Grindy Special: 10 Favorite Chips!

Here are 10 of my favorite chips.

Assuming that an unlimited amount of dips and sandwich fixings are also available on this island, here are 10 of my current favorite chips.

This list is supposed to be for chips only, so no crackers, crisps, pretzels, puffs (Cheeto’s), booty (Pirate’s) rinds (Pork), or any other type of snack food has been considered. However, I’ve given myself ONE exception to the rule, but for good reason (you’ll see). I’ve also limited this list to just one flavor per brand to keep things interesting.

Let it be known, I love chips! I have fasted a couple of times, and realized that CHIPS are what I miss more than anything. So here you go. I dare you to get thru all 10 without feeling the urge to pop a few…

#10. Tostitos “Hint of Lime” Tortilla Chips

Selecting a tortilla chip was my toughest decision because it’s hard for packaged counterparts to compare with the real thing: warm, freshly made tortilla chips. I don’t even buy “Hint of Lime” chips very often, but they’re hard for me to resist when they’re in the general vicinity.

The problem with these Tostitos is that they break rather easily, so you have to be gentle with the bag and take extra precaution when dipping. However, I’m giving them the nod for their unique flavor. Of course, if you despise the taste of lime and you bite into one of these thinking it’s an ordinary tortilla chip, you’re in for a rude awakening.

Honorable Mention: I’ll take locally made tortilla chips over Doritos any day.

Recommended Dip: You’ve gotta have salsa with tortilla chips.

#9. Trader Joe’s “Spicy Black Bean” Chips

It sounds like these Trader Joe’s gems are no longer available, because I just read a bunch of complaints about their disappearance. I haven’t been to TJ’s in awhile, but I used to buy these grindies all the time.

Using beans makes these chips extra hearty and unique, and there’s a nice spicy kick that lingers for a bit.

Honorable Mention: How about the same chips from the same manufacturer? That’s right. I found the comment below on this page:

“Hi Folks- My company was the manufacturer for the TJ’s Bean chips for over 12 years. First off, I would like to personally thank everyone for purchasing our products. I would also like to thank TJ’s for being such a great company. I wish all my customers were of this caliber. We manufacture our products under the ‘El Rancho’ label. They are El Rancho Black Bean and Garlic Chips and El Rancho Black Bean and Jalapeno Chips.”

So supposedly, you can buy the Bean chips here, but I’ve yet to order from them. Let me know if you do.

Recommended Dip: Eat these with some good guacamole and you’re set.

#8. Calbee “Shrimp Flavored” Chips

I mentioned these chips before, and that’s what gave me the idea to do a Top 10 chip list. Here’s what I said about these addictive sticks:

“Unless you automatically hate the shrimp flavor of the chips, you’ll find yourself stuffing them into your mouth just for the light, crispy crunch. The initial crunch is LOUD but the chips just melt in your mouth oh so nicely.”

Honorable Mention: Calbee also makes a “Wasabi” version of their shrimp chips if you’re into that (don’t worry, they’re not as intense as those wasabi peas, which are a bit too much for me). There is also a “Hot Garlic” version, but I do NOT recommend those (too salty).

#7. Flavor Destinations “Sweet Maui Onion” Potato Chips

I haven’t had these kettle style chips in awhile, but they’re a longtime favorite. The chips are solid & crunchy like all potato chips should be, and the sweet onion flavor is just right without being too overpowering.

It will also be really hard for me (and others I imagine) to jump ship (canoe) to another brand’s “sweet maui onion” chip, because I have such a strong association with their label.

The pure blue water, the paddling Polynesians having fun, and the warm background just make for a great label that I’ve enjoyed since I was a kid.

Honorable Mention: The same company’s Original kettle style chips, with the almost-as-cool hula dancers label.

#6. Tim’s Cascade Style “Jalapeno” Potato Chips

Tim’s makes quality potato chips, and their Jalapeno flavor is excellent. Stay away if you can’t handle spicy foods, because these things pack a punch! It’s tough to beat a grindy sandwich and jalapeno chips for lunch.

[PLEASE NOTE: People who eat their entire sandwich first before touching any of their chips (or vice versa) piss me off! The two go hand in hand. Your consumption process should go something like this: sandwich bite, chew chew chew, chip, chip, chew chew, sandwich bite, chew chew, chip, chew chew, chip, small bite, chew chew, water. Repeat 3 times, DONE. This applies to burgers and fries as well. So if you attempt to pull a stunt like this in front of me, expect an evil glare back atcha].

Honorable Mention: The “spicy potato chip” genre is extremely competitive. Another favorite of mine is “Jalapeno Heat” by Dirty. Friends have also made recommendations that I need to try. Marshall (who I’ve seen make gigantic sandwiches for just a snack) enjoyed these Habanero chips, but said that an entire bag was a bit much. Howard (who is one of the few people who have downright impressed me with his eating skills) says that his all-time favorites are jalapeno chips with a gator on the label, but he doesn’t remember the brand and couldn’t find a picture online.

