Review: New Lay’s Do Us a Flavor Wasabi Ginger Kettle Cooked Potato Chips
BWAHAHAHAHAH. GOT YOU, WASABI GINGER. You thought you could escape me??? THINK AGAIN!
Sorry, had to get that out of my system. Hi, Junk Food Nation! Eric, your friendly neighborhood Junk Food Guy comin’ at you live from Baltimore this fine fine morning. Well, I guess it’s not “live” per se. Ugh – my brain is melting. Been watching too much Sportscenter cooped up in this hotel. Can’t wait to go home tonight.
In the meantime, however, I have someone to comfort me. No, not the Junk Food Gal – she’s busy. Nope, I am spending the day hugging my new best friend: New Lay’s Do Us a Flavor Wasabi Ginger Kettle Cooked Potato Chips!
New Lay’s Do Us a Flavor Wasabi Ginger Kettle Cooked Potato Chips: The Money Shot
If you’ll remember from yesterday’s post, I found three of the four new Lay’s Do Us a Flavor chips at Walmart. The one missing? The one I was most interested in trying: New Lay’s Do Us a Flavor Wasabi Ginger Kettle Cooked Potato Chips. Undaunted, I ventured out today and sniffed this flavor out. And now I am the proud owner of this green bag. *SWOON*
New Lay’s Do Us a Flavor Wasabi Ginger Kettle Cooked Potato Chips: When I dip, you dip, we dip
Look, I’ll admit that I’m biased when it comes to wanting these New Lay’s Do Us a Flavor Wasabi Ginger Kettle Cooked Potato Chips. Yes, I am Asian and I do think that since I grew up loving these flavors that it skews my objectivity when it comes to these chips. But let me say this: I KNOW I’m not the ONLY person in the world who loves wasabi and soy sauce and ginger. I once saw one of my white friends dump soy sauce all over plain white rice and scarf it down. WTF. That’s like me having a salt sandwich. But whatever – he LOVED it, so I’m convinced non-Asians will love these chips. I hope.
New Lay’s Do Us a Flavor Wasabi Ginger Kettle Cooked Potato Chips: 150 per serving
New Lay’s Do Us a Flavor Wasabi Ginger Kettle Cooked Potato Chips: YUM YUM
C’mon, what’s in these New Lay’s Do Us a Flavor Wasabi Ginger Kettle Cooked Potato Chips that you DON’T like? Brown sugar, soy sauce, onion and garlic powder, horseradish, Medium Chain Triglycerides….YUMMY YUMMY.
New Lay’s Do Us a Flavor Wasabi Ginger Kettle Cooked Potato Chips: Kettle cooked!
I opened this bag of New Lay’s Do Us a Flavor Wasabi Ginger Kettle Cooked Potato Chips and took a big whiff, and I sh*t you not: THESE SMELLED LIKE EGG ROLLS. The smell of the oil, the slight soy smell, the general savory aroma – it TOTALLY reminded me of eggs rolls or fried spring rolls. AND I LOVE THOSE. I need these in my mouth, NOW.
New Lay’s Do Us a Flavor Wasabi Ginger Kettle Cooked Potato Chips: speckled with..onion?
The first taste I got when I popped a bunch of these New Lay’s Do Us a Flavor Wasabi Ginger Kettle Cooked Potato Chips into my mouth was ONION. Like, how a regular sour cream and onion chip tastes. Easily accessible flavor for most people…as I chewed, the onion flavor definitely released a horseradish wasabi flavor and a soy flavor emerged too. It wasn’t completely bold – my eyes didn’t water like when I normally eat wasabi…but the flavor profile IMO was clear – wasabi and soy. The ginger? Well, I didn’t really get it until the back end of the chew…there was a bit of tangy spice on the edges of my tongue that felt distinctly ginger-like. Very mild, however.
This flavor, plus the perfect kettle chip, came together perfectly. With Asian flavors becoming more and more popular, I think the people will enjoy, and they’d be my vote, even though I am confident it will not win. If you liked the Wasabi Soy Triscuit Thin Crisps, you will enjoy these.
They’re not the boldest flavor, and I basically described a sour cream & onion chip dipped in soy sauce with wasabi… but I think these definitely had that great umami note I was seeking. WIN.
PURCHASED AT: Shoppers
COST: $3.00
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Sincerely,
Junk Food Guy
Discuss - 72 Comments
I think I am in the minority of people who tried the Triscuit Thin Crisps wasabi + soy sauce and hated them. I have half a box uneaten at home that I’ve had for a couple months maybe, just can’t do it. Ridiculously gross aftertaste… and duringtaste too for me, I guess.
And as much as I love me some new chip flavors and must buy one when I see it somewhere… I don’t think I can do these. Also amd I in the minority of people who just don’t really prefer kettle chips? TOO crunchy, maybe I’m too lazy to chew that.
@Elise: HAHA, no I don’t think you’re too lazy to chew. I love me some thin and crispy non-kettle chips too 🙂
Please send them to me! If you get this, tell me if you want my mailing address.
I don’t mind a milder flavor because I guess it would be too overpowering if you wanted to eat a bunch of chips. I tend to scarf down chips by the bowlful and my mouth would be burning if these were too strong-tasting.
@Chris: So, did you enjoy these?
Found you on a Google search for Lay’s. Can’t wait to try these but I’m sure Americans won’t even give it a chance. Yet they will eat Horsey Sauce at Arby’s but will be afraid of horseradish and ginger. Horseradish vs wasabi…American Geumaphobia really runs deep. Crossing fingers because this would really rock on a sushi roll instead of using fried onions to make crunchy rolls. I still see some of last years runners up flavors on the shelf so we can only hope they stay around. Now to search down a bag and try it on sushi. I’ll get back with you on the results.
@PeggySue – well, I hope you make a return trip to read more! 🙂
Using this on a sushi sounds genius, BTW.
I’m an American and I love these!!!
I’m American, I knew I didn’t like Wassabi and Ginger because I’ve tasted them before and I still gave it a chance. I said go ahead take a risk!! Maybe two flavors I don’t like but together will taste great!! Nope!! It was disgusting. >_>
BTW…They were great on veggie sushi; not as good with fish. But, we enjoyed the sushi then, finished the entire bag of wasabi ginger chips mixed with Gimme Organic Roasted Seaweed Sesame Snacks.
As I am an American (well sort of LOL with only ¼ Native American…then ¼ Irish, French & English 🙂 and mean no offenses but I know that especially people in the south don’t divert far from meat and potatoes. Anyone who has a seasoned taste, I commend you in your worldliness as you are true pioneers on the food front. ^5
Maybe your tastes aren’t so seasoned or, ahem, worldly, if you think southerners don’t “divert that far from meat and potatoes”?
Here on the KY / TN border, this is the clearly the most popular of the flavors. I went to three different markets to find them. And not because they weren’t stocked – they were sold out.
@BTC: Have you tracked down the Wasabi