Kettle Chips’ new flavors get mostly thumbs-up
Kettle Chips fans suggested the latest new flavors from this Salem, Ore., chip maker.
Let’s just say food panel tasters were happy the winners were Cheddar Beer and Spicy Thai, and not Salmon and Cream Cheese or Cotton Candy.
The panel members liked the crunchy, solid texture of the chips and the grown-up flavors. They gave both flavors a four-star rating, although they would have liked the chips to cost a bit less.
“Watch out Doritos…These are zippy and fresh and could stand up to any dip,” Andy Hoye said of the Cheddar Beer chips.
“I defy you to break this chip in any kid of dip. These are great salty, thick and crunchy chips,” Tina Johnson said.
Kettle Chips followers voted online to pick the new flavors from some 16,000 suggestions. And 3,281 people thought Cheddar Beer was the winner, for its tangy cheese and malt taste. Their names are printed right on the bag.
Not all of the tasters on The Spokesman-Review’s reader food panel were impressed.
“Undecipherable flavors that left me underwhelmed. Nice and crunchy though.” Skip Hubbard said.
“Fried to a delicate earth-tone brown color, making the crunch echo for the next bite, but I’m not giving up my Lays,” Marilyn Moore added.
The Spicy Thai had more fans on the local tasting panel.
“Great spices, lots of flavor – spicy and sweet at the same time. I really could see myself starting on a bag of these and seeing the bottom of it pretty quickly,” said Gonzaga student Matt Quesnell.
“Starts out slightly sweet and turns to slightly spicy, but not until you’re done eating them. Give them a chance and you won’t be disappointed,” Hubbard said.
The flavors in the chips include chili, ginger, lime and honey. “Slightly sweet with a heat that builds a bit. Very good,” Donald Clegg said.
Spicy Thai received 3,076 votes online. But the chips were too spicy for Moore.
“I didn’t make it past the first sample bite. Downed water to rid the pungent flavor of Cajun,” she said.
Kettle Chips isn’t done listening to its fans. Now, fans can suggest a beverage inspired chip for the next flavor craze. Go to crave.kettlefoods.com to make a suggestion. Huckleberry milkshake, anyone?
Kettle Chips, Cheddar Beer
Price: $2.59 for 5 ounces
Nutrition per 1-ounce serving: 150 calories, 9 grams fat (1 gram saturated, 54 percent fat calories), 2 grams protein, 15 grams carbohydrate, no cholesterol, 1 gram dietary fiber, 200 milligrams sodium.
Taste: • • • •
Value: • • 1/2
Comments: “Really crunchy with a great flavor that doesn’t overpower you. Overall, I really recommend these. Great flavor.” — Matt Quesnell
“Golden and crunchy. Just a very solid chip.” — Donald Clegg
“Crisp, tasty. Good, but not grand. Too pricey.” — Larry Inman
“It has a great crunchy texture and (it is) perfectly salted.” — Peggy Kazanis
Kettle Chips, Spicy Thai
Price: $2.59 for 5 ounces
Nutrition per serving: 150 calories, 9 grams fat (1 gram saturated, 54 percent fat calories), 2 grams protein, 15 grams carbohydrate, no cholesterol, 1 gram dietary fiber, 180 milligrams sodium.
Taste: • • • •
Value: • • 1/2
Comments: “I love the thick slab of potato… lingering flavor of sweet and hot.” — Peggy Kazanis
“Sweet but hot. These are odd, but good.” — Andy Hoye
“Leaves a spicy aftertaste. Kind of sweet and sour. Different, but I wouldn’t buy them.” —Larry Inman