REVIEW: Lay’s 2026 World Cup Potato Chip Flavors

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The bags

For the ‘26 World Cup, Lay’s is giving us traditional (but not that traditional) takes on the cuisine of three perennial futbol powerhouses. We’ve got Argentinian-Style Steak with Chimichurri chips, Brazilian-Style Garlic Sauce chips, and French Onion Soup chips. Sorry in advance, fans of the Uzbekistan and Curaçao national teams.

Argentinian-Style Steak

We’ll start with the Team Argentina tie-in. When you crack open a bag of steak-flavored chips you don’t really expect it to taste like steak. You might anticipate a reasonable and respectable facsimile of steak, maybe, but you already know to dial down your expectations. But give Lay’s some credit, they managed to make these things taste a LOT like a real steak. Even without the chimichurri connection (which is pretty much a preordained, tailor made potato chip flavor if there ever was one) the mixology of the herbs and spices here is just masterful. Like, my tongue was totally fooled, and I SWEAR I felt some savory, protein-packed juiciness that couldn’t possibly exist in real life while I was eating these things. Not only is it a nuanced, flavorful bag, but it’s also an amazingly hearty and filling snack with way more kick than I would’ve ever imagined. It’s enough to make you throw your hands in the air and scream GOAAALLLL, even if the wife told you to stop doing that ten years ago.

Brazilian-Style Garlic Sauce

The Brazilian-Style Garlic Sauce chips, unfortunately, don’t fare quite as well. Don’t get me wrong, the chips are still pretty tasty, but they’re not a very unique flavor. Imagine those old sour cream and cheddar chips from back in the day, only with a bit more tart to them, and you pretty much have these things figured out before you even pop one down your esophagus. I see what they were going for — a chip that had a light butteriness to it, but without foregoing that quasi-vinegary taste — but it’s just too many competing flavors duking it out at the same time. The back packaging of the bag suggests that the product has a zesty, citrus kick to it but I didn’t really feel it. Ultimately, it’s not quite as shameful as losing 7-0 to Germany, but it’s the biggest disappointment of this Cup’s trifecta by far. But it is kinda’ cool that these chips almost match the color of Team Brazil’s actual soccer uniforms, though.

French Onion Soup

The French Onion Soup chips are, at the same time, the most mundane flavor AND the most intriguing of this year’s line-up. On one hand there’s not much innovation here at all — indeed, I’m shocked that French Onion Soup chips haven’t been around forever, since it’s such a simple and inoffensive taste to replicate in munch and crunch form. What does make this different from the Argentinian and Brazilian snacks, though, is the mouthfeel. This is the only chip of the three that comes in wavy form — I’m not sure if there’s a cultural or culinary reason why Lay’s went that route, but it totally turns these chips from just OK into borderline great. It’s a relatively light and subtle flavor, but the coarseness of the chips gives everything a perfect counterweight. It’s savory without feeling overpowering, muted without feeling watered down (or salted down, since these are chips and all.) I’m not a big fan of French onion soup at all but I really liked these chips. Like the ‘98 French team that won it all, Lay’s played it smart, strategic, and simple — it eschews showiness and just plain nails all of the fundamentals.

You really can’t complain about any of these three chips too much. Even the Brazilian-Style Garlic Sauce chips aren’t that bad and I can see an endless bounty of complementary dip pairings for all three of these products. I guess you could argue that Lay’s took too few chances with the trio, but tasty yet somewhat predictable chips are still preferable to something that tastes wholly unique but ultimately unrewarding to the part of your soul that wants carbohydrates more than oxygen. Looks like Argentina is taking the gold in this assortment, with France settling for silver and Brazil reaping the junk food equivalent of a bronze medal.

Let’s just hope that Cape Verde goes on the Cinderella run to end all Cinderella runs this summer. Some cachupa-flavored chips from Lay’s in 2030 would be lit.

