Sun, Kettle chips offer exciting new flavors

Competition in the chip aisle is fierce.

Snack makers are squeezing bags of new flavors into the displays at an alarming rate. We picked two new flavors at random to see if it might be worth mixing up your game day eats.

Spokesman-Review reader food panel members gave both flavors a thumbs up.

The Sun Chips Peppercorn Ranch were a four-star hit.

“I just love the crunch and seasoning of Sun Chips. Super good and ‘healthy’ ” said Skip Hubbard.

Tina Johnson also said the texture was tops. “I love the crunch and the ridges are perfect to hold a dip.” Tina Johnson

Larry Inman is grabbing a bag to take home. “Crisp, seasoned well. I would buy these,” he said.

Kettle Chips Death Valley Chipotle had tasters reaching for their water glasses. The chips scored three stars overall, but garnered four-star rankings from panel members who liked heat.

“Zesty! Delicious! Don’t try to eat the whole bag, unless you have plenty of water on hand,” Inman said.

Jenny Whittaker suggested saving these chips for more experienced taste buds and those who like a bit of zip with their chip. “Spicy – lots of spice. This is an adult snack. Add a cool creamy dip to tame it down.”

Marilyn Moore wasn’t wowed. One bite was enough. “A bit too spicy for my palate,” she said.

Perhaps they should have a warning label.

“Pow! These certainly hang with your for awhile and watch out if you battle heart burn,” Skip Hubbard said.

Kettle Chips Death Valley Chipotle

Price: $2.29 per 5 ounce bag

Nutrition per 1-ounce serving: 150 calories, 9 grams fat (1 gram saturated, 54 percent fat calories), 2 grams protein, 16 grams carbohydrate, no cholesterol, 2 grams dietary fiber, 170 milligrams sodium.

Taste: ••••

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Comments: “Three-star zip. Lotsa grease, but on balance, not bad.” – Andy Hoye

“Way too hot.” – Nancy Robinson

“No dip needed for this spicy potato chip. Ole!” – Tina Johnson

Sun Chips Peppercorn Ranch

Price: $3.79 per 10.5 ounce bag

Nutrition per 1-ounce serving: 140 calories, 6 grams fat (1 gram saturated, 39 percent fat calories), 2 grams protein, 17 grams carbohydrate, no cholesterol, 2 grams dietary fiber, 160 milligrams sodium.

Taste: •••

Value: •••

Comments: “These are so easy to eat – one right after the other. The original chips are still No. 1 for me.” – Jenny Whittaker

“Complex, rich, pleasant flavor – easy to like this one.” – Andy Hoye

“Will quench your taste for salt. Beats Lay’s traditional chips.” – Marilyn Moore