#5. Flat Earth “Wild Berry Patch” Fruit Crisps

Here’s my one exception to the chips-only rule. These fruit crisps taste great, and I really like the story behind the brand:

“When a small group of passionate women at Frito-Lay challenged beliefs that ‘tasty snacks are bad for you’ and ‘nutritious snacks are boring,’ they decided to create the Flat Earth brand … a constant reminder that beliefs can indeed change.”

The intriguing blend of rice, potatoes, apples & berries is downright magical and they pack 1/2 serving of real fruit in every ounce! Give them a taste and you’ll understand why I consider these “chips” to be so groundbreaking.

Honorable Mention: I didn’t think their Apple Cinnamon flavor was as good, but they also have a Tangy Tomato Ranch flavor, with 1/2 serving of real veggies per ounce.

#4. Regenie’s “Multi Grain Plus” Pita Chips

These are not your ordinary pita chips! I expect anything called “multi grain plus” to taste rather healthy (whatever that means), but these chips are like DEEP FRIED GOODNESS. What I like most about pita chips in general is how thick and crunchy they are (texture), but few have the taste to match.

These do, PLUS they’re made with flaxseed & linseed and are packed with Omega-3’s, protein & fiber! You can eat them alone or with just about anything. When you consider the taste, versatility & healthy ingredients packed in these chips, they come close to a “must-have at all times” item.

Honorable Mention: The Multi Grain chips can be found at Sam’s Club (thanks mom!), but I’m eager to try more flavors from this company. Cinnamon maple sugar? Mmmmm grindy.

#3. Kettle “Island Jerk” Krinkle Cut Chips

In my mind, Kettle Brand chips are the best on the market. They use high-quality ingredients and are pushing the boundaries of flavor (my mouth is watering just thinking about them). My favorite of all is their “Island Jerk” flavor AKA Jammin’ Jamaican Spice.

The People’s Choice III award-winner is jam packed with a festival of flavors: chili pepper, black pepper, cinnamon, allspice, cumin, thyme & more. The result is a slightly spicy crunch that excites your taste buds beyond belief.

Honorable Mention: Their Salt & Fresh Ground Pepper, Buffalo Bleu, Sea Salt & Vinegar, and Tuscan Three Cheese flavors are all excellent as well. I was disappointed with their Spicy Thai chips and Lightly Salted bakes, but look forward to trying Death Valley Chipotle.

Recommended Dip: The “Krinkle Cut” style chips are perfect for dipping in anything, but go especially well with hummus.

#2. Terra “Original” Exotic Vegetable Chips

Terra chips are probably my 2nd favorite brand after Kettle. The variety of exotic root vegetables that they use is outstanding, which is why I like the “Original” flavor so much. You get a seasonal mix of taro (my favorite), yuca, parsnip, batata & sweet potato, and they blend together to achieve a harmonious balance.

Seriously, keep these chips away from me! They are light & flavorful enough to eat on their own, which means I usually keep munching and munching away until I’ve eaten at least four “normal” size servings.

Honorable Mention: The “Terra Blues” potato chips are worth mentioning because they’re JetBlue’s official snack, and a damn fine one at that. I really want to try their “Spiced Taro” chips, which are made with lemongrass, ginger, coriander, Thai chilies, garlic & lime leaves. All companies should dare to be this creative!

#1. Fritos “Scoops!” Corn Chips

Fritos corn chips have stood the test of time. Despite my mom packing them in my lunch at least 1/3 of the time growing up, I’m still not sick of them (unlike Lays, Ruffles & Doritos), and I doubt I ever will be. Extra salty, a little greasy, and simply mad corn flavor.

[History: The Frito Corporation was started in 1932 when Elmer Doolin paid $100 for a corn chip recipe that he tasted and thought would change the world (it did). Original Fritos ingredients were limited to whole corn, corn oil & salt, and remain a vegan snack today].

If you’ve had Fritos Scoops! before, then I don’t think I need to tell you why they are superior to the Originals. Simply put, when it comes to dipping, these chips are the best in the business. What other snack foods can also be used as edible spoons?!?

Honorable Mention: We’ve got to give the Originals a shout out, because they started the corn chip legacy.

Recommended Dip: Cottage cheese with a healthy squirt of Sriracha cock sauce! This combo really allows these chips to shine. Massive amounts of cottage cheese can be scooped up with ease and the red rooster’s chili flavor is perfectly balanced out by the strong & steady corn flavor. This easy & flavorful super-snack fills you up well and gives you a strong protein boost while being relatively low in saturated fat. It’s also the perfect example why Fritos Scoops! are my #1 chip.