When it comes to potato chips, it’s safe to say that there is no shortage of options to choose from. The salty, crunchy snacks have been around since the 1800s, so there’s been plenty of time to create new and unusual flavors. (Hello, Fried Pickles with Ranch potato chips.)
You’d have to do a lot of sampling to find the best chips in the US. Fortunately, The Harris Poll’s 2021 Brands of the Year results will save us plenty of time!
America’s Most Beloved Chip Brand Is…
The honor of Best Potato Chip in America goes to Lay’s!
Though the competition among potato chip brands is fierce, it’s no surprise Lay’s is tops—the brand has been around for more than 75 years. Starting from humble beginnings, the snacks used to be sold out of the back of founder Herman W. Lay’s car. The original recipe was simple—potatoes, oil and salt. The brand has since expanded to produce over 200 flavors of potato chips. Don’t worry—we tested and ranked the most popular Lay’s flavors for you.
What Can We Expect to See Next?
Potato chips—especially the ones from Lay’s—are a go-to snack food that will continue to show up in new flavors and styles (like Jerk Chicken, Chile Mango and Summer BLT this summer). So keep an eye out, because although the classic Lay’s are a fan favorite, consumers are always pitching new ideas to the company.
FYI: This is why your potato chip bag is always half empty.
Chocolaty Chips
My two little guys can't get enough of this sweet-and-salty snack, which uses just three ingredients and is ready to eat in 15 minutes. The boys like to drizzle on the melted chocolate, too. Sometimes we replace the potato chips with apple slices. —Jami Geittmann, Greendale, Wisconsin
Spicy Chicken and Bacon Mac
I've been working to perfect a creamy, spicy mac and cheese for years. After adding smoky bacon, chicken, jalapenos and spicy cheese, this is the ultimate! I use rotisserie chicken and precooked bacon when I'm pressed for time. —Sarah Gilbert, Aloha, Oregon
Ranch Chicken Sliders
When my grandson was younger, we always joked that nothing could make ranch chicken taste better. Then one day Avery’s eyes lit up and he suggested we fry it! Our fried chicken burger was born. You won’t believe how good these little sliders are. —Tamara Hire, Decatur, Illinois
Potato Chip Bites
A friend at church gave me the recipe for these buttery, light and crisp cookies. It's never failed to bring me compliments.—Brenda Stone, Sterrett, Alabama
Chicken Fries
Kid-friendly and quick, these crunchy oven-baked chicken fries are coated with a mixture of crushed potato chips, panko bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese. Dip them in ranch dressing, barbecue sauce or honey-mustard sauce.—Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
Blue Cheese Potato Chips
Game day calls for something bold. I top potato chips with tomatoes, bacon and tangy blue cheese. I make two big pans, and they always disappear. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Potato Chip Clusters
Just three offbeat ingredients add up to one unique, delectable, no-bake treat. These super-easy, sweet-and-salty candy clusters make for merry munching during holiday trips or parties. They travel well in containers without melting or getting soft. —Donna Brockett, Kingfisher, Oklahoma
Chicken and Rice Casserole
Everyone loves this dish—I consider it the best chicken and rice casserole recipe because it's a tasty combination of hearty and crunchy ingredients mixed in a creamy sauce. It's a time-tested classic. —Myrtle Matthews, Marietta, Georgia
Touchdown Brat Sliders
It's game time when these mini sausage sliders make an appearance. Two things my husband loves—beer and brats—get stepped up a notch with crunchy flavored chips. —Kirsten Shabaz, Lakeville, Minnesota
Potato Chip Banana Bread Cookies
My 5-year-old wanted to bake a cake with potato chips and bananas. I couldn't quite manage that, but I did combine two cookie recipes to create these. They are stunningly delicious, and everyone tells me they are addictive! —Rebecca Emmons, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Potato Chip Chicken Strips
This novel recipe is a fast and tasty change from fried chicken.—Sister Judith LaBrozzi, Canton, Ohio
Mini Shepherd's Pies
These savory little pies may be made with simple convenience items, but I'm just as confident serving them to drop-in company as I am to my husband and three boys. —Ellen Osborne, Clarksville, Tennessee
Barbecue Chicken Bits
Folks who enjoy the taste of barbecue will gobble up these tender chunks of chicken coated in crushed barbecue potato chips. They're a hit at home and at parties. —Celena Cantrell-Richardson, Eau Claire, Michigan
Slow-Cooker Tuna Noodle Casserole
We tweaked this family-friendly classic to work for the slow cooker. It's easy, wholesome and totally homemade!—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Potato Chip Crunchies
When my family comes home, I like having treats ready for them. No matter what's on the cookie tray, these are always the first to vanish. —Dorothy Buiter, Worth, Illinois
Pepper Jack Hash Brown Casserole
I found myself in need of an impromptu potato dish, but I had no potatoes. Frozen hash browns and the plethora of cheeses I had in the freezer offered me the solution to my side-dish dilemma. —Cynthia Gerken, Naples, Florida
Turtle Chips
Salty-sweet, crunchy-chewy—so many sensations in one delectable bite. This is the absolute easiest recipe to make! Both kids and adults will be reaching for this goodie. —Leigh Ann Stewart, Hopkinsville, Kentucky
Bacon Horseradish Spread
This spread is a great choice for any occasion because it's loaded with flavor and comes together in a snap. Start with one or two teaspoons of horseradish and add more to suit your taste. —Terri Peterson, Spring Valley, Illinois
Cheeseburger Bowl
This recipe is a unique and lighter way to enjoy an American summer staple. You can also make the dressing with ranch dressing, 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard and 1 tablespoon of ketchup. —Laurie Rogerson, Ellington, Connecticut
Sweet Potato-Crusted Chicken Nuggets
I was looking for ways to spice up traditional chicken nuggets and came up with this recipe. The chips add a crunchy texture and flavor, while the meat is tender on the inside. —Kristina Segarra, Yonkers, New YorkThe post This Study Just Revealed the Best Chips in the U.S. for 2021 appeared first on Taste of Home.
Hannah Twietmeyer