Lay’s Do Us a Flavor next great potato chip flavor semifinalists announced

Cristine Struble

What will be the next great potato chip flavor? The semifinalists for Lay’s Do Us a Flavor contest thought outside of the flavor zone.

Lay’s Do Us a Flavor next great potato chip flavor semifinalists announced
What will be the next great potato chip flavor? The semifinalists for Lay’s Do Us a Flavor contest thought outside of the flavor zone.

Since January, potato chip fans have dreamed of the next great potato chip flavor. Should it be sweet or savory? Should it be ethnic or proudly American? Lay’s just announced the semifinalist for its annual Do Us a Flavor contest. The top 10 flavors are a mixed bag.

Starting in 2012, Lay’s announced a big contest for potato chips fans. Everyone was encouraged to submit new potato chip flavors. From the mundane to the extreme, people submitted the flavorful ideas. The top three flavors were produced for a limited time.

Over the years, the limited edition flavors were all over the flavor spectrum. From Korean barbecue to Rueben and Southern biscuits and gravy to Cooked Wasabi Ginger, the flavors were far from boring. The special flavors had even the non-potato chip lovers going out to try a bag at least once.

For 2017, the semifinalists have been announced. Here are the top contenders.

"Lay’s Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Popper” from Nick Arndt (Massillon, Ohio)“Lay’s Toasted Ravioli” from Trezette Dixon (St. Louis, Mo.)“Lay’s Wavy Avocado Toast” from Vanessa Herberger (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.)“Lay’s Kettle Cooked Everything Bagel with Cream Cheese” from Lindsay Hoffman (Palm City, Fla.)“Lay’s Nashville Hot Chicken” from Hope Pan (Gainesville, Fla.)“Lay’s Wavy Fried Green Tomato” from Gregory Pope (Charlotte, N.C.)“Lay’s Kettle Cooked Smoked Gouda and Honey” from Brandon Foster (Saratoga Springs, Utah)“Lay’s Wavy Spinach Artichoke Dip” from Scott Merz (Grand Haven, Mich.)“Lay’s Crispy Taco” from Ellen Sarem (San Antonio, Texas)“Lay’s Sloppy Joe” from Chris Vail (Seattle, Wash.)"

This list shows that people are thinking about food trends. Avocado toast is super popular. While the real recipe is somewhat healthy, this potato chip flavor seems a little bland. I can’t quite figure out what the underlying flavor would be. Avocado toast needs something more than avocado and bread to make it taste good.

If I were a betting person, I would place odds on the Everything Bagel with Cream Cheese, Nashville Hot Chicken and Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Popper. Let’s face it, who doesn’t like bacon? That flavor choice seems obvious. Also, at least one of the top flavors has a regional twist, which puts the Nashville Hot Chicken in contention. Lastly, the Everything Bagel with Cream Cheese is a classic flavor combination that appeals to a broad audience.

Next: Budweiser showcases American pride

The three finalist flavors will be revealed on July 18 at a Lay’s event in New York City. The eventual winner is chosen by a fan vote. The winner will be revealed this fall.

Who has a potato chip craving? Do us all a favor and choose the winning flavor wisely.

Cristine Struble

Cristine Struble has been a highly regarded food journalist for over 10 years. From food trends to traveling the world for the must try cuisine, Cristine appreciates that food and culture are always intertwined. Covering chef interviews to the food innovations, she uses her extensive knowledge to bring people together around the love of a great meal. Many of Cristine's articles have been featured in various industry publications, television commercials, and food brand websites. Over the past several years, she has been named a top 10 food and travel journalist by media publications and is considered an authority within the food journalism niche. Follow her on social media at @StrublePublications or @CristineStruble to check out what is on her plate, food travel discovery, and fun adventures. Her complete writing portfolio can be found at https://authory.com/CristineStruble.