All 29 Utz Potato Chip Flavors Ranked, From Worst to First

Utz potato chip flavors ranked

Utz is among the most well-known potato chip brands, with a long history tracing its roots back to a family kitchen in Pennsylvania. Today, Utz makes dozens of varieties of potato chips, along with other snacks produced by Utz and the group of brands under the Utz Brands umbrella. As we approach prime snacking season (hello game-day gatherings and Super Bowl parties), we decided to rank all 29 Utz potato chip flavors from worst to first. Read on for all the crispy, crunchy, salty details.

About Utz Chips

The Utz chips brand began more than a century ago when Bill and Salie Utz began making potato chips in their Hanover, Pennsylvania kitchen with a focus on simple, natural ingredients and farm-grown potatoes. The company is still a Hanover-based, family-run business with that same emphasis on minimal ingredients with a minimal amount of processing.

Other Brands in the Utz Lineup

Along with the many varieties of chips in their main Utz line, the company also has lots of other products—including snacks like pretzels, cheese balls and other potato chips—that are sold under several different brand names. Bachman, Zapp’s, Dirty, Golden Flake, Good Health and Boulder Canyon are all part of the Utz family. Some of our favorites include Zapp’s Voodoo Kettle Chips, Bachman Jax Cheddar Cheese Curls and Good Health Veggie Stix.

Related: Dot's Pretzels Flavors, Ranked Worst to Best

All 29 Utz Potato Chip Flavors, Ranked

All Utz potato chips are tasty and made from simple ingredients, but we love some more than others. Here are our rankings of Utz chips, from worst to best.

29. Utz Original No Salt Added Potato Chips

It seems a bit unfair to rank this variety against the full-salt options, because saltiness is such a core component of the potato chip experience. That said, some people want or need to reduce their sodium intake while still enjoying chips, which makes this a good option for them. This is also a good option for folks who enjoy the more natural, unenhanced flavor of potatoes.

28. Utz Original Reduced Fat Ripples Potato Chips

Fans of this variety say you won’t feel like you’re missing out on anything—except some of the fat content. They still have the terrific, simple flavor of original Utz chips, with a slightly firmer texture and less of the greasy that chips often leave behind. This variety seems to come and go in stores and may be tough to find, so your best bet is probably to order them directly from the Utz website.

Related: 'Vanderpump Rules' Stars Ariana Madix and Katie Maloney Share Their Favorite Wine & Chip Pairings

27. Utz Kettle Classics Crab Potato Chips

This variety puts the flavor of crab on a thick kettle chip. It is heavy on the Chesapeake Bay style seasoning, which could be a pro or con, depending on how you feel about that flavoring. There also seems to be a generous amount of salt, which may be a turnoff for some who are trying to steer clear of overly salty snacks.

Related: Snoop Dogg's Shrimp Salad Has an Old Bay Upgrade

26. Utz Kettle Classics Dark Russets Potato Chips

The name of this variety might give you a hint that you should expect a deep, rich flavor that’s strong on the potato element—and that’s exactly what you get, which may be a pro or con, depending on your tastes. They seem to have a lighter touch with the salt than some other varieties, which we consider a plus.

25. Utz Mike's Hot Honey Potato Chips

This variety has a honey-and-hotness combination that makes an impact. It might be too much for those who prefer their chips to be a bit more understated, but if you like your heat with a little sweet, this could be your bag.

Related: 20 Easy Hot Honey Recipes

24. Utz Kettle Classics Mash Up Smokin' Sweet BBQ Crab Potato Chips

This is one of those “love them or hate them” varieties. If you are a huge fan of either (or better yet, both) of these individual flavors, you will likely love this combination. Otherwise, it might be overkill. But since it’s a unique formula, it might be worth trying at least once, just to decide for yourself.

23. Utz Kettle Classics Jalape?o Potato Chips

The spiciness of jalape?o chips isn’t for everyone, but if you're a chili fan you should give these a try. We think they're among the best jalape?o chips we’ve had.

22. Utz Wavy Original Potato Chips

This variety has the classic original Utz flavor, but with a different cut that makes them a little thicker, which packs more of that great taste into every bite. They have a satisfying crunch, and the wavy texture is great for scooping dips.

21. Utz "The Crab Chip" Potato Chips

You might say this “crab chip” variety is a bit of a mystery, which is not necessarily a bad thing. It seems to be geared to appeal to seafood lovers, but some of our testing crew had conflicting opinions on how prevalent (or not) the actual crab flavor is. We definitely noticed some strong flavoring along with a salt component that was on the heavier side, but we couldn’t agree on how close it came to nailing the “crab.” Still, it’s a unique flavor that most of us enjoyed.

Related: 22 Best Crab Recipes

20. Utz Salt & Vinegar Potato Chips

Salt & vinegar is a classic potato chip flavor—and these chips add the obligatory tangy sharpness to a classic this, crispy Utz chip. It's a super solid salt & vinegar option for fans of the flavor.

19. Utz Carolina Style Barbeque Potato Chips

This BBQ chip variety has noticeable elements of vinegar and peppers, which give it a tangy zip. It’s better than many BBQ chips we’ve tried, but wasn’t unusual or distinctive enough to rank higher than some of Utz’s other BBQ varieties.

18.  Utz Kettle Classics Maui BBQ Potato Chips

This BBQ variety puts a tropical twist on kettle chips. The flavor is tangy and sweet and we could envision this fitting in perfectly at a beach cookout.

