We’ve all been there—standing in the snack aisle, trying to make the tough decision between that fancy, overpriced bag of chips and the trusty store brand that’s calling your name. It’s a classic struggle, right? But let’s be real for a second: not all store-brand chips are created equal. Some of them are delicious, while others taste like they’ve been swimming in fryer oil. Yup, the kind that makes your taste buds question all of your life choices.
If you’re on a budget or just curious about what’s lurking in the depths of those store-brand aisles, I’ve got the scoop on five offenders that might have you reconsidering your snacking strategy. So grab your favorite drink, and let’s chat about these chips that might just make you cringe.
1. Great Value Classic Potato Chips
Walmart’s Great Value brand is known for its budget-friendly offerings, but their classic potato chips are like the friend who always shows up to the party with a bad attitude. Sure, they’re cheap, but biting into one is like stepping into a time machine back to the 1980s when oil was the star of every snack show. They have that unmistakable greasy aftertaste that’s hard to shake off.
If you’re looking for a crunchy snack, you might want to keep searching. These chips taste like they’ve been fried in oil that forgot it was supposed to be part of a balanced meal. You can practically hear them whispering, “I’m not good for you, but I’m here anyway!”
2. Aldi’s Clancy’s Potato Chips
Aldi’s Clancy’s brand can be hit or miss, and unfortunately, their potato chips fall into the “miss” category. These chips have a hefty crunch, but the flavor profile? Let’s just say it’s more “fryer” than “flavor.” They seem to soak up oil like it’s going out of style, leaving you with that heavy, greasy mouthfeel that’s just not pleasant.
It’s like they took the phrase “deep-fried” a bit too literally. If you’re hoping for a light snack, you’d be better off steering clear of these. They might just leave you feeling like you need a refreshing drink to wash down the oily aftermath.
3. Kroger’s Brand Potato Chips
Kroger has its fair share of solid snacks, but their store-brand potato chips can leave you scratching your head. Picture this: you open the bag, and a wave of that unmistakable fried aroma hits you. At first, it seems inviting, but then you take a bite, and it’s like your taste buds have been doused in fryer oil. Not the most appetizing sensation, right?
If you like your chips with a side of regret, these might do the trick. They’ve got a satisfying crunch, but that lingering oily flavor just doesn’t cut it. It’s almost like they were designed to remind you that sometimes, cheap snacks come at a cost.
4. Target’s Good & Gather Tortilla Chips
When it comes to tortilla chips, you want something that can handle guacamole or salsa like a champ. However, Good & Gather’s tortilla chips might just leave you reaching for something else entirely. They’ve got a decent crunch, but the overwhelming greasiness takes center stage in every bite.
It’s like they took a bath in frying oil before packing them up for the store. They’re less “crunchy snack” and more “fry party.” If you’re planning a gathering, you might want to keep these chips off the table unless you want your guests to question your snack selection skills.
5. Wegmans Kettle Cooked Potato Chips
Wegmans has built a reputation for quality, but their kettle-cooked potato chips might just be an exception. These chips are thicker, which usually means extra crunch, but also extra oil. Instead of that satisfying crunch you’d expect, you get a heavy, greasy mouthful that’s not quite what you signed up for.
They’ve got that kettle-cooked vibe going, but the oily flavor can be overwhelming. If you’re looking for a chip to enjoy on its own, you might want to think twice about these. They could use a little less fryer love and a bit more seasoning to balance things out.
