At the supermarket the other day, and I mean the mega-Shaw’s where we go to buy our Miracle Whip and M&Ms, I was passing through the salty snack aisle. And lo, I beheld two new potato chip flavors that were NOT BORING — and even more importantly, were not self-importantly, yuppily “exotic.” (I’m looking at you, Kettle Chips.) Obviously they went straight into the cart.
Both were from Lay’s, which is known to have some of the best flavors going in their overseas markets, especially the UK.
One was Carolina Barbecue, with vinegar featured prominently on the illustration. This is one of my favorite all-time flavors from Utz, and though this one isn’t quite as spectacular, it is very good indeed. Tangy and savory and tastes like what it claims to be.
The other was Pepper Relish, which could have been anything, but turned out to be just what you’d hope: a sweet-tangy flavor with strong vegetal notes that taste just like a fresh pepper. I very much appreciate the simplicity of the name, instead of something overly poncy like Artisanal Garden Sweet-Tangolicious Pepper Madness.
I think the Pepper Relish is my favorite, surprisingly enough, but they are both excellent and you should run out and buy some right now, so Lay’s gets the right idea and keeps churning out more like this!