What Are Chocolate Covered Potato Chips?
At first, chocolate covered potato chips might sound like a strange combination. But one bite is all it takes to understand why they’re a snack lover’s dream! These crunchy, salty chips are dipped in smooth, melted chocolate, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
These treats are typically made by coating wavy or ridged potato chips in milk, dark, or white chocolate, then allowing them to cool until the chocolate hardens. Some variations include a sprinkle of sea salt for an extra crunch, while others keep it simple yet delicious.
Want to try more fun snacks? Check out our Passover Potato Pie recipe for another unique twist on potatoes!
Table of Contents
The Sweet and Salty Trend: Why It Works
Ever wondered why we can’t resist sweet-and-salty snacks? It all comes down to science! The mix of sugar and salt triggers both our sweet and savory taste receptors, making the experience even more satisfying. This is why snacks like salted caramel, chocolate pretzels, and kettle corn have gained massive popularity.
According to food scientists, this flavor contrast enhances taste perception, making each bite more enjoyable and addictive. When you bite into a chocolate covered potato chip, you get an instant salty crunch, followed by the creamy richness of the chocolate—a match made in snack heaven!
For more chocolate-related treats, check out Delish for inspiration!
A Brief History of Chocolate Covered Snacks
While the exact origins of chocolate covered potato chips are unclear, chocolatiers have been experimenting with sweet-and-salty combinations for decades. The idea of coating salty snacks in chocolate became popular with chocolate-covered pretzels, nuts, and popcorn long before potato chips entered the scene.
Brands like Lay’s and Better Made recognized this growing trend and introduced limited-edition chocolate covered chips. Though some varieties were discontinued, fans continue to demand their return.
💡 Fun Fact: The first mass-produced chocolate covered potato chips hit the market in the 1980s, quickly becoming a holiday and specialty treat. Today, you can find them in gourmet chocolate shops, major supermarkets, and even online!
If you’re feeling nostalgic about discontinued snacks, read about other classic chocolate treats on AllRecipes.
The Best Chocolate Covered Potato Chips You Can Buy
If you’re craving chocolate covered potato chips but don’t want to make them at home, you’re in luck! Many brands sell ready-to-eat versions that deliver the perfect mix of salty crunch and sweet chocolate. Below, we’ll explore some of the best brands offering this delicious snack and where you can buy them.
Top Brands Selling Chocolate Covered Potato Chips
Here are some of the best brands that have mastered the art of chocolate-dipped potato chips:
1. Better Made Milk Chocolate Covered Chips
- One of the most popular options, Better Made’s chocolate-covered chips feature their classic wavy potato chips drenched in smooth milk chocolate.
- Comes in a decorative tin—perfect for gifting or snacking.
- Available online and in select stores.
2. Esther Price Chocolate Covered Potato Chips
- A well-known gourmet chocolate brand that makes a rich and indulgent version of these chips.
- Uses both milk and dark chocolate for variety.
- Their chips are thicker and crunchier, offering a heartier bite.
3. Old Kentucky Chocolates Chocolate Covered Potato Chips
- Made with premium-quality chocolate and Himalayan sea salt for an extra flavor kick.
- Available in both dark and milk chocolate varieties.
- Handmade in small batches for maximum freshness.
4. Asher’s Chocolate Covered Potato Chips
- A classic brand known for its smooth and creamy chocolate coating.
- Their version includes thin, crispy chips to maximize the chocolate-to-chip ratio.
- Comes in convenient snack-sized bags.
Where to Buy Chocolate Covered Potato Chips
Want to get your hands on these delicious treats? Here’s where to find them:
✅ Online Retailers – You can order brands like Better Made and Esther Price from Amazon, Walmart, or their official websites.
✅ Gourmet Chocolate Shops – Many artisan chocolatiers sell handmade versions of chocolate covered potato chips.
✅ Local Grocery Stores – Some stores, especially around the holidays, carry seasonal versions of this snack.
💡 Pro Tip: If you can’t find these brands in your area, try checking specialty food stores or ordering directly from the manufacturer’s website!
Homemade Chocolate Covered Potato Chips – Easy DIY Recipes
If you love the idea of chocolate covered potato chips but can’t find them in stores, don’t worry—you can make them at home with just a few simple ingredients! Making these at home lets you control the chocolate quality, chip texture, and flavor enhancements like sea salt, caramel, or nuts.
Classic Chocolate Covered Potato Chips Recipe
This quick and easy recipe will give you the perfect sweet-and-salty crunch in under 20 minutes!
Ingredients:
✔️ 2 cups of semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate chips
✔️ 1 tablespoon of vegetable shortening or coconut oil (optional, for smoother melting)
✔️ 1 bag of ridged or wavy potato chips
✔️ Sea salt (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions:
1️⃣ Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until smooth. You can also use a double boiler for more control.
2️⃣ Dip the Chips: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Dip each potato chip halfway or fully into the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off.
3️⃣ Add Toppings (Optional): While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle sea salt, crushed nuts, or caramel drizzle for extra flavor.
4️⃣ Let Them Set: Place the dipped chips on the parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for about 15 minutes until the chocolate hardens.
