Nourish the Thought

Our Five Cents - Potato Chip Flavors

Whether it’s Millennials who grew up eating out with their parents and are catered to on their college campuses to Matures who need increasingly flavorful foods because of their loss of taste buds, American consumers are more sophisticated and adventurous than ever before, seeking out new and exotic flavors. 

This adventurous spirit has lead to the mainstreaming of many ethnic cuisines to different types of pairings, such as sweet heat or sweet and savory.  And while consumers can regularly find new or exotic flavors at restaurants, more and more these flavors can be found in everyday products on grocery shelves . 

Besides the brands mentioned before, Kettle Chips also does a great job pushing the potato chip envelope.  Their People’s Choice contest each year draws foodies and non-foodies alike to taste and vote for their favorite new flavor.  Past People’s Choice winners include Cheddar Beer, Island Jerk and Death Valley Chipotle.  In fact, one of last years contenders was Aztec Chocolate, so my wish for a spicy chocolate chip isn’t too far fetched. 

Many flavors are the brain child of consumers who enter their ideas through the website.  Kettle even lists the 10 weirdest and 10 most inspirational suggestions given here.  To me, the Deep Fried Sour Pickle doesn’t sound that wacky. 

Consumers increasingly demand their food, whether at home or away, in a variety of choices that satisfy their need for new experiences.  Brands who continue to deliver on this will surely only benefit from it.

Your Five Senses - Had Your Cucumber Pepsi Today?

Recently, I came across these products sold in Japan that got me thinking of flavors and flavor combinations.  All of these products we could purchase here in the States, but not in the flavors that seem to be unique to Japan.

As the US becomes more and more of a diverse nation, what types of flavors will become more mainstream?  Will we ever be ready for Honey Butter Doritos?

Only recently have we begun to see offerings beyond nacho cheese, bar-b-que or sour cream & onion in the potato chip category.  But companies seem to be recognizing our diverse, collective voices that we want bolder, more daring flavors.  But are they the flavors we really want?

Take Doritos.  They've released Doritos Collisions in a hot wing & blue cheese flavor.  Yes, it's a new flavor to the chip category, but it's maybe not as daring as Pringles new Select flavors; Szechuan Barbecue, Sun-Dried Tomato or Cinnamon Sweet Potato.

Personally, I've tried the Hot Wings & Blue Cheese Collisions & the Cinnamon Sweet Potato Pringles, both of which lived up to their names and tasted exactly as they are named.  The flavors were right on.

So what's your favorite flavor of potato chip?  Would you want to see bolder flavors?  What would be your ultimate combo flavor?  I'm thinking green tea or even a spicy chocolate.