We Tried Costco’s New Utz Crab Chips

Everyone has their own perception of what a “cult classic” is. But honestly, any flavor that is so defined that it defines an entire region and style of cuisine is good enough to be granted that status for us. Chesapeake Bay seasoning, or Old Bay seasoning as many know it, is one such flavor. East Coast seafood is quintessentially defined by this seasoning, and it’s even named after one such seaside region.

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When we heard Utz had began to produce “Crab Chips” inspired by this seasoning we were bummed to see that we weren’t in the region that these were widely available to. But when Costco started to carry them, everything changed. Better yet, we could have them in bulk. Now that we were finally able to get our hands on a bag, we can finally figure out if these are any good or if they totally besmirch the Chesapeake Bay name.

Our Official Sporked Review

Pros — These chips were, to us, practically perfect. In true Utz fashion, the chips themselves are absolutely phenomenally crispy, delicate, and well-preserved as whole chips. Beyond that, the dedication to the Chesapeake Bay seasoning is super impressive. Of course, it’s not the exact replica of Old Bay. But it’s probably the closest we’ll get until this becomes an official collaboration between the brands and Utz gets to use that proprietary blend. If we got it with Goldfish, we can get it for beloved potato chips too, right?

In all seriousness though, Utz really honored those beloved flavors. The spice levels are perfect with a subtle heat creeping up on your palate, yet not overwhelming it at all. And, the onion salt and celery salt flavors are front and center. Plus, they’re the kind of salty that you can only get from an unabashedly proud spice mix.

Cons — You know a food is good when the only complaint we can find about it is that it is widely available enough. Because really folks, we have no other qualms. In fact, we just hope that more Old Bay-loving people like us can try these very soon. The only other thing that we could nag at Utz about with these chips is that we think they could’ve even gone all in on the “crab” aspect and given it some kind of shrimp-chip energy. We know that not everyone would be as into that idea as us though, so I can’t even say it really counts as a con.