15 Worst Chip Flavors No One Asked For (But Somehow Exist)
Here are 15 of the weirdest, most questionable chip flavors ever released—snacks no one really asked for, but somehow ended up on store shelves (and sometimes in your snack bowl).
1. Cappuccino (Lay’s)
Ever wondered what happens when your morning coffee meets your favorite snack? Lay’s gave snackers a reason to scratch their heads with this bizarre cappuccino-flavored chip. Part of their “Do Us a Flavor” campaign, it was a sweet-meets-savory experiment that left most taste buds bewildered. The flavor never really clicked, as coffee and potatoes are an unlikely pair.
Imagine biting into a crispy chip that tastes like your latte, complete with cinnamon and sugar notes. While some adventurous eaters enjoyed the novelty, many were left questioning its existence. Truly a snack that was never meant to be.
2. Blueberry (Pringles)
Fruity and potato-forward, this oddity from overseas was more dessert than chip—and not in a good way. Pringles ventured into uncharted territory with their Blueberry flavor, but the results were less than satisfying. The sweet berry taste clashed with the salty potato base, creating a confusing blend.
For those who dared to try it, the experience was akin to eating blueberry jam on a potato chip—an experiment gone awry. While innovation in snacking is welcome, this was a combination best left on the drawing board.
3. Chicken & Waffles (Lay’s)
Meant to be sweet, salty, and savory, Lay’s Chicken & Waffles flavor aimed to capture the beloved brunch dish in snack form. However, it ended up tasting more like maple-syrup-dipped fried chicken-flavored cardboard than the real deal.
The flavor profile was too jarring for many, as the combination of syrupy sweetness and savory notes didn’t harmonize well. Although it piqued curiosity, it left many snackers yearning for the real meal instead. Perhaps some things are better left on the brunch menu.
4. Seaweed & Wasabi (Various Brands)
For those seeking an adventure with every bite, seaweed and wasabi chips offer a rollercoaster of flavors. Overly briny with sinus-clearing heat, this flavor is popular in niche markets, particularly in Asia, but it’s definitely an acquired taste.
The seaweed brings an intense oceanic aroma, while the wasabi adds a fiery kick that can catch unsuspecting snackers off guard. Though some relish the boldness, others find the taste overwhelming and unusual. A snack for the daring, not the faint-hearted.
5. Ketchup (Lay’s Canada)
In Canada, ketchup chips are a beloved staple, but outside of the country, they’re often met with skepticism. To many, it tastes like tangy tomato powder with a hint of regret. The deep red color is enticing, but the flavor can be divisive.
While Canadians embrace this unique snack, others struggle to appreciate the combination of sweet, sour, and salty notes. It’s a chip that evokes national pride, yet leaves foreigners puzzled. A Canadian classic that doesn’t always translate across borders.
6. Mint Mischief (India, Lay’s)
Mint and potato chips? This flavor manages to taste both cooling and disturbingly savory. Launched in India, Mint Mischief combines the refreshing taste of mint with the classic potato chip crunch.
For some, it’s an intriguing twist, while others find the flavor unsettling. The combination of fresh mint and salty chips creates a unique experience that’s hard to categorize. It’s a flavor that intrigues with its novelty, yet confounds with its unusual taste. A daring blend that’s not for everyone.
7. Garlic Soft-Shell Crab (Lay’s Thailand)
Thailand’s snack scene is known for bold flavors, and Garlic Soft-Shell Crab Lay’s chips are no exception. Real crab aroma packed into a chip bag, offering a taste of the sea with every crunch. While some seafood lovers relish the authentic flavor, others might find it overwhelming.
The garlic adds an extra layer of intensity, creating a snack that’s both aromatic and pungent. It’s a taste that lingers long after snack time ends, for better or worse. A flavor adventure for those who crave the extraordinary.
8. Hot Dog (Pringles)
Who doesn’t love a hot dog at a ballpark game? Pringles attempted to capture that classic taste, but the results were uncanny. The Hot Dog flavor smells exactly like a ballpark frank, but eating it is another story.
The tangy relish and mustard notes are present, but the overall experience is too synthetic. What sounds like a fun novelty turns out to be strangely unsettling. Some found the flavor eerily accurate, while others were left with a sense of unease, craving the real thing instead.
9. Cinnamon Sugar (Pringles)
Combining dessert with savory snacks seems like a delightful idea, but Cinnamon Sugar Pringles tell a different story. These chips create a jarring mix of sweet and salty that didn’t quite land for many taste testers.
The cinnamon’s warmth clashes with the salty potato base, leading to an awkward taste sensation. While some appreciated the attempt to innovate, others felt it was a mismatch. It’s a bold flavor choice that stands out, though not always in a favorable way.
10. Yogurt & Herb (Lay’s Russia)
Lay’s Russia brought us Yogurt & Herb, a chip that’s cool and creamy with a sour milk aftertaste. More dairy than most chip fans signed up for, this flavor intrigued some with its tangy, herbal notes.
However, the lingering taste of sour milk was off-putting to many. The yogurt adds a distinct tartness, which, when combined with herbs, creates a unique but polarizing flavor. This chip is a testament to the adventurous spirit of snack innovation, albeit not a universally loved one.
11. Grilled Squid (Lay’s Thailand)
For seafood enthusiasts, Grilled Squid chips offer a taste of the ocean in every bite. Lay’s Thailand captures the essence of grilled squid, complete with a smoky, salty profile.
While some appreciate the authenticity, the fishy aroma and lingering aftertaste can be overwhelming for others. The flavor is both bold and niche, appealing to those with adventurous palates. It’s a chip that transports you to Thailand’s coastal kitchens, but perhaps not one for everyone’s snack drawer.
12. Pumpkin Pie Spice (Pringles)
Autumn lovers rejoice—or maybe not. Pumpkin Pie Spice Pringles were launched as a limited-edition holiday flavor, but few people were clamoring for pie-seasoned potatoes.
The spice blend evokes festive feelings, but the combination with a potato base was questionable. For some, it was a delightful seasonal treat, while others found it a culinary mismatch. It’s a flavor that divides snackers: a holiday spirit in chip form, yet not everyone’s cup of tea.
13. Cajun Squirrel (Walkers UK)
Walkers UK introduced Cajun Squirrel, a flavor that’s as confusing as it sounds. Not actually made from squirrel, thankfully, but still off-putting to many consumers. The Cajun spices add a fiery kick that’s both intriguing and perplexing.
The flavor profile is bold, blending smoky and spicy elements that evoke a sense of adventure. However, the novelty wears off quickly as the unusual concept becomes more apparent. A quirky addition to the chip world, but one that left many scratching their heads.
14. Salsa de Habanero y Limón (Sabritas)
A fiery kick awaits those who dare to try Salsa de Habanero y Limón chips. Sabritas packed a punch with this intense flavor, combining the heat of habanero peppers with the sharpness of lime.
The combination is overwhelming for casual snackers, but heat seekers might relish the challenge. Each bite delivers a burst of spicy, tangy goodness that’s not for the faint-hearted. It’s a chip that brings the vibrant flavors of Mexico to life, though not everyone can handle the heat.
15. Wasabi Mayonnaise (Lay’s Japan)
Lay’s Japan ventured into bold territory with Wasabi Mayonnaise chips. A strange fusion of creamy, spicy, and vinegary all in one bite, these chips are bold in flavor.
The wasabi adds a sharp heat, while the mayonnaise balances with a creamy tang. Some find the combination deliciously daring, while others are left perplexed. It’s a flavor that challenges the palate, offering a unique experience for those seeking something different. Delicious or debatable? That’s up to the eater.