Game day is as much about the food as it is about the final score. The food spread needs to satisfy, but it cannot be fussy. Lay’s Tailgate Chip line transforms favorite appetizer flavors. While there are three options, one earns a win in my book.
Lay’s has pushed flavor boundaries with its chip innovations. From launching fan-inspired concepts to taking on global food trends, there are many choices beyond the simple potato chips in the yellow bag. The latest line gives football fans a smart option. When people crave simple, easy and affordable options, opening a bag of chips that tastes like a favorite dish will find a quickly find an audience.
Lay’s Tailgate Chip Flavors
The specialty, limited edition Lay’s Tailgate Chip flavors are Cheesy Buffalo Dip, Hot and Loaded Nacho. These chips are available at most major retailers and have a suggested retail price of $4.49 per bag. Additionally, Snacks.com sells a Lay’s Back to Football Flavor Bundle for $14.97.
While both the Cheesy Buffalo Dip and Loaded Nacho reference popular tailgating food, the Hot flavor is in collaboration with Frank’s RedHot. This snack is another collaboration where the popular vinegar forward hot sauce adds its distinct flavor to popular foods.
Bold Flavor and All the Crunch
While all three flavors are enjoyable, the most noticeable common characteristic amongst the line is that the chips are heavily seasoned. Some snacks can have varying coating levels on the chips. In the bags that I tried, there was not a bland or unseasoned chip in the bag.
Additionally, it was smart for Lay’s to offer different styles of chips. While some people appreciate a simple, plain potato chip, others crave variety.
For example, wavy chips are great with dips. The ripples add to their ability to scoop up dips and sauces.
On the other hand, a kettle cooked chip has a heavier crunch. Also, the cooking process allows the flavor to be more intense.
Crowning a Winning Flavor
While all three flavors are tasty, my top choice is the Loaded Nacho. The taste captures all the ingredients that are typically found on a nacho plate. From the slight tangy, sweetness of tomato to the punch of spice from jalapenos, one bite is like a flavor rollercoaster.
Overall, the flavor is well-balanced. There is a slightly cheesy, creamy note that I expected from cheese and sour cream. It is not necessarily overpowering, but it appears slightly at the end.
Since I prefer extreme spice, I would have liked a punch more heat. These Loaded Nacho chips would fall into the mild category. Anyone who is spice adverse would not have a problem eating these chips.
Lastly, I did like pairing this flavor with dips. Instead of a creamy, traditional chip dip, I opted for guacamole. It enhanced the idea of nachos. Since there was only one topping, I never had to worry about spilling on my shirt.
This Flavor Is a Close Second.
The Cheesy Buffalo Dip earned a strong second place in my book. While I’m not a huge fan of that traditional appetizer, these flavored chips are quite good. They are very savory and very cheese forward.
For anyone who likes cheese and sour cream chips, this option would be a must try. It has a slight tanginess that helps to break up the primary flavor.
Additionally, it was smart for Lay’s to use the kettle chips for this flavor. The stronger crunch is needed. Although that texture is very different from the traditional appetizer dip, it helps to eat the chips more slowly and enjoy every bite.
Lastly, the Cheesy Buffalo Dip would be great on a chicken sandwich or a burger. It brings that cheesy note, but it adds some excitement. If paired with a pimento cheese spread and this chip, the idea might be the talk of the tailgate.
Lay’s Chips Take Over the Tailgate.
Did Lay’s make a smart choice launching these specialty chips for football season? With food trends leaning towards simple, convenient and portable options, it ticked off all three items. Opening a few bags of food versus spending a long time in the kitchen is a winner for many people.
Lay’s seems to be on a winning streak with its new flavors. It is time to snag a few of these tailgate chips before the season ends.
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