4 New Chip Releases

CHICAGO — Consumers' love of salty snacks is growing.

The share of U.S. adults who somewhat or strongly agree that salted snacks are their favorite grew from 29% in the period from 2008 to 2012 to 33%-35% for the period from 2014 to 2018, according to Packaged Facts’ Eating Trends: Mealtimes & Snacking report from May 2019.

That includes chips.

Here are some varieties for retailers to consider for their convenience stores, from grain-free tortilla chips to New Orleans-inspired kettle chips …  

Maker of organic chickpea snacks Hippeas, Plainview, N.Y., has released Hippeas Tortilla Chips. The chickpea-based chips are organic, gluten-free and vegan. Each 1-ounce serving has 3 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber. The chips come in Straight Up Seasalt, Rockin’ Ranch and Jalapeno Vegan Cheddar.  

The chips are available in Whole Foods Market stores nationwide and on Amazon.

Late July, Boston, has launched two new chip varieties: No Grain Tortilla Chips and Organic Potato Chips.

The tortilla chips are made with organic ground tigernut flour blended with cassava flour and chia seeds. They come in Sea Salt and Sea Salt & Lime for a suggested retail price of $3.49.

Late July’s organic potato chips come in Simple as Sea Salt, Laid Back BBQ and Sea Salt & Vinegar Vibes. The potato chips will roll out nationwide in March at an SRP of $3.49.

Zapp’s Potato Chips, Gramercy, La., is releasing a new chip flavor inspired by the spirit of New Orleans Voodoo healer Marie Laveau. Zapp’s Evil Eye potato chips have a mild heat with a flavor and hearty crunch, according to the company.

“With the overwhelming response to our Zapp’s Voodoo potato chips, it only makes sense to return to the rich well of Louisiana lore to bring our fans another unique kettle-style potato chip,” said Tiffani Justh, vice president of marketing for Zapp’s.

The snack comes in 2-, 2.6-, 5- and 9-once bags, and a party-sized bag.

The Good Bean, Berkeley, Calif., has acquired Austin, Texas-based Beanitos, maker of better-for-you bean-based chips and puffs.

The expanded portfolio includes 10 Good Bean SKUs and 16 Beanitos SKUs. The brands’ combined annual procurement of sustainably grown and harvested legumes now exceeds 5 million pounds, according to the companies.

“From the beginning, our mission has been to make bean and plant-based snacking accessible, delicious and affordable for everyone, while supporting responsible agriculture,” said Sarah Wallace, founder and CEO of The Good Bean.

Wallace worked with companies including Clif Bar, Kashi, ThinkThin and PopChips before launching The Good Bean in 2010.