Potato chips are one of the most popular American snacks, especially during this time of the year–outdoor barbecue season.
According to Market Data Forecast, the North American potato chip market was valued at $1.22 billion in 2024. That figure is projected to go up to $1.37 billion in 2033.
There are countless flavors of potato chips for consumers to choose from. Barbecue remains a popular option, which dozens of brands offering their take on the sweet and spicy favorite.
As for which brand of barbecue chips reigns supreme, Simply Recipes recently surveyed three chefs, who all agreed on the same choice.
Kettle Brand is best, experts say
Kettle Brand Backyard Barbecue Chips are the “absolute gold standard” on the market, says Kyle Taylor, chef and founder of He Cooks.
Chef Yunus Emre Yildiz, the founder of Rumbling Flame, happens to agree
“They really strike the right balance between sweetness and smokiness,” Yildiz said. “Other brands can be overly sweet. Not these. Kettles are bold but not overpowering.”
Shawna Clark, a cookbook author and the “Healthy Foodie Girl,” was the third panelist to endorse Kettle’s barbecue offering.
“These have a BBQ flavor that tastes real and not too salty or fake, because they use simple, natural ingredients,” Clark said.
Taylor also added a unique way to enjoy the chips, outside of just snacking on them individually.
“Try using them for loaded nachos or crushed on top of mac and cheese before baking,” Taylor recommended. “The BBQ flavor adds depth that regular chips can’t match.”
Founded in 1978, Kettle Foods currently sells more than a dozen different flavors of potato chips. In another recent survey conducted by Simply Recipes, five other food experts named the company the best overall potato chip brand in the United States.
