Lay’s Is Releasing Eight Regionally Specific Potato Chips

Here’s an offbeat reason to take a cross-country road trip this summer (as if you needed another reason): Lay’s is releasing eight new potato chip flavors inspired by distinct regional tastes across the U.S.

Lay’s Cajun Spice (Central Gulf) chips feature the mix of garlic, paprika, onion and oregano associated with Jambalaya and Blackened Cajun dishes. Chile Con Queso (Texoma, Mountain, SoCal) flavor is all about Tex-Mex cheesiness. Chesapeake Bay Crab Spice (Mid-Atlantic) will provide a taste of a crab fest with no mallet necessary. The Deep Dish Pizza (Heartland & Mid-America) flavor was inspired by the recipe used for Chicago pizza chain Giordano’s. Fried Pickles with Ranch (Midwest) is intended to evoke a favorite flavor of Midwestern state fairs.

New England Lobster Roll (Northeast) flavor aims to convey lobster on a grilled, buttered roll. Pimento Cheese (Southeast) chips summon the taste of cheddar cheese with a kick of cayenne pepper. The hot hit of heat in the Thai Sweet Chili (Pacific Northwest) flavor has been inspired by the Pacific Northwest food-truck scene.

Each of the eight flavors will be available at retail stores in its particular region between July 30 and September 23. They’ll also be promoted at food festivals and other celebrations around the country in partnership with YouTube and Food Network star and lover of local foods Hannah Hart (who, by the way, just got engaged), who will make appearances at various locales as part of a Lay’s Tastes of America tour.

"Lay's knows how significant local cuisine is to Americans," Sarah Guzman, senior director of marketing for Lay's, said in a press release. "We wanted to honor the beloved flavors that remind our fans of home."

DORI_2332B_7F

In addition to introducing eight new flavors, Lay’s is also bringing back three regionally evocative, previously released and retired flavors: Lay's Wavy West Coast Truffle Fries in the West, Lay's Ketchup in the North East and Lay's Wavy Fried Green Tomato in the Southeast.

Those hoping to try all eight new regional flavors without hitting the highway can hit the information superhighway instead: Variety packs including all eight flavors plus apparel (a hat or a T-shirt) are now available on the Lay’s website.

Lay’s is promising "a taste of America in every bite" – which is maybe a lot to ask of a potato chip, but hey.

Photo courtesy of Frito-Lay

Related Links:

Next Up

Lay’s Launches Three New Chip Flavors for the FIFA World Cup

Start stocking up on Adobadas, Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Popper and Wavy Carnitas Street Tacos.

Tesla Is Releasing a Cybertruck-Inspired Beer

CyberBeer sold out super fast and is now going for big bucks on eBay.

Subway Unveils Footlong Baked Potato Chip

It’s absurd ... and awesome?

There’s a Reason Baking Recipes Call for a Specific Size of Egg

Large vs. extra-large matters. But a little easy math can help you adjust on the fly.

Frito-Lay Lets You Create Your Own Customized Variety Snack Pack

You can finally fine tune your ratio of Cheetos to Doritos.

8 Expert-Recommended Matcha Powders

Stop spending so much on matcha lattes and start making your own.

8 Comforting Polenta Recipes for Fall

Kick off sweater weather with this simple and versatile dish.

What's New