National Potato Chip Day and Pi Day!!

For those of you who don't know, March 14th is known by many as Pi Day (3.14).  Unfortunately for me (but not necessarily for the kids), that resonates more in mathematics classrooms than in bakeries.  I do love a good, round, sweet or savory pie, but I'll have to eat something else on this day to honor the missing "e".  As luck would have it, today is also National Potato Chip Day!  Potato chips date back to 1853 when Chef George Crum decided to slice potatoes thin and make them crispier rather than soggy after complaints from some customers.  What an ingenious move!  In 2005, the global potato chip market generated a revenue of US$16.4 billion which accounted for 35.5% of the total savory snack market that year (Wikipedia).  So with that, I'll count down my top four potato chips in recent memory.  I'll let my readers decide what I'm missing that should round out my top five!  Leave a comment on here, Twitter, or Facebook!

4. Ruffles Cheddar & Sour Cream

Of all the truly major national brands, Ruffles Cheddar & Sour Cream is easily my favorite potato chip.  The ridges really do make a difference!  Plus, their cheddar and sour cream flavoring is spot on no matter what chemicals they use to artificially make it taste that way!

3. Zapp's Cajun Crawtators

Louisiana's own "Little Chippery in Gramercy" makes its first appearance on my list with their iconic Cajun Crawtators.  Zapp's is a proud Louisiana product with a growing market and favorable reputation around the country.  The crunchy kettle chips are cooked in peanut oil for extra flavor and the Cajun seasonings make them distinctive and delicious!

2.  Bob's Texas Style, Original

Bob's chips are thick cut, crunchy, and kettle cooked in small batches.  They are not over salted, but rather have a brilliant proportion of salt to potato that you strive to find in an ideal non-flavored chip.  Next time you are driving through the Lone Star State make sure to pick up a bag... or a case!

1. Zapp's Hotter 'n Hot Jalapeño

Of all the chips that Zapp's makes, their Hotter 'n Hot Jalapeño is easily my favorite.  Sure, the Crawtators are more established and well know, and their Original chips are solid, but the jalapeño chips are one of the more perfectly seasoned chips that I know of.  The best part is that they are actually hot!  It isn't just a wimpy jalapeño flavor like you get with other brands of chips.  Zapp's actually provides heat and flavor while delivering that trademark crunch in every bag of potato chips.  Keep it up, Zapp's, and I'll keep eating!


Agree, disagree, or want to tell me what chip should round out my top 5?  Leave a comment here or give me a shout using Twitter, or Facebook!  Happy chipping!