Best Potato Chips According to Consumer Reports: Top 25 Ranked
Best Potato Chips According to Consumer Reports: Top 25 Ranked
What's In This Article
- Quick Answer: The Top 5 Potato Chips According to Consumer Reports
- Why Consumer Reports Rankings Matter
- Our Complete List of the Top 25 Potato Chips
- How Consumer Reports Tests Potato Chips
- Bargain Boxed's Best Deals on Top-Rated Chips
- What Makes a Great Potato Chip?
- Different Types of Potato Chips Explained
- Flavor Profiles and Pairings
- Nutritional Information and Health Considerations
- Storage Tips for Maximum Freshness
- FAQs About Potato Chips
- Final Thoughts on Finding Your Perfect Chip
Quick Answer: The Top 5 Potato Chips According to Consumer Reports
Looking for the absolute best potato chips without reading our entire breakdown? Here are the top 5 potato chips according to Consumer Reports' rigorous testing:
- Kettle Brand Sea Salt Potato Chips - Highest overall score for perfect crunch, ideal salt level, and authentic potato flavor
- Cape Cod Original Potato Chips - Exceptional texture and sturdy chips that hold up to dips
- Lay's Classic Potato Chips - Superior consistency and the gold standard for traditional chips
- Utz Original Potato Chips - Outstanding potato flavor with ideal oil balance
- Trader Joe's Kettle Cooked Potato Chips - Best value option with premium taste
Of course, here at Bargain Boxed, we offer many of these top-rated options at prices that can't be beat anywhere online. No memberships required—just great deals on America's favorite snacks.
Why Consumer Reports Rankings Matter
Consumer Reports utilizes an unbiased testing methodology that evaluates potato chips based on multiple factors including taste, texture, freshness, and value. Their rankings provide objective insights into which brands truly deliver the best snacking experience. These comprehensive evaluations test chips in blind taste tests with trained professionals who assess each product without brand influence.
For chip enthusiasts and casual snackers alike, these rankings offer valuable guidance when navigating the overwhelming chip aisle options. At Bargain Boxed, we pay close attention to these rankings to ensure we're stocking the highest quality options at the most competitive prices.
Our Complete List of the Top 25 Potato Chips
Based on Consumer Reports' latest testing, here's the comprehensive ranking of the top 25 potato chips available:
- Kettle Brand Sea Salt Potato Chips
- Cape Cod Original Potato Chips
- Lay's Classic Potato Chips
- Utz Original Potato Chips
- Trader Joe's Kettle Cooked Potato Chips
- Deep River Sea Salt Kettle Chips
- Ruffles Original Potato Chips
- Boulder Canyon Avocado Oil Sea Salt Potato Chips
- Late July Sea Salt Thin & Crispy Potato Chips
- Zapp's New Orleans Kettle-Style Potato Chips
- Herr's Original Potato Chips
- Wise Original Potato Chips
- Lay's Kettle Cooked Original Potato Chips
- Route 11 Lightly Salted Potato Chips
- Dirty Kettle Chips Sea Salt
- Good & Gather Sea Salt Kettle Potato Chips
- Terra Original Potato Chips
- Pipcorn Heirloom Potato Chips Sea Salt
- Better Made Special Original Potato Chips
- Whole Foods 365 Sea Salt Kettle Chips
- Tyrrell's Hand Cooked English Chips Sea Salt
- Great Value Original Potato Chips
- Pringles Original Potato Crisps
- Kirkland Signature Kettle Potato Chips
- Good Health Kettle Style Olive Oil Potato Chips
At Bargain Boxed, we regularly stock many of these top performers at prices that make premium snacking affordable for everyone. Our inventory rotates frequently, so check back often for new arrivals and special deals on these top-rated chips.
How Consumer Reports Tests Potato Chips
Consumer Reports' testing process involves multiple rigorous steps to ensure fair and comprehensive evaluations:
- Blind Taste Testing: Professional tasters evaluate chips without knowing the brands, eliminating bias.
- Texture Analysis: Crunch factor, chip thickness, and structural integrity are systematically measured.
