We Tried Every Lay’s Classic Potato Chip Flavor & Here’s The Best

When it’s time to scoop up snacks for the party, movie night, sleepover, or any other gathering, what’s the one snack everyone reaches for? That’s right—potato chips. The world of potato chips is vast and mysterious, and leading the pack is Lay’s, the undisputed king of the most iconic salty snack of all time. Of every classic potato chip from the brand, we identified the best ones. No, these aren’t our personal favorites or snacks that we just happened to be vibing with that day. We picked these chips based on their actual flavor quality—that is to say, how much of a punch they pack, how true they are to their name, and how they compare to other potato chips in the Lay’s lineup.

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Kettle Cooked Sea Salt and Cracked Pepper

Even when you’re in the mood for something typical and boring (we’ve all been there) a plain ol’ salty potato chip always feels like it’s missing something. Usually, it’s missing some pepper. In these Lay’s chips, the pepper isn’t overbearing, but it makes regular chips just a little more interesting without being a whole smack-you-in-the-face flavor. Plus, kettle chips are almost always crunchier and more satisfying than regular chips and the pepper accentuates their crunch somehow.

Flamin’ Hot

Normally we wouldn’t trust a major company like Lay’s to crank out a spicy snack that actually lives up to its name, but Flamin’ Hot is it. What makes these chips so good is that they taste like nothing but pure, unadulterated hot pepper. At the same time, this is their downfall—they could use a little sweetness or umami to make them more interesting. Still, for spice fans, few chips can bring the heat like Lay’s Flamin’ Hot.

Sweet Southern Heat BBQ

Those who like a little complexity and nuance in their snack are sure to be all about Sweet Southern Heat BBQ. It’s got plenty of honey-like sweetness accentuated by a touch of smokey flavor. The heat isn’t as prominent as we would like, but it sneaks up in the aftertaste to make every bite a little interesting. These chips are what all BBQ potato chips (which are usually too sweet and pretty boring) should be. 

Cheddar and Sour Cream

We hate to say it, but sour cream and onion is played out. Let the 2020s be the decade that cheddar and sour cream takes its rightful place as the best creamy potato chip flavor—especially Lay’s take on this underappreciated chip. Both sour cream and cheddar show up in equal measure, and there isn’t so much creamy dust that you feel nauseated after a few bites. Every chip is sprinkled with just the right amount of tangy, umami flavor, and the thin, melt-in-your-mouth chips are the perfect vessel for the creamy experience.

Wavy Original

Call us old fashioned, but a classic wavy chip never disappoints. So if Lay’s Wavy Originals are on the snack table, you know it’s gonna be a good party. They’re nostalgic, they’re just the right amount of oily, and they have that satisfying texture that even kettle-cooked chips can’t compete with. Lay’s version is nice and salty, too, with a subtle buttery and toasty taste.