Lay’s Kettle Cooked Honey Chipotle Potato Chips have an orange tint that makes them look cheesy. But rest assured that no cheeses were harmed in the making of these chips.
They get their orange hue from chipotle chili powder and there’s enough of it that the aroma of eau de chili wafts out as soon as the bag’s seal is undone. But the chips don’t radiate any honey or sweet smell.
But the honey makes its appearance when the chips mingle with my taste buds. It reminds me of what’s on the honey butter potato chips from South Korea I’ve tried, but more natural tasting. It’s in the forefront with the first few chips, with the chipotle and other seasonings taking a back seat. Although the honey stood out with the first few chips, the flavor, I have to admit, was strange and not too pleasing, much like the new Lay’s Kettle Cooked bag design.
But after eating a few more of the super crunchy chips, the chipotle builds up and the honey moves to the back, causing the flavor to morph into something more palatable…and familiar.
The combined sweet and savory notes remind me of Lay’s Barbecue Potato Chips, but the chipotle turns it into a spicy version. Okay, now when I say, “spicy,” it’s not going to you run to the kitchen to grab a glass of milk or tub of Greek yogurt, unless you’re super sensitive to spice. It’s more smoky with a mild peppery kick.
If you buy a bag of Lay’s Kettle Cooked Honey Chipotle, don’t let the first few chips deter you. It’s a bit odd, but once you get past that and let the chipotle build up in your mouth, the chips end up having a decent flavor.
Purchased Price: $2.75 (on sale)
Size: 8 oz. bag
Purchased at: Longs Drugs
Rating: 6 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (about 15 chips) 150 calories, 8 grams of fat, 1.5 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 170 milligrams of sodium, 17 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 2 grams of sugar, and 2 grams of protein.