When it comes to snack foods, potato chips are one of the most popular options. The crunch and flavor combination of potato chips makes them hard to resist. One of the most beloved potato chip flavors is ranch. The cool, creamy ranch seasoning pairs perfectly with the salty potato chips. But with so many brands of potato chips on the market, you may wonder – who makes the best ranch potato chips?
The History of Ranch Flavored Potato Chips
Ranch flavored potato chips first appeared on the snack scene in 1986. Hidden Valley Ranch introduced the original Ranch Chips under a licensing agreement with the Golden Flake potato chip company. The chips were an instant hit and became one of the most popular flavors of potato chips on the market. Since the original release in the 1980s, many potato chip brands have launched their own versions of ranch flavored chips to get in on the tasty snack.
The Top Brands of Ranch Flavored Potato Chips
Today there are many great options when you are looking for the perfect bag of ranch flavored potato chips. Here are some of the top brands to consider:
Lay’s Ranch Chips
As one of the largest potato chip brands, Lay’s offers a wildly popular ranch chip. They have a classic potato chip crunch and are coated in a bold, creamy ranch seasoning. Lay’s uses a proprietary ranch seasoning blend to give their chips that trademark flavor.
Ruffles Ranch Chips
Ruffles brand potato chips are known for their extra thick, wavy shape. The ridges on Ruffles chips hold more of that ranch seasoning for big ranch flavor in every bite. Ruffles ranch chips are also made with real buttermilk for a tangy, creamy taste.
Pringles Ranch Chips
For a uniform, stackable chip, Pringles has a ranch flavor that delivers. Each crisp Pringle is layered in the flavorful ranch powder. The Pringles can keeps chips fresh until the last chip is gone.
Kettle Brand Ranch Chips
Kettle Brand is known for using simple, natural ingredients for robust potato chip flavor. Their ranch chips are baked, not fried. With only potatoes, oil and ranch seasoning, these chips let the flavor shine through. The chips have a satisfying crunch and lots of ranch flavor in every bite.
Cape Cod Ranch Chips
Cape Cod makes kettle cooked potato chips with a distinct crunch and thick cut. Their ranch flavor is strong, coating each hearty chip with a creamy, garlicky ranch taste. Cape Cod Ranch chips are made with non-GMO ingredients.
Utz Ranch Chips
Utz has been making potato chips since 1921. Their ranch chip uses a seasoning made with onion, garlic and other natural flavors to coat the crispy chips. Utz Ranch Chips are cooked in a kettle style for extra crunch.
What Makes Ranch Potato Chips So Addictive?
There are a few key factors that make ranch chips hard to resist:
- Creamy, Cool Ranch Flavor – The combination of flavors like garlic, onion and herbs creates the recognizable creamy ranch taste that perfectly complements the potato chip’s saltiness.
- Crunch – The crunchy, crispy texture of potato chips gives ranch chips a satisfying bite and texture.
- Salt – Potato chips are salty, which balances and enhances the other savory flavors in the ranch seasoning.
- Familiar Flavor – Most people are already familiar with and love ranch flavor from salads, veggies and other dishes. It’s a comforting taste.
When these elements come together, ranch potato chips become the ideal snack – crunchy, creamy, salty and utterly addictive.
Choosing the Best Ranch Chips
With so many options for ranch flavored chips these days, how do you choose the best one? Here are a few tips for picking quality ranch potato chips:
- Check the Ingredients – Look for ranch chips made with simple, natural ingredients like potatoes, oil and seasoning.
- Seek Out Bold Ranch Flavor – The best ranch chips will have a prominent ranch flavor that you can smell and taste.
- Look for a Satisfying Crunch – Whether thick or thin, the chips should have a solid crunch when you bite into them.
- Try Different Brands – The specific flavors can vary between brands based on the seasoning blends. Try out a few to find your favorite.
- Pay Attention to Freshness – Check expiration dates and try to buy newly stocked bags for maximum crunch and flavor.
Let your preferences guide you – some brands emphasize seasoning, others focus on all-natural ingredients. With all the options, you can find a ranch chip that hits the spot for you.
