Zapp’s Blackened Ranch Chips Sound Amazing—But Do They Deliver?

Hi, yes, hello? I have huge news to share? Not only is there a brand new Zapp’s chips flavor, which is reason enough to celebrate, but the flavor in question is blackened ranch. Ranch chips, people, ranch chips! 

These promise a “bold ranch flavor with a smoky Cajun twist,” which sounds incredible… as long as it doesn’t taste like Hidden Valley with a little bit of spice. (Sorry, Hidden Valley, but I think you’re mid. Not everyone at Sporked agrees, though, so don’t hate us; it’s mostly just me!!) 

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New Chips!

Zapp’s Bayou Blackened Ranch Chips

Walmart

Amazon

Pros: Zapp’s certainly makes a great kettle chip. It’s satisfyingly crunchy but light enough not to break your teeth. And despite everything I’m about to say, I did keep reaching for these chips throughout the day as they sat on my desk. I ate, like, a third of the bag. It was actually a little perverse. 

Cons: What? Happened? I haven’t been this disappointed by a Zapp’s chips flavor since Evil Eye. The ranch seasoning is somehow really bland and too sour at the same time. The chips are totally coated in flavor dust, but everything lacks cohesion. The flavors don’t feel built into the chip; it’s more like someone sprinkled their spice cabinet into the bag, which makes them taste dry, old, and boring. 

Verdict: I’m sorry, Zapp’s. I love 90% of what you do, but this was a miss for me. Maybe there’s a reason ranch-flavored chips aren’t that popular after all?

Credit: Liv Averett / Walmart

Rating:

3/10

Sporks