Related: The Easiest Way to Upgrade Store-Bought Chips 

17. Utz Onion & Garlic Potato Chips

One of the more traditional flavors in the lineup, this is one for those who like a reliable, tried-and-true option. As you might imagine, you should also like onion and garlic, as both flavors are strong in this variety.

16. Utz Kettle Classics Smokin' Sweet BBQ Potato Chips

Here’s another BBQ option—and this one has a lot going on. The foundation is the thick kettle chip with a combination of heat and sweetness layered on top. The latter is the more dominant profile, so this is one that will appeal to those who like their BBQ chips on the sweeter side.

15. Utz Wavy Heluva Good French Onion Potato Chips

No dip? No problem. These chips have the flavor of French onion dip built in, so they have a satisfying, robust flavor all on their own. They may not be a hit with those who aren’t a fan of tangy flavors, though.

14. Utz Original Ripples Potato Chips

As with the original wavy variety, these chips have the core Utz flavor, presented in a different form. The small ripples give them more substance and are ideal for scooping up a heaping amount of dip or cheese sauce.

13. Utz Honey Barbeque Potato Chips

This variety has the classic and familiar honey barbeque taste. The flavor is sweet and just tangy enough without being too much. We love them, but if you’re seeking something hotter or more exotic, this variety may not be exciting enough for you, especially compared to some of Utz’s other barbeque flavors.

12. Utz Red Hot Potato Chips

If you can’t stand the heat…then you probably want these chips to stay out of your kitchen. They pack a powerful punch and aren't for the faint of heart. They are, however ideal for those who love hot peppers and other spicy foods (like most of our tasters).

11. Utz Ripples Sour Cream & Onion Potato Chips

Take everything you like about the classic sour cream & onion chip from Utz and add ridges that are perfect for scooping dip and you have this chip. They're a crowd-pleaser, making them great for parties, game nights and family get-togethers.

10. Utz Ripples Fried Dill Pickle Potato Chips

We liked these a lot—but then again, we’re also big fans of dill pickles. They have that classic Utz ripple texture and a tangy taste, which is a great combination in our book. If you’re not quite so fond of a strong dill flavor, though, these might not be one of your favorite picks.

Related: The Best Fried Pickles Come From Your Air Fryer 

9. Utz Kettle Classics Salt & Malt Vinegar Potato Chips

Salt & vinegar chips have a distinctively zesty taste, but even among that particular category, these chips stand out from the crowd. The thick kettle chip style is one reason, but the bigger differentiator is the malt vinegar, which gives this variety a sweet and tart profile you may not have encountered before—and might find impossible to resist, like we did. Pro tip: Serve them with (or on) a fish sandwich for a perfect pairing. Come to think of it, if you crushed up a handful of these chips they'd make an awesome breading for fish.

8. Utz Kettle Classics Sweet Potato Potato Chips

We’re fans of anything sweet potato, so we may be a bit biased, but we think these thin and crispy chips would go quickly at any gathering (or on the couch while we're watching TV). The flavor is perfectly balanced and is full of plenty of sweet, tangy goodness.

Related: 12 Best Healthy Chips That Are Good for You and Great for Munching 

7. Utz Salt & Pepper Potato Chips

This flavor is exactly what the name says—a potato chip accentuated with a salt & pepper blend, which is among the most common (and popular) seasoning mixes. Fans say it goes great with sandwiches, and we have to agree. This is another variety that can be tough to find in stores (and even then it’s often only in the smaller, snack-sized bags), so we recommend stocking up when you see them.

6. Utz Kettle Classics Original Potato Chips

Kettle chips tend to be thicker and crunchier than “regular” chips, and that’s true for the Utz line of kettle chips. If you like the original flavor of Utz chips but want something with a more substantial crunch, this variety might be the perfect choice.

5. Utz Original Potato Chips

Yes, this is the “standard” original variety, but there’s nothing basic about this chip. It’s the one that started it all, and there’s a reason it has maintained its popularity so long. The simple yet satisfying taste of the original version is delicious just as it is, thanks to the high-quality ingredients and the hearty crunch.

4. Utz Ripples Cheddar & Sour Cream Potato Chips

This variety takes everything we already love about the ripples sour cream & onion variety and kicks it up a notch by adding cheddar. In our book, it’s an irresistible formula.

3. Utz Southern Sweet Heat Barbeque Potato Chips

These chips deliver the heat of BBQ infused with brown sugar sweetness. They kick up the heat when compared to the regular BBQ variety—and have a bit of a spicy aftertaste that hits you like a delayed reaction. These chips are great for those who love BBQ chips but wish the spice levels had a little extra boost.

2. Utz Barbeque Ripples Potato Chips

Although Utz has many barbeque variations to choose from, our favorite option is the ripple variety that’s just straight barbeque without any other extras or enhancements. It’s a popular staple for a reason—it has that familiar smoky flavor that you know and love paired with the irresistable ripple texture.

1. Utz Wavy Heluva Good Buttermilk Ranch Potato Chips

We had high expectations for this variety, based on the name alone, and yet it still managed to surprise and impress us. It’s like the perfect wavy chip and a hearty, flavor-packed dip all in one. We couldn't stop eating these—and we suspect you won't be able to either.

Next up: 14 Recipes for the Ranch-Obsessed