Dare to Disagree?
Some may argue that the best chip is subjective, but if you believe in democracy, then you’ll agree that the chip brands with the most votes are the favorites. With that in mind, here are 20 of the most popular chips ranked from best to worst, as rated by the internet. Can you spot your favorites?
1. Doritos
You might think chip companies are always competing with each other, but in reality, Frito-Lay owns a majority of the market. Frito-Lay launched Doritos in 1966 because they wanted to use leftover unseasoned tortilla chips. Now, Doritos is beloved for its bold flavors and crunchiness.
2. Lay’s BBQ
There are so many flavors to choose from when it comes to Lay’s, and their original yellow bag has defined the potato chip market. However, it turns out the fan favorite is the tangy and textured BBQ variant, which is known for its sweet and smoky taste.
3. Flamin’ Hot Cheetos
Hot Cheetos have had a resurgence in popularity despite being created initially in the 1980s. They are known as a bit of a cultural phenomenon now, with even celebrities chiming in. The spiciness adds a fun kick, and some people claim it's addictive.
4. Ruffles Sour Cream
Ruffles launched in 1958 with their popular sour cream and cheddar variant, which turns out to be the favorite flavor. What sets Ruffles apart from the competition is their ridged texture, which perfectly captures flavor while adding a unique thick crunch.
5. Cheetos Puffs
Cheetos is really nailing the texture game, and they know that sometimes people don’t want crunch but instead want light and airy cheesy goodness. With that in mind, Cheetos Puffs is one of a kind.
6. Pringles Sour Cream and Onion
It turns out sour cream and onion is a favorite flavor for many, which is why the standout Pringles bestseller is the same flavor. Pringles are actually potato crisps and are known for their stackable and consistent shape.
7. Cheez-It
If you haven’t heard of Cheez-It, you’re missing out. Created all the way back in 1921 and marketed as “baked rarebit,” these crunchy squares became a household name. The reason why they are so popular is their cheesy, crunchy, bite-sized perfection.
8. Cool Ranch Doritos
Cool Ranch Doritos are a delicious alternative to the more classic Nacho Cheese flavor. They quickly became incredibly popular, with some countries even calling them the “Cool American” flavor. The biggest reason why Cool Ranch Doritos became as popular as they are is the tangy and zesty ranch flavor combined with the perfect bite-sized crunch.
9. Lay’s Sour Cream and Onion
Lay’s has been a leading name when it comes to potato chips. The Sour Cream and Onion flavor was an extremely successful attempt by Lay’s to expand into the flavored chips market, making this flavor their most popular and top-selling one worldwide. The secret is in the perfect combination of creamy and tangy flavors, along with a perfect yet light crunch.
10. Funyuns
Funyuns are an incredibly fun and tasty snack made by Frito-Lay in 1969. The design resembles an actual onion ring, while the name is literally a mash of the words “fun” and “onion.” It’s a very unique and original oniony, crunchy, and airy chip that brings something exciting to the table.
11. Cheetos
Cheetos are one of the most famous crunchy snacks out there. With the blooming popularity of the original, there have been many spin-offs, such as Puffs and, even more famously, Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. On top of the incredible crunch and a very recognizable flavor, the catchy thing that Cheetos have going for them is the yummy Cheeto dust left behind on your fingers.
12. Kettle Chips
Kettle Chips have become an incredibly popular item in many people's shopping carts. Their superb crunch is achieved by making small batches at a time. The extra crispy texture combined with the thick-cut chip and a natural flavor makes for a welcome and refreshing potato chip.
13. SunChips Harvest Cheddar
SunChips Harvest Cheddar was made with the intent of making chips healthier. It was marketed as such due to the chips being made using whole grains. It gained popularity due to its unique crunch, made possible by the whole grains, as well as its cheesy and bold flavor.
14. Goldfish
Now, Goldfish are crackers, not chips, but you'll be surprised how often they show up in chip debates. Originally made in Switzerland and later introduced to the U.S. by Pepperidge Farm, Goldfish are an amazing snack for any occasion. The little smiling fish shape brings warmth and nostalgia while making this snack iconic. It’s a cheesy, crunchy, and flavorful fan favorite.
15. Takis
A chip that needs no introduction, Takis are a worldwide sensation. Known for their intense spice and rolled shape, they have been gaining popularity with every passing year. Their incredible crunch and extreme heat make them a fan favorite among snack lovers.
16. Lay’s Salt & Vinegar
With their rising popularity, Lay’s decided to make an incredibly bold and new flavor, creating the Salt & Vinegar chips. The intense flavor of the vinegar in combination with the salty chip makes this one a love-it-or-hate-it kind of chip. It’s definitely one of those chips that will leave a lingering taste and memory after you eat it.
17. Fritos Honey BBQ Twists
The Honey BBQ Twists were Fritos’ unique take on an innovative flavor. The idea behind it was that the twisted shape holds more of the spices and flavor in every bite. This was proven to be a success, as they are described as sweet, smoky, and incredibly satisfying to eat.
18. Spicy Sweet Chili Doritos
The Spicy Sweet Chili Doritos debuted in the early 2000s as one of the few vegan-friendly Doritos flavors. They have since gained popularity due to their unique flavor and delicious aftertaste. The perfect balance of sweetness and spice makes them a pretty craveable chip.
19. Original Pringles
Pringles was made with a very clear mission in mind, and that was to eliminate broken, greasy, uneven chips. Their uniform and unique shape is possible due to the method they use to make the chip, as well as the special dough recipe. It’s one of the most unique and original stackable chips that is very fun to eat and brings consistent shapes and flavor.
20. Ruffles Sour Cream and Onion
The Sour Cream and Onion Ruffles were designed and made with the purpose of combining a delicious chip flavor with a ridged texture that is perfect for dips. With the chip already having a great taste, there are so many options for expanding the flavor with a number of different and unique dips. The impeccable crunch and creamy onion flavor make these chips a great option for snack lovers.