Purchased Price: $4.29 each
Size: 7.75 oz bag (Argentinian-Style Steak), 7.75 oz bag (Brazilian-Style Garlic Sauce), 7.5 oz bag (French Onion Soup)
Rating: 9 out of 10 (Argentinian-Style Steak), 7 out of 10 (Brazilian-Style Garlic Sauce), 8 out of 10 (French Onion Soup)
Nutrition Facts: (1 oz) Argentinian-Style Steak 160 calories, 10 grams of total fat, 1.5 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 140 milligrams of sodium, 16 grams of total carbohydrates, 1 gram of dietary fiber, less than one gram of total sugars and 2 grams of protein. Brazilian-Style Garlic Sauce 150 calories, 10 grams of total fat, 1.5 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 140 milligrams of sodium, 15 grams of total carbohydrates, 1 gram of dietary fiber, 1 gram of total sugars, and 2 grams of protein. French Onion Soup 160 calories, 10 grams of total fat, 1.5 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 140 milligrams of sodium, 15 grams of total carbohydrates, 1 gram of dietary fiber, 1 gram of total sugars, and 2 grams of protein.

OTHER THINGS I CONSUMED: 1/16/26

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Unwell Cherry Lime Energy Drink

Unwell Cherry Lime Energy Drink

This energy drink is um, well, unawesome. While it has a strong cherry aroma, its cherry lime flavor doesn’t pop. Its flavor is muted, which is surprising because that wasn’t the case when I tried Unwell’s Frosted Cranberry Energy Drink several weeks ago.

But that’s not all that’s disappointing. There’s something mid-sip that I can only describe as a somewhat thick texture that’s similar to what I experience with protein beverages. That would be fine if this had protein, but it has none. It’s not a deal breaker, but again, I don’t recall Unwell’s Frosted Cranberry having it.

The beverage has 150 milligrams of caffeine from natural sources, 745 milligrams of electrolytes, doesn’t contain artificial sweeteners, and is made with real fruit juice (although the can says just 4 percent). Also, the can brings Airheads candy to mind.

Barebells Wild Strawberry Protein Soda

Barebells Wild Strawberry Protein Soda

While Barebells, known for its protein bars, calls this a “soda” with 200 milligrams of caffeine, the can should really say “Protein Energy Drink.” Along with Wild Strawberry, there are also Sweet Cherry and Pineapple Sunrise varieties.

The “soda” has a pleasant strawberry aroma and a mild strawberry flavor. There’s also a slight creaminess, which I guess could be from the whey protein isolate, which provides 10 grams of protein. It contains no strawberry juice but does have artificial sweeteners. Not surprisingly, because it’s a protein “soda” with whey protein isolate, it has the same slightly thick texture as other protein beverages.

It’s an okay-tasting drink with a high caffeine content and a decent amount of protein. It’s tasty and caffeinated enough that I might try the other flavors.

A&W Ice Cream Sundae Soda

A&W Ice Cream Sundae Soda

Yes, this came out more than half a year ago, but I came across it during a visit to 7-Eleven. Actually, I passed by it a few times during previous 7-Eleven visits. However, I finally decided to pick it up because of FOMO and YOLO, and because the bottle and soda colors reminded me of Chewbacca and Han Solo.

Back in August, our reviewer, Amber, gave it a 5 rating because of its artificial chocolate aroma and the way it mostly tasted like a cream soda, with no chocolate flavor. While I could definitely smell its artificial chocolate aroma, I thought it had a pronounced chocolate syrup flavor with a bit of cream soda behind it. That artificial chocolate flavor is not for everyone, but I liked it a lot. Since it’s a limited edition flavor, I might have to pick it up again the next time I’m at 7-Eleven.

H-E-B Limited Edition Bread and Butter Pickle Sweet & Spicy Wavy Potato Chips

H-E-B Limited Edition Bread and Butter Pickle Sweet & Spicy Wavy Potato Chips

Reigning Spotted Photo Champion, Robbie, sent me a box of stuff from H-E-B to try because he knows I’m so enamored with the grocery store. He asked me what I would like to try, and I told him H-E-B’s limited edition potato chips. So he delivered with this flavor and a Korean BBQ, which unfortunately did not survive the USPS.

Having tried those Lay’s Flamin’ Hot Dill Pickle chips from a few years ago, I expected these to be as potent and fiery as those. However, I was surprised to find that these chips were neither potent nor fiery. They have a pleasant pickle flavor that’s not overpowering and a “spiciness” that’s almost nonexistent. I loved them so much that I ate more than half the bag while watching a Korean drama episode on Netflix.

