Almost every High Schooler loves some kind of chip. Whether it be a standard potato chip, corn chips, spicy chips, or something else, there is one chip that is very unique and stands out from the rest. Salt and vinegar chips simply hit different compared to the rest, and there is some factual evidence to why this specific chip is so good. So, what is a salt and vinegar chip? Who makes the best ones? And, why are they so tasty? 

Salt and vinegar chips were first produced all the way back in the 1950s by the Tayto brand. Using dry vinegar mixtures and salt, Tayto created one of the first flavored potato chips. These chips were so popular, Tayto became a huge brand, and now companies all over the world such as Lay’s, Utz, and Kettle create salt and vinegar chips(pokpoksom.com). The important thing is, salt and vinegar was basically the start of all of the chip brands we have today. 

So, what really made these chips so great? It is a simple recipe that has gotten more complex over the years. While the salt is good with the chip itself, it’s the vinegar’s flavor that makes you want more. Vinegar has a unique flavor that can be described as sour, but it is not like a lemon sour. This unique flavor makes people love these chips and makes it a great selling point for companies(Seriouseats.com). The salty-sour combination in these potato chips make them the best around, and they are a clear upgrade to the standard salted potato chip.

The science behind the chips nowadays is what makes the flavor even better. The flavor from the vinegar is the most important thing in the chips, and to make that flavor better, companies enhance the strength of the acids in vinegar itself. Acid is what gives vinegar that sour taste, and chip brands work hard to give people the best combination of these acids to enhance the flavor of each chip. Citric acid, lactic acid, acetic acid, fumaric acid, and malic acid are all utilized in different quantities to make a great chip, as said by Seriouseats. This is why salt and vinegar chips are so good. They are scientifically created to taste the best out of all other chips with their sharp, unique flavor.

At this point, you’re probably considering going out and buying some chips, so what brand should you buy? It all depends on your preferred taste. If you’re only looking for a subtle, not too strong kick of vinegar, buy Lay’s brand chips. These chips will definitely let you taste the great flavor without giving you too much sourness if you’re not into that acid taste. If you want something a bit more than that, try Cape Cod’s salt and vinegar. It’s definitely got that flavor you’ll love, but it also has the hint of natural sweetness Cape Cod is known for. But, if you’re really a fan of this flavor, and I can’t blame you if you are, then you’re going to want to try Utz brand’s salt and vinegar chips. Utz uses four different types of acids in their chips, which really give you that acidic taste. You might want a bottle of water with that one, but it’s definitely worth it. 

In the end, one can see why these chips are the best flavor of potato chips. There is scientific and historical evidence that these chips have the best flavor around, and there is a reason so many brands have a salt and vinegar flavor. Though it’s up to you, try it yourself and see what you think of it!