Making Your Own Ranch Chips
You can also make ranch flavored chips at home. This lets you control the ingredients and customize the flavor. Here is a simple recipe to try:
Homemade Ranch Chips
Ingredients:
- 3 large russet potatoes, sliced thin (about 1/8 inch)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dill
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line a sheet pan with parchment.
- Wash potato slices thoroughly and dry well with a paper towel.
- Toss potatoes with olive oil until thoroughly coated.
- In a small bowl, mix together the ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, dill, salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle seasoning mixture over the oiled potato slices and toss to coat evenly.
- Arrange potatoes in a single layer on the sheet pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
- Let chips cool before serving.
Make a big batch for snacking anytime. Experiment with different herb and seasoning combinations to create your own signature ranch chip flavor.
Storing Ranch Potato Chips
To keep homemade or store-bought ranch chips fresh and crunchy, follow these storage tips:
- Store chips at room temperature in a sealed bag or airtight container. Avoid humidity.
- For homemade chips without preservatives, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Avoid storing chips in direct sunlight, which can cause them to become stale.
- Fold over the top of chip bags before sealing to remove excess air and prevent staleness.
- If chips become soft, recrisp them in a 300°F oven for 2-3 minutes.
Popular Ways to Eat Ranch Chips
Ranch chips are delicious on their own but can also be used to add flavor and crunch to many recipes and snacks:
- Nachos – Top nachos with ranch chips instead of plain tortilla chips.
- Salads – Crush ranch chips over salads for a crunchy topping.
- Chicken or Fish – Use crushed ranch chips as a flavorful coating for chicken or fish before baking.
- Potatoes – Crush ranch chips over baked potatoes instead of regular potato chips.
- Snack Mix – Add ranch chips to trail mixes and snack mixes.
- Dippers – Use whole ranch chips for scooping up dips and salsas.
- Potato Chip Cookies – Add ranch chips to the cookie batter for a salty, crunchy cookie.
Ranch chips add zesty flavor and crunch to anything you add them to. Try them on sandwiches, burgers, pizzas and more.
Nutrition Facts for Ranch Chips
Ranch potato chips can have slightly varied nutrition depending on the brand. But in general, a 1 ounce (about 15 chips) serving contains:
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 15g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 180mg
As a fried snack food, ranch chips are higher in fat and sodium. But they can be enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet. Kettle cooked or baked chips are lower in fat and calories than traditional fried potato chips.
Ranch Chip Flavor Variations
While original ranch is the most popular, there are many other flavored ranch chip options to try:
Flavor | Description |
---|---|
Bacon Ranch | Smoky bacon flavor added to ranch seasoning |
Loaded Baked Potato | Ranch combined with cheddar, bacon, sour cream flavors |
Jalapeño Ranch | Tangy and spicy with ranch and jalapeño |
Buffalo Ranch | Zesty buffalo wing flavor paired with cool ranch |
Sour Cream and Onion Ranch | Combination of zesty onion flavor and creamy ranch |
Try out different ranch chip flavors to find new favorites. The possibilities are endless for decking out potato chips with ranch seasoning.
Buying Ranch Potato Chips on a Budget
Ranch chips can be a relatively affordable snack, especially if you buy store brands. Here are some tips for saving money on ranch chips:
- Choose store brand chips rather than name brands. Quality is often comparable at a lower price.
- Buy larger bags which usually offer a lower per-ounce cost than smaller bags.
- Look for coupons and sales at grocery stores and online.
- Stock up when ranch chips go on sale. They keep well sealed at room temperature.
- Buy plain potato chips and make your own ranch seasoning to coat them.
- Consider alternate snacks like pretzels, popcorn or tortilla chips for variety.
With smart shopping strategies, you can keep your pantry stocked with delicious ranch chips on a budget.
Conclusion
When you get a craving for that creamy, herby ranch flavor combined with crispy potato chips, there are lots of great options to choose from. Major brands like Lay’s, Ruffles and Pringles all offer popular versions of ranch chips. Or go for a kettle cooked or baked style chip from brands like Kettle Brand and Cape Cod. You also can’t go wrong making your own homemade ranch potato chips. No matter which brand or style you prefer, ranch chips make for a tasty, satisfying snack any time.