Spicy Chips and Snacks

Feelin’ Hot, Hot, Hot!!! If you’ve walked down the snack aisle lately, you’ve seen that spicy is taking over! Whether it’s chips, crackers, pretzels, puffs, or nuts, spicy flavors are dominating the snack market!

Consumers’ Spice Preferences

According to Givaudan’s proprietary research, the “favorite” spice among US consumers is Jalapeño! Followed by Salsa, Pepper Jack, Chipotle, Buffalo, Spicy Chili, Sriracha, and finally Habanero. According to Datassential, 62% of US consumers “love” spicy snacks; but how spicy is too spicy?

I’ve never been much of a “spice guy”. When I go to my local Thai restaurant and they ask me to rate my spice preference out of 10, I stick with a 2. When I order chicken wings, I get flavors like parmesan garlic because I require more of a sweet and tangy flavor, versus “burn-your-mouth hot flavors”. However, a lot of people LOVE the heat. My brother-in-law grows Carolina Reaper Peppers (the hottest peppers known to man) and eats them like bonbons.

But he isn’t the only one who enjoys eating the hottest foods out there, consumers are getting more adventurous, and as a result, brands are expanding their flavor portfolios. When you used to walk down the snack aisle, buffalo chips were the hottest flavor you’d find; but now you walk down the aisle and see Habanero and Ghost Pepper chips!

#OneChipChallenge

In case it wasn’t already clear, I love “basic” potato chips that are usually flavored with cheese, ranch, or bacon. However, for the sake of this blog, I thought I would explore something outside of my comfort zone- WAY out of my comfort zone. Last year, Paqui Tortilla Chips created the HOTTEST chip in the world; made from the two hottest peppers in the world: Carolina Reaper Peppers & Ghost Peppers- and I was determined to try it! But in the event I needed to be rushed to the hospital, I had my brother-in-law join me for the discomfort.

Despite the chip burning my throat, tongue, and mouth for two whole days, it honestly had a decent taste and was fun to do! But you don’t have to make the obnoxious choice I did with the “Chip Challenge” to try some delicious products that provide a nice kick!

Torres Selecta De La Vera Smoked Paprika Chips, Uglies Jalapeno Kettle Cooked Chips, and Krakatoa Hot Chips are all taking the snack aisle by storm with their spicy chip flavors. Even for a “non-spice” guy like me, I personally LOVE these flavors and suggest anyone to who might be hesitant, to broaden their horizon and give one of these bad boys a try!

Armand Ansari

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