January 11, 2021 Ranking (Kettle Brand)
Ranking of Kettle Chip Flavors as of January 11, 2021
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