some really great chips outside of the Baltimore/D.C. area. Guess I could shop online for various chips to try.

I also was interested in homemade chips--in a restaurant. Several years ago I had some fabulous chips at Flemings' Steakhouse in downtown Baltimore. They were served warm and crispy--I believe they were seasoned with some herbs and rosemary specifically. I'll have to go back and see if there are still available. FoiGras

[Big Bad Voodoo Lou]

In Orlando, FL, we have a food truck (The Crooked Spoon) and an Irish pub (Fiddler's Green) that both make incredible homemade (warm) potato chips, as well as some of the best burgers in town. The Crooked Spoon chips have rosemary on them.

As for storebought chips, my wife likes the plain sea salt Dirty Potato Chips, and also plain Zapp's -- both are thick, crunchy kettle chips. I like the different flavored Zapp's, especially Cajun Craw-Tators and the mysterious Voodoo flavor.

Herr's (from Pennsylvania) has a lot of interesting flavors, including dill pickle, ranch, pizza, baby back ribs, barbecue chicken, ketchup (surprisingly addictive), and Texas Pete hot sauce (awesome). And Lay's recently introduced my favorite flavor of theirs: tomato and basil. They're surprisingly great.

[cstr]

Kitch'n Cooked Maui Chips, unbelievable!

http://tastyislandhawaii.com/2009/05/...

[Perilagu Khan]

I got one sack of a no-name brand of red chile potato chips made in Grants, New Mexico. They were mindblowingly good. Alas, they seem to have vanished.

I used to be able to find Poore Brothers potato chips that were made in Goodyear, Arizona. Their habanero packed a powerful and fantastic punch, and their steak and onion were sheer deliciousness. Alas, I haven't seen 'em in a coon's age.

Another delicious extinct chip was O'Grady's thick cut cheddar chips. The thickest chip I've ever encountered, but they disappeared about the same time as the Delorean.

I love salt and vinegar flavored chips as well as salt and pepper. And I prefer ripple/crinkle cut, and the thicker the better.

[Manybears]

I miss those O'Grady's cheddar chips too. Ruffles came out with a thick-cut cheddar chip awhile ago (not sure if it's still around or not) but it didn't compare with the memory of the O'Grady's.

[pdxgastro]

I wonder if Poore Bros is what they gave me as a snack on the plane when I had a connection at Phoenix one time? They were so good. I haven't found them anywhere else.

[Perilagu Khan]

Could be. Apparently they're the national chip of Arizona. I encountered them in--of all places--Columbia, Missouri back in the late 90s. Haven't seen them elsewhere since.

[aynrandgirl]

Check out Bob's Texas Style chips if they're in your area. They're a clone of Poore Brothers. Same owners.

[Perilagu Khan]

Thanks, ayn. I'll keep an eye out for them.

[CDouglas]

Cape Cod Dark Russet, Herr's Old Bay, Zapps Cajun Crawtators and for a change of pace - Munchos.

[Miss Needle]

Tyrrell's. They come in a whole bunch of flavors but lightly sea salted is my favorite.

http://www.tyrrellscrisps.co.uk/

[ipsedixit]

North Folk.
http://www.northforkchips.com/

[CoachJ]

In England, we found some Papadum Chips. They came in a Pringles-style can. It was probably more of a novelty factor than anything else, but I would definitely try them again. Has anyone seen anything like this elsewhere?

I grew up about a quarter mile from a Granite State potato chips factory in NH. You could get a barrel of chips hot out of the oven. They were fantastic. In the late seventies something changed, and the chips were all of a sudden not so great. The place is long gone by now and much lamented.

[mmalmad]

I have purchased the papadum chips at Stop & shop in New Haven, but they don't always have them.

[Enigma3]

Alas, the best ever potato chip is now hard to get. I too grew up with Charles Chips in the can. They will always be the best for me. BIg chips perfectly cooked and salted. Indescribably delicious with chocolate milk. They now have new owners who are trying to rebuild the brand. Now out of Lancaster Pa. I wish them the best.

[erinnf]

I love potato chips! One of my big weaknesses. :)
I think the Cape Cod chips are the best - even the 40% reduced fat are delicious - in fact, better than the regular (and no weird fat substitutes). Also, the Billy Goat Chip Company, based in St. Louis, had amazing chips. They actually carry them in small 3 oz. bags at Chinatown Coffee Company. Highly recommend - especially the "Kicker" flavor - sort-of spicy!

[mels]

+1 on Cape Cod Chips. They are my favorite for dipping. I do hold a grudge that they discontinued my favorite, Firecracker Barbecue. Instead of the god awful sweet barbecue flavor favored by Lay's and the like, these were tangy and spicy.

I am partial to kettle cooked chips. I much prefer the thicker chip and nice crunch. I won't even touch plain old Lay's and that variety. Too wimpy and half the bag is potato shards.

Kettle Chips salt and pepper variety is pretty fantastic. Deep River potato chips are also quite good.

