Uh, so these are the finalists for Lay’s flavor competition. Yum?
There are 3 major food groups that I can’t live without on a regular basis: dessert, pizza and chips. I suppose I could technically stay alive without them, but I don’t want to, and I’m not going to. Chips are my best friend (ok one of my best friends). They provide me with the encouragement and salt I need to get through my days. I love them and they love me, OK?
Now with that being said, I have no idea why Lay’s didn’t personally inform me about the competition they hold every year to determine America’s favorite chip flavor (apparently Americans change their minds annually). Millions of Lay’s fans submitted ideas to the flavor contest, and today, four finalists have been revealed. I had know idea there were even millions of different flavor combinations in existence — but again, what do I know. Some people over at Lay’s who probably love their jobs had the tough/awesome job of choosing four different flavors they felt America would love most. Surprisingly, “dessert” and “pizza” flavor were not finalists. Neither was “chip” flavor, because chip flavored chips are, well. . . chips.
From July 27 through October 18, you’ll be able to vote for your favorite flavor idea by visiting Lay’s “Do Us a Flavor” website. The winner will receive one million dollars! Woah. Chips are serious.
The flavors are “Southern Biscuits and Gravy,” “Kettle Cooked Greektown Gyro,” “New York Reuben” and “Wavy West Coast Truffle Fries.”
Lay’s explained the story behind each flavor to Yahoo:
Southern Biscuits and Gravy
Submitted by: Hailey Green of Noblesville, Indiana
“As a travel agent, Hailey Green has many opportunities to sample local flavors when exploring a new city. She has a great appreciation for each locale’s ‘homemade style,’ because it reminds her of her own childhood, filled with memories of eating Southern food in her grandmother’s kitchen. One of Hailey’s favorite dishes is biscuits and gravy — a recipe that was handed down in her family generation after generation. Not surprisingly, this family-favorite also inspired her potentially million-dollar winning potato chip idea.”
Kettle Cooked Greektown Gyro
Submitted by: James Wagner of Wichita Falls, Texas
“James Wagner has been in the Air Force for more than 18 years, traveling the country and abroad, and discovering local tastes at each stop on his journey. While abroad, James discovered his fondness for Greek cuisine, so when he moved to Wichita Falls, Texas, he immediately sought out the closest gyro specialty restaurant. As it turns out, there is one right outside the Air Force base gate. His flavor inspiration comes from his regular visits to that restaurant.”
New York Reuben
Submitted by: Jeff Solensky of DuBois, Pennsylvania
“Jeff Solensky helps manage a local restaurant in DuBois, Pa., where he pursues his true passion in life — food. Growing up in Long Island, N.Y., Jeff has fond memories of traveling into Manhattan to enjoy Broadway shows with his mother. A big part of that tradition was stopping by popular New York delis beforehand to enjoy signature, mouth-watering Reubens. Inspired by the delicious Reuben sandwiches of his childhood, Jeff came up with the idea to infuse those same flavors into a potato chip.”
Wavy West Coast Truffle Fries
Submitted by: Angie Fu of Irvine, California
“Angie Fu, a native Californian, has had a passion for food and discovering local flavors from an early age. She very nearly went into culinary school, but instead opted to keep her love of flavor a hobby. When Angie is home, she is constantly in her kitchen, trying her hand at new dishes and sauces. But when Angie goes out to eat, she can’t say no to truffle fries, even seeking out restaurants in the area that put their own local twist on her favorite side.”
And just to make this whole thing even more awesome, Nick Lachey showed up at each of the finalists’ homes (!!!) to let them know they are one step closer to that million dollar prize. Here’s the video if you don’t believe me.
All of these flavors sound delicious by themselves, but on chips? Not sure. So probably what needs to happen is Lay’s needs to go ahead and send me at least six bags of each flavor so I can sample them (and then keep sampling them) — just to be sure, of course. Or not. Your move, Lay’s.
Featured images via Lays