5️⃣ Enjoy! Once set, they’re ready to eat! Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Dark Chocolate Dipped Potato Chips Variation
If you love a bolder, less sweet flavor, try using dark chocolate (70% or higher cacao) instead of milk chocolate. Dark chocolate pairs beautifully with the salty crunch, and you can enhance it with a dash of sea salt or chili flakes for a spicy kick!
Milk vs. Dark Chocolate: Which Is Better?
- Milk chocolate gives a smoother, creamier, and sweeter taste.
- Dark chocolate offers a richer, slightly bitter flavor that enhances the saltiness of the chips.
- White chocolate is another fun option, offering a sweeter and creamier profile.
Tips for Perfectly Coating Potato Chips with Chocolate
✔️ Use ridged chips – They hold the chocolate better without breaking.
✔️ Don’t overheat the chocolate – Stir frequently to prevent burning.
✔️ Chill the chips before dipping – This prevents them from getting soggy.
✔️ Let the chocolate fully set before eating for the best crunch.
Choosing the Best Potato Chips for Chocolate Coating
Not all potato chips are created equal—especially when it comes to dipping them in chocolate. The right chip makes all the difference in texture, flavor, and durability when paired with creamy chocolate. Below, we break down the best choices for homemade chocolate covered potato chips.
Ridged vs. Regular Chips: Which Works Best?
When making chocolate covered potato chips, ridged chips (also called wavy or ruffled chips) are the best option. Why?
✔️ They hold more chocolate due to their textured surface.
✔️ They’re sturdier and won’t break easily when dipped.
✔️ The ridges help balance the sweet-and-salty flavor.
Regular, flat chips can still work, but they tend to be thinner and more delicate, which makes dipping trickier.
Best Store-Bought Chips for Chocolate Dipping
If you’re buying chips for dipping, these options work best:
✅ Ruffles Original – Classic wavy texture and sturdy build make them a top choice.
✅ Lay’s Wavy Chips – Slightly lighter but still ridged for chocolate adhesion.
✅ Kettle-Cooked Chips – Thicker and crunchier, adding an extra bite to the snack.
✅ Pringles Original – Although not ridged, their uniform shape makes dipping easier.
💡 Pro Tip: Avoid flavored or overly seasoned chips (like BBQ or sour cream & onion), as the flavors may clash with the chocolate. Stick to classic salted chips for the best taste!
Homemade Chips vs. Packaged Chips: Pros and Cons
| Factor | Packaged Chips | Homemade Chips |
|---|---|---|
| Crunchiness | Very crispy | Softer, but still crispy |
| Salt Level | Pre-salted | Can control the salt |
| Freshness | Store-bought freshness | Best when freshly made |
| Customization | Limited | Can cut chips thicker/thinner |
Homemade chips allow for full control over thickness, crunch, and saltiness, but store-bought chips are easier and more convenient.
Nutritional Information, FAQs & Conclusion
While chocolate covered potato chips are undeniably delicious, it’s always good to know what you’re indulging in. Below, we’ll cover the nutritional breakdown, answer common FAQs, and wrap up with a final thought on this sweet-and-salty treat.
Nutritional Information and Health Considerations
Like most indulgent snacks, chocolate covered potato chips should be enjoyed in moderation. Here’s a general estimate of their nutritional content per 1-ounce (28g) serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~150-200 kcal |
| Total Fat | 8-12g |
| Saturated Fat | 4-6g |
| Carbohydrates | 15-20g |
| Sugars | 10-15g |
| Protein | 2-3g |
| Sodium | 100-250mg |
💡 Healthier options? Try using dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher), low-sodium chips, or even baked chips for a slightly lighter version.
FAQs: Answering Your Chocolate Covered Potato Chips Questions
1. What happened to Lay’s Chocolate Covered Potato Chips?
Lay’s released Wavy Milk Chocolate Covered Potato Chips as a limited-edition holiday snack, but they were discontinued after a few years. While fans still hope for their return, you can find alternatives from brands like Better Made or make your own at home!
2. What are the best potato chips to dip in chocolate?
The best choices include:
✔️ Ruffles Original – Thick, ridged, and sturdy.
✔️ Lay’s Wavy Chips – A lighter alternative.
✔️ Kettle-Cooked Chips – Extra crunchy and flavorful.
✔️ Pringles Original – Great for uniform dipping.
3. How do you coat potato chips with chocolate?
Melt your favorite chocolate, dip wavy chips halfway or fully, let excess drip off, and place them on parchment paper. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to harden. Sprinkle sea salt or nuts for extra flavor!
4. Do chocolate covered potato chips exist in different flavors?
Yes! Some brands offer milk, dark, and white chocolate varieties. Others add toppings like caramel drizzle, toffee bits, and even chili flakes for a unique twist!
Final Thoughts: A Snack Worth Trying!
Chocolate covered potato chips are the perfect balance of sweet and salty, making them an irresistible treat. Whether you buy them from gourmet brands or make them at home, they’re sure to be a hit for any occasion.
Want more sweet-and-salty recipes? Check out Tasty for creative snack ideas, AllRecipes for expert cooking tips, and Delish for more delicious inspirations!
Now it’s your turn—will you be trying these chocolate covered potato chips soon? Let us know! 🍫🥔😋