- Flavor Profile Assessment: Experts rate salt balance, potato flavor authenticity, and oil quality.
- Value Analysis: Price per ounce calculations determine which brands offer the best quality-to-cost ratio.
- Freshness Evaluation: Chips are tested for staleness indicators and overall freshness.
These comprehensive assessments ensure that the rankings truly reflect chip quality rather than marketing influence. The results provide consumers with trustworthy guidance when selecting their snacks.
Bargain Boxed's Best Deals on Top-Rated Chips
At Bargain Boxed, we pride ourselves on offering exceptional deals on many of the top-rated chips in Consumer Reports' rankings. Our unique business model allows us to provide premium snacking options at prices significantly lower than grocery stores or other online retailers.
Some of our most popular offerings include:
- Variety Packs of Top-10 Brands: Experience multiple award-winning chips in convenient multi-pack options
- Bulk Purchasing Options: Save even more when buying your favorite chips in larger quantities
- Limited-Time Special Offers: We regularly feature special deals on premium chip brands
Our ever-rotating inventory means we're constantly bringing in fresh stock of the highest-rated options. While we don't specify best-by dates due to our revolving inventory model, our rapid turnover ensures that all products arrive in excellent condition. This approach allows us to maintain our exceptionally low prices while providing top-quality snacks.
Remember, all sales are final—this no-return policy is one of the ways we keep our prices lower than anywhere else online. With no membership fees and straightforward pricing, Bargain Boxed makes premium snacking accessible to everyone.
What Makes a Great Potato Chip?
The perfect potato chip achieves a delicate balance of several key characteristics:
Crunch Factor: The ideal chip delivers a satisfying crunch without being too hard or too fragile. Kettle chips typically offer a heartier crunch than traditional chips.
Potato Flavor: Superior chips showcase an authentic potato taste that comes through clearly despite seasoning.
Oil Quality: The best chips use high-quality oils that enhance rather than overwhelm the potato flavor. Different oils (sunflower, avocado, olive) create distinct flavor profiles.
Salt Balance: Proper salting brings out the natural potato flavor without making the chip overly salty or bland.
Texture Consistency: Premium chips maintain consistent thickness and cooking throughout the bag, avoiding burnt or undercooked pieces.
Color: The best chips display an appetizing golden hue indicating proper cooking without excessive browning.
Consumer Reports' top-rated chips excel in all these categories, with the highest-ranking options achieving near-perfect scores across the board.
Different Types of Potato Chips Explained
The potato chip market offers diverse varieties to suit every preference:
Traditional Chips: Thinly sliced and typically fried, these classic chips offer a light, crispy texture. Examples include Lay's Classic and Utz Original.
Kettle Cooked: Made in small batches at higher temperatures, these chips are thicker, crunchier, and often have a more rustic appearance. Top examples include Kettle Brand and Cape Cod.
Reduced Fat: These chips use alternative cooking methods or less oil to reduce fat content. While they may sacrifice some flavor, they appeal to health-conscious consumers.
Baked Chips: These chips are baked rather than fried, significantly reducing fat content but offering a different texture experience.
Specialty Cuts: Variations like wavy, rippled, or thickly cut chips provide different textures and are often sturdier for dipping.
Alternative Ingredients: Some manufacturers use sweet potatoes, purple potatoes, or other varieties for unique flavors and nutritional profiles.
Consumer Reports' rankings include representatives from most of these categories, with traditional and kettle-cooked varieties typically earning the highest scores for overall eating experience.
Flavor Profiles and Pairings
While this ranking focuses on original/plain salted chips, understanding flavor pairings enhances the snacking experience:
Plain Salted Chips: These versatile chips pair wonderfully with French onion dip, guacamole, or can be enjoyed alone to appreciate their pure potato flavor.
Complementary Beverages: Original potato chips pair beautifully with crisp lagers, craft sodas, iced tea, or sparkling water with citrus.
Sandwich Companions: Add texture contrast to sandwiches by incorporating crushed chips inside or serving alongside.
Entertaining Options: Create a tasting board with several top-rated chips and various dips for an impressive entertaining option.
