We Tried Costco’s Michigan Cherry BBQ Chips

Now, we’ve already posted about the exciting arrival of some new things to Costco. And you know us, we just have to get in there and try them for ourselves, too. Today, we’ve popping open a bag of Great Lakes Michigan Cherry BBQ chips. 

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First, I want to preface this by saying, Great Lakes is a brand that is actually common around the Great Lakes area―and this humble writer lives in Indiana. I have access to all of their great products at my local Meijer. So I was excited to see this great chip brand getting a nationwide release, thanks to Costco. Costco is really good at taking regional favorites and letting the whole nation try them. 

Our Verdict

So, what sets Great Lakes chips apart from your Lays? Well, these are all kettle cooked chips by default. I find them a little thicker and I kind of like that extra potato with the same crunch I love in a chip. This is a small company that uses Michigan potatoes in their Michigan plant for the great chips that come to you. 

Now, they’ve got plenty of flavors, but Costco zeroed in on their Michigan Cherry BBQ flavor. And honestly, a great choice. This is more than just your standard smoky BBQ chip. You do get that smoky BBQ flavor, but it’s paired with the tart sweetness of Michigan cherries too. So sweet and smoky. I know what you’re thinking, fruit? In a BBQ flavor? It’s not as crazy as you think. Watch any cooking competition show and you’ll see them pairing fruit with BBQ all the time. That edge of sweet allows for a more complex BBQ flavor. 

I’m not a huge fan of BBQ chips, but Great Lakes is the exception. And I know it’s because of the cherry in there. That sweet edge makes the BBQ so much more than just a smoky coating to the chip. 

If you love BBQ chips or are just looking for something new and interesting to try, head to your nearest Costco and pick up a bag of Great Lakes chips. If you find you really like them and Costco does what it does sometimes and stops carrying them? Well, you’re in luck. You don’t need to road trip to the Midwest to get more, Great Lakes sells all their chip varieties on their website.