[ferret]

The Kettle ripple-cut salt & pepper (with just a hint of lemon) are pretty much the best standard chip out there.

[kengk]

The Cape Cod 40% less fat are my favorites as well. The regular ones are just too greasy for me.

[Bob W]

Those are great -- one of the only "light" or lower-fat products that can stand up to the original version in any category.

[CanadaGirl]

Agreed

[mahlzeit_yumyum]

+2 on Cape Cod chips. They are damn tasty.
I try not to buy potato chips because they're so additive to me. The combination of starch and salt makes it hard for me to stop eating and I can practically eat a whole bag in one sitting.

Ditto on the kettle cooked chips. Better texture, flavor and crunch.
In addition to the standard chips, salt and vinegar is also fantastic.

My DH had a friend in college who went to work at a potato chip factory and quit after a day. She couldn't eat chips for years afterwards (if ever?).

[freshlycured]

How great was the Charles Chip Man? My parents used to welcome him into the house (we lived in Florida) for a drink when he made his delivery stop. But back to the original post, my new favorite is Zapp's Voodoo. I like many of their flavors, but the "accidental" Voodoo just has so much going on . . . and it all works together. They can be hard to find, but are worth it. I was actually at the UTZ Factory Store in PA a couple of weeks ago and was pleasantly surprised to find them selling Zapp's stuff.

[Teddybear]

I share your passion -- but not for Lays. I would take Utz any day over Lays. I was lucky enough to grow up with the Charles Chip man. Yum.

[FoiGras]

I mentioned Lays, but should clarify. I don't care for their regular chips, just the kettle cooked ones.

I'd all but forgotten about Charles Chips. Do they still exist? Didn't they also have those large pretzels?

Years ago I purchased a potato chip maker machine from Hammacher Schlemmer. It was compact--actually cut the potato--then the slices went into the hot oil--the finished chips were shot out of the side of the machine ready to be salted or flavored. It was so great. I used to make sweet potato chips in addition to the regular chips. It was easy to operate and clean. Unfortunately, I lost the machine during a household move. It was a novelty and fun--just like the bread machines. But, there are so many great potato chips available along with artisanal breads in the grocery stores, why bother making those items? FoiGras

[JenJeninCT]

After not seeing them for years, I just bought a bag of Charles Chips at The Fresh Market today. I grew up on them as as well- the friend I was with when I saw them couldn't believe they would bring them to your house like the milk man. Will report back when I open the bag.. I still have one or 2 of those cans around somewhere!

[LSNwndrlnd]

Charles Chips are available on their website again. You can read the history of why they disappeared for so many years. Also, The Vermont Country Store, which has their own website as well, also sells them, but only the pretzels and plain chips. The barbeque and waffle chips are available on the Charles Chips website. :)

[JenJeninCT]

The Fresh Market seems to carry the regular and the Barbecue flavor all the time, now. They are not exactly as I remember them, but they are very good.

Thanks for the info.

[ctfoodguy]

I grew up on Charles' chips too. We always had a big yellow can of chips in the kitchen. They were great! To this day, I can't have a sandwich without chips. Potato chips are definitely my weakness. I like Utz and Wachussetts brands (probably local) preferably ripple

[RGC1982]

Utz is the best, IMO, and Miss Vicky's for kettle chips and flavors.

[mdpilam]

I grew up in MN where I was hooked on Dill Pickle chips, I know Old Dutch was the main brand that made them, but haven't been able to find them here. I settle for Kettle chips, Sea Salt & Vinegar.

[Bob W]

Route 11 chips, based in the Shenandoah Valley of VA, makes Dill Pickle chips among their many excellent flavors.

[ferret]

Snyder's of Hanover had a long run of flavored chips (they still have dill pickle and buffalo wing) including pepperoni pizza and grilled steak. We did a road trip through several European countries recently and I made an effort to try as many flavors as I could find. Paprika was a favorite as was dill and the big winner was smoked gouda and onion. They had a chicken flavor also, but nobody bit.

[Bob W]

Snyder's is our go-to for flavored pretzels, like the honey mustard & onion and cheddar cheese pretzel pieces.

[The Professor]

I had the chicken flavored ones in the UK. They were actually pretty tasty, even despite that fakey, Lipton Chicken Soup tasting kind of flavoring they use.

[John E.]

I had the chicken flavored potato chips in Moldova a few years ago. They tasted like they had been dusted with chicken bouillon granules. I used to like steak and onion flavored potato chips except they seemed overly salty. I don't remember which brand they were. I know they were not Herr's or Snyder's. I also like an occasional ketchup flavored potato chip but they are not in every grocery store chip aisle around here.

[CanadaGirl]

No ketchup chips in every chip aisle!! GASP!! Where I live, even crummy little stores have multiple brands of ketchup chips. It's a standard here. I wonder if there's a standard where you are that is uncommon here.

[John E.]

When I have been to northern Ontario (that's due north of Minnesota) for fishing trips I have noticed Old Dutch (based in the Twin Cities) Ketchup chips. Alas, they are not standard in Minnesota.