The highest-rated chips on Consumer Reports' list serve as excellent foundations for these pairings due to their balanced flavor profiles and sturdy textures.
Nutritional Information and Health Considerations
While potato chips are indulgent treats rather than health foods, there are still nutritional factors to consider:
Portion Awareness: Most nutritionists recommend sticking to the standard serving size (typically around 1 ounce or 15-20 chips).
Ingredient Quality: Higher-rated chips often use simpler, higher-quality ingredients with fewer preservatives and additives.
Oil Types: Different cooking oils impact not just flavor but nutritional profile. Some brands use healthier oils like avocado or olive oil.
Sodium Content: Salt levels vary significantly between brands, with some offering reduced-sodium options.
Alternative Options: Several brands now offer baked versions or chips made with alternative ingredients for those seeking healthier options.
Consumer Reports considers these nutritional aspects alongside taste and texture in their comprehensive evaluations.
Storage Tips for Maximum Freshness
To maintain optimal crispness and flavor, properly storing your potato chips is essential:
Clip Bags Tightly: After opening, use a chip clip or clothespin to create an airtight seal.
Transfer to Containers: For longer storage, consider transferring chips to airtight containers or ziplock bags with excess air removed.
Avoid Heat and Humidity: Store chips in cool, dry places away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
Pantry Organization: Keep chips away from strong-smelling foods as they can absorb odors.
Shelf Life Considerations: While unopened chips typically maintain quality for 2-3 months past production, proper storage can extend freshness considerably. When stored properly, many chip varieties remain perfectly enjoyable even past their best-by date.
At Bargain Boxed, our quick inventory turnover ensures freshness, even though we don't specify dates due to our constantly rotating stock.
FAQs About Potato Chips
Are kettle chips healthier than regular potato chips?
Kettle chips aren't necessarily healthier, but they're often cooked in smaller batches with simpler ingredients. They typically contain similar calories and fat content to traditional chips.
How long do potato chips stay fresh after opening?
When properly sealed and stored in a cool, dry place, potato chips typically maintain their freshness for 1-2 weeks after opening. With airtight storage containers, this timeframe can be extended.
Can I eat potato chips past their best-by date?
Absolutely! Potato chips are shelf-stable products that, when stored properly, often remain perfectly enjoyable well past their best-by date. The date is primarily an indicator of peak quality rather than safety. Trust your senses—if they look good, smell fresh, and taste crisp, they're fine to enjoy.
Why do some chips cost so much more than others?
Price variations typically reflect differences in ingredients, production methods, and scale. Small-batch kettle chips using premium oils and specialty potatoes cost more to produce than mass-produced varieties.
What makes Cape Cod and Kettle Brand chips consistently rank highly?
Both brands use high-quality potatoes, cook in small batches, and maintain strict quality control. Their kettle-cooking process creates a distinctive texture that many tasters prefer over traditional chips.
Does Consumer Reports consider sustainability in their rankings?
While taste and quality are primary factors, Consumer Reports does note sustainability practices like using organic ingredients or eco-friendly packaging as additional information.
Are flavored chips tested differently than original varieties?
Consumer Reports typically evaluates plain/original varieties to establish a baseline for potato flavor and texture, though they sometimes conduct separate rankings for popular flavored categories.
Final Thoughts on Finding Your Perfect Chip
While Consumer Reports provides valuable objective rankings, the perfect potato chip ultimately depends on personal preference. Some snackers prefer the hearty crunch of kettle chips, while others enjoy the lighter texture of traditional varieties.
We recommend trying several top-rated options to discover your personal favorite. At Bargain Boxed, we make this exploration affordable by offering exceptional prices on premium chip brands without requiring memberships or minimum orders.
Remember that the best chip for dipping might differ from the best for snacking straight from the bag. Consider your typical snacking habits when selecting your perfect chip.
Whether you're loyal to a specific brand or enjoy variety, Bargain Boxed offers the best deals on top-rated chips online. Our constantly rotating inventory means new deals are always available, so check back frequently to find your favorite brands at unbeatable prices.
For the ultimate snacking experience, explore our extensive selection of premium potato chips today!