Lay’s Chips Taste Test

Lay’s Do Us a Flavor Challenge

In 2012 Lay’s launched the Lay’s Do Us a Flavor challenge where they had consumers submit suggestions for a new Lay’s chip flavor. The winner received $1 million dollars. It was the beginning of using social media marketing. Participants provide a flavor name, up to three possible ingredients and a description of the flavor. In 2015, I decided to try the top 4 contenders, which I instantly regretted. I’m not really a fan of potato chips to begin with. I prefer my MSG coated Doritos, but bias aside, there chips really aren’t good.

Here’s what went down…

Southern Biscuits and Gravy

I recently traveled to New Orleans so I’m aware of what biscuits and gravy are supposed to taste like and this isn’t it. Yes I’m aware it’s a chip and it won’t be exactly like the real thing, but this chip just tastes like regular potato chips with pepper. If they were called “peppered potatoes” than yeah…nailed it! Biscuits and gravy? Not so much… That being said they don’t taste bad. They smell decent. I can see them winning, solely because there are slim pickings to choose from.

Overall rating: 2.5/5

New York Reuben

I’m from New York. That being said I know what a pastrami sandwich tastes like. It’s not my favorite and it took me years to finally try one, but I’ve had some of the best. This chip was my favorite (not saying much). Upon trying it, you taste the marble rye and Russian dressing. There is also subtle sauerkraut and pickle. You don’t get much of the meat taste which honestly for me is fine since I’m not a big fan of it. You do smell it though and despite that, they are still the best tasting chip in my opinion. The complexity of flavors transferred into the chip is a success minus the main ingredient, pastrami, but that’s perfectly fine with me.

Overall rating: 3.5/5

Greektown Gyro

The absolute worst. Honestly, it’s gross. It smells bad, it tastes weird. If I was told to guess the flavor of the chip without knowing I wouldn’t be able to at all. Lamb and tzatziki flavors are sort of there, but it’s not good and there is a cucumber after taste that isn’t giving what it’s supposed to give. After eating the first chip I truly was disgusted, especially from the scent. After eating some more it improved, but still wasn’t good. The fact that it is kettle cooked does nothing for it either. Just makes it a gross crunchy chip.

Overall rating: 1.5/5

West Coast Truffle Fries

4 words: sour cream and onion

That’s it. That’s the review.

Overall rating: Same rating I’d give sour cream & onion, because that’s what they are: 3/5

Bottom line: Do yourself a flavor and don’t eat any of these and if you must, go with the Reuben or the sour cream and onion, I’m sorry, I mean “West Coast Truffle Fries” *eye roll*

And the winner is…

Southern biscuits and gravy AKA peppered potatoes won. Wish instead of trying the chips I came up with one, because one million dollars (probably half that after taxes) is pretty great just for thinking of a chip flavor.