Apple Cider Vinegar. This flavor quickly shot up to the top of the list since our discovery of it in the fall of 2020. It’s a sneaky but perfect play on salt and vinegar. As a good friend once said, “you can’t eat too much perfection”
Dill Pickle. Dill just slid past Honey Dijon in this initial ranking (as explained below). Most notable pro: the tang of the dill is extremely satisfying.
Honey Dijon. A flavor that has tragically moved down the list. Was probably number 1 for the better half of 2020 but after buying 3 bags and powering through them in the span of a week, the Honey became too overpoweringly sweet. Needed to be bumped down.
Backyard Barbeque. I have never not finished an entire bag in a single sitting. Classic flavor and addicting, but not unique enough to break top 3 right now.
Farmstand Ranch. Delicious. Like a slightly creamier version of what you would imagine a good sour cream and onion to be, in the best way possible.
Salt and Fresh Ground Pepper. A classic staple. The pepper can get overwhelming if you eat too many in one go but as long as you don’t shove 7-chip handfuls in your mouth at once these can be munched on easily for a long period of time.
Jalapeno. Almost made top 5 because it’s an OG crew member, but the new Apple Cider Vinegar and Ranch flavors were just too good.
Pepperoncini. I haven’t had them enough times to form a real opinion, but the few times I have they have been noticeably pleasant.
Sea Salt. Good. Fine. Best of the worst. Middle of the pack (ish).
Salt and Vinegar. It’s just a bit too salty and a bit too vinegary, but it’s always on the shelves so it inevitably ends up in the cart.
Chili Lime. I’ve had this a few times and I still can’t remember how it tastes. You’d think with such a unique name it would surely make an impression, but alas, so far it hasn’t been memorable.
Sour Cream and Onion. The time that I’ve had it I remember thinking “this is a disappointing attempt at what should be a classic flavor.” Lay’s has the best Sour Cream and Onion flavor.
New York Cheddar. Like a white cheddar Cheeto, but worse.
Bourbon BBQ. This is a true embarrassment to the Kettle Chip family. It’s like eating a chip dipped in cheap whisky. At least have some alcohol content if you’re going to taste like trash.
Flavors still to try:
Wasabi Ranch - hmm I could like this a lot. Need to find, have not seen in stores yet.
Korean Barbeque - I refuse to try this because it has the same purple bag color as balsamic vinegar (see below) and I know it will never be as good.
Chile Verde - does not sound promising.
Wood Smoked Sea Salt - I could like the wood maybe?
Fiery Thai - might be too overwhelming for me.
Tropical Salsa - does not sound promising.
Himalayan Salt - how could this possibly be different than sea salt?
Unsalted - does not sound promising.
Country Style Barbeque - nothing can beat backyard BBQ. Not holding out hope for this one given the tragedy that is Bourbon BBQ.
Sriracha - could be interesting…. need to find at a store also.
Maple Bacon - not sure I’m on board with meat flavors.
Buffalo Bleu - does not sound promising.
Spicy Queso - I may have tried this but I can’t remember.
Flavors that I have had at some point but I can’t find again:
Balsamic Vinegar. I will search to the end of the earth for this flavor again.
Flavors they should make (and maybe they do but not in the US):
Ketchup - @Canada
Other notable Kettle Chip developments:
We have FINALLY found “shareable” sizes at the grocery store and they are actually big enough that I am unable to finish a bag in a single sitting (except Barbeque). FINALLY.
Always open to debates on the above. Leave a comment below.
Note: I don’t differentiate between Krinkle Cut or Regular, which could meaningfully contribute to rankings in the future. Also, the above references the Kettle Chip Brand only.
I need to try more of these flavors! Jalepeño ranks way higher for me but my experience is limited