REVIEW: Pringles Smoky Mesquite BBQ and Smoky Bacon

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Pringles Smoky Mesquite BBQ and Smoky Bacon Cans

When I look at these new Pringles Smoky flavors, I can’t help but think the Pringleneers (Pringles engineers) are running out of steam. Or should I say smoke? Available in three varieties — Smoky Mesquite BBQ, Smoky Bacon, and Smoky Cheddar — they appear to be previous flavors with additional smokiness or flavors that Pringles has offered before. For this review, I found only the barbecue and bacon flavors. I’ll smoke out the cheddar one later.

I don’t know about you, but I can tell when I love a Pringles flavor when I end up eating more than half the can without realizing it, at a pace that makes it seem like my hand is a car’s piston and the Pringles can is an engine’s cylinder. However, my gluttony and repetitive arm motions remained in check with both Pringles Smoky varieties I tried.

Pringles Smoky Mesquite BBQ up close
Pringles Smoky Mesquite BBQ

Barbecue didn’t come to mind when I tried the Smoky Mesquite BBQ Pringles. Its aroma somewhat reminded me of ketchup or All-Dressed chips, and its flavor evoked Asian flavors similar to those found in Lay’s chips I’ve had from China. There’s a bit of lime flavor that’s really noticeable among the onion and garlic powders. But all of that flavor doesn’t draw my taste buds or my hands to the Pringles can.

Pringles Smoky Bacon close up

The Smoky Bacon seems to taste slightly different than the previous bacon-flavored Pringles. I suppose that difference could be considered a “smokiness,” but I feel as though it has a meatier flavor than what I remember the original Bacon Pringles had. However, despite their bolder flavor, I couldn’t say I thoroughly enjoyed the potato crisps. While I feel they taste fine, that greasy flavor that comes with bacon-flavored products is something I can only enjoy in doses.

Because I’m snacking on these slower than a sloth on a sidewalk, I decided to stack the two flavors, and what I tasted was something that made me think of SPAM for some reason. And now that I have that in my head, I’d really like to taste a Hormel SPAM and Pringles collaboration. That would be more exciting than these Smoky flavors.

Purchased Price: $2.59 each
Size: 5.5 oz cans
Purchased at: Target
Rating: 5 out of 10 (Smoky Mesquite BBQ), 5 out of 10 (Smoky Bacon)
Nutrition Facts: (1 oz/about 14 crisps) Smoky Mesquite BBQ – 150 calories, 9 grams of fat, 2.5 grams of saturated fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 210 milligrams of sodium, 17 grams of carbohydrates, less than 1 gram of fiber, 1 gram of sugar, and 1 gram of protein. Smoky Bacon – 150 calories, 9 grams of fat, 2.5 grams of saturated fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 220 milligrams of sodium, 17 grams of carbohydrates, less than 1 gram of fiber, 1 gram of sugar, and 1 gram of protein.

REVIEW: Lay’s Wavy Loaded Nachos Potato Chips

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Football season is upon us, and I’m staring down the barrel of another “mid” season at best. It’s been a pretty terrible decade if I’m being honest, but it’s hard to complain when you’ve witnessed two of the greatest Super Bowl wins ever in the past twenty years.

Can you guess which team I root for?

“Can you just get on with the review?”

Yeah, jeez. Allow me to awkwardly transition to today’s review of Lay’s Loaded Nacho Wavy Chips. They remind me of this NFL schedule in a way. While I still get mild excitement from each new season(ing), they ultimately just remind me of more triumphant (champion)chips of the past.

Right from the jump, there’s an identity crisis. They’re confused – kind of like me, insinuating the word is “championchip,” above. Do people actually want nacho flavors on a potato chip?

Tortilla nachos ain’t broke, so why are the corrupt referees at Frito Lay trying to fix ’em?

One might counter, “Who says ‘nacho’ flavor profiles only have to work with corn-based chips?” It’s a fair question to ask, but… nacho flavor profiles only work on corn-based chips. These confirmed it.

