National Potato Chip Day: Best Chips By Region

Every region in the U.S. has a hometown chip brand that locals swear is better than Lays, Ruffles, and all the big names in between. These aren’t just snacks—they’re part of the culture, filled with nostalgia and regional pride.

In honor of National Potato Chip Day, here’s a look at the most beloved, must-try chips from across the country:

Northwest

• Kettle (Salem, OR) – What started as a small operation in Oregon has grown into one of the most recognizable kettle-cooked chip brands in the country.
• Tim’s Cascade Snacks (Auburn, WA) – Known for its signature red-striped bags, Tim’s specializes in extra-crunchy “Cascade Style” chips.
• Rusty’s Island Chips (Huntington Beach, CA) – A SoCal favorite, these hand-sliced chips are slow-cooked in safflower oil for a premium crunch.

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Southwest

• Poore Brothers (Goodyear, AZ) – Spice lovers will appreciate the bold flavors, including jalapeño and habanero.
• Boulder Canyon (Boulder, CO) – Health-conscious snackers turn to this brand for its olive oil and red wine vinegar chips.

Midwest

• Better Made (Detroit, MI) – A Motor City staple for 85 years, these chips have a fiercely loyal following.
• Sterzing’s (Burlington, IA) – Originally a side project of a candy business, this Iowa brand became a favorite among Midwesterners and U.S. servicemen overseas.
• Jays Foods (Chicago, IL) – A Windy City classic, Jays chips were even rumored to be a favorite of Al Capone.
• Ballreich’s (Tiffin, OH) – This family-run brand has been around so long, they still call their ridged chips “marcelled,” after a 1920s hairstyle.
• Grippo’s (Cincinnati, OH) – Cincy locals know their way around a good, savory barbecue chip.
• Mikesell’s (Dayton, OH) – A century-old brand that embraces local flavors, including Cincinnati-style chili.
• Shearer’s (Massillon, OH) – The variety is endless, including a hot dog-flavored chip.

Northeast

• Cape Cod Chips (Hyannis, MA) – A Massachusetts classic with a lighthouse logo and a commitment to thick, crunchy kettle chips.
• Deep River Snacks (Deep River, CT) – Known for its all-natural ingredients and creative flavors like “Ninja Ginger.”
• Wise Foods (Berwick, PA) – A deli and ballpark staple in New York.
• North Fork Chips (Mattituck, NY) – A favorite of former NYC Mayor Ed Koch, proving its local credibility.

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Mid-Atlantic

• Utz (Hanover, PA) – A snack icon in Maryland and beyond, with flavors that range from classic to crab seasoning.
• Herr’s (Nottingham, PA) – Known for regional hits like Old Bay and Kansas City steak flavors.
• Route 11 (Mount Jackson, VA) – Famous for its Chesapeake crab chips and spicy Mama Zuma’s Revenge flavor.
• Mister Bee (Parkersburg, WV) – The only chip brand in West Virginia, keeping locals stocked since 1951.

Southeast

• Zapp’s (Gramercy, LA) – Pioneers of Cajun-flavored chips, including the beloved Spicy Cajun Crawtators.
• Golden Flake (Birmingham, AL) – An Alabama institution since 1923, started by two men frying chips in a basement.
• Brother Kane (Atlanta, GA) – Known for its crinkle-cut baby back ribs chips.

From coast to coast, America’s regional chip game is strong. Whether you’re loyal to a hometown classic or looking for a new favorite, these chips prove that local brands always have the best crunch.