The bag literally shows a stack of tortilla chips covered in salsa, nacho cheese, sour cream, and what I think is cilantro. Why make me think of other chips while I’m eating chips? I like a Wavy Lays chip, and while I think they are the best-case potato delivery system, they simply don’t stack up to the real nachos you’re insisting I fantasize about.

The bag reeks of agita, and Taco Doritos, which I actually love, but can’t eat many of.

With that said, the overall flavor is a lot milder than I was expecting. There’s a “kick” that grows as you eat, but as far as the actual nacho flavor, it’s kinda soft.

I tasted a “meat” element, but as far as I can tell, there’s no meat hinted at anywhere on the bag or in the ingredients. More of said meaty flavor would have improved these.

Intentional or not, these ended up really reminding me of three other classic chip varieties: Taco Supreme Doritos, Cheddar and Sour Cream Ruffles, and Chili Cheese Fritos, with the latter standing out the most.

Now, if I just told you those flavors, you’d probably wanna buy multiple bags, but these Loaded Nacho chips are about 33% as good as any given one of them. They never get there. So, while I’m eating these, I’m not only wishing I was eating real nachos, I’m also thinking about three other bags of Frito-Lay products I’d rather have. Why not just do a special edition “Loaded Nacho Cheese Doritos” or something?

This pointless flavor could’ve been called “Chili Cheese Lite.” They aren’t gross, they’re just aggressively “mid.” The heartburn ends up outpacing the slight flavor enjoyment.

Lay’s Loaded Nachos are a team that’s about to go 8-9. They might have a little stretch where you think they can snag a Wild Card, but in the end, they’re losers.

They’re limited, but don’t rush. Wait for a sale or just punt on them.

Oh, hey, look, another crushing loss for my G-men. Life is full of disappointments.

Purchased Price: $3.99
Size: 7.5 oz
Purchased at: Shop Rite
Rating: 5 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (11 chips) 150 calories, 10 grams of fat, 1.5 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 180 milligrams of sodium, 15 grams of total carbohydrates, 1 gram of total sugars, 1 gram of dietary fiber, 2 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Lay’s Argentinian Style Steak Potato Chips

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Lionel Messi, one of the most celebrated and decorated soccer (ahem, football?) players of all time, has a new collaboration with one of the oldest and most celebrated chip brands, Lay’s. Paying homage to Lionel’s home country of Argentina, which he helped win the most recent FIFA World Cup for in 2022, the newest limited edition creation from this power duo is Argentinian Style Steak.

When I think of Argentina and steak, I think of chimichurri, and the bold graphic of perfectly vibrant medium-rare steak covered in chunky green goodness on the bag lets me know my brain has gone in the right direction. For those unfamiliar with chimichurri, it is a delicious uncooked sauce made up of olive oil, fresh herbs, and garlic. I love chimichurri. Unfortunately, I don’t love these chips.

The chips aren’t bad by any means, but they don’t deliver the flavors I want and enjoy from steak with chimichurri. What the chip gets right is the beef flavor, as it’s certainly there and notably meaty from the first salty bite to the last. Where it goes wrong is in the lack of complexity and vibrancy of the chimichurri.

When I think of a good chimi, I think first of garlic, then maybe some parsley and a hint of basil, all enrobed in a velvety smooth fatty olive oil. The seasoning on these chips leans into the beef first, followed quickly by an aggressive onion flavor. I like onions and onion powder, but being the dominant flavor here is far from satisfying. The end result is a chip that tastes more like beef and onions than Argentinian Style Steak, which isn’t bad, but disappointing. Sour cream and onion, hold the sour cream, feels closer to home than a spiced-up steak.

In their purest form, this new limited edition chip reminds me of fast food French fries that sit in a paper bag on the drive home next to a juicy burger with onions on it. The fries absorb a bit of that beef and onion aroma, but still mostly taste like potatoes. I don’t mind fries with some beef and onion juice on them, but I certainly can’t put that kind of profile into the Messi-inhabited GOAT conversation.

Purchased Price: $2.69
Size: 2 1/2 ounces
Purchased at: 7-Eleven
Rating: 6 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (15 chips, 28g) 160 calories, 10 grams of fat, 1 gram of saturated fat, 140 milligrams of sodium, 16 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 0 grams of total sugars, and 2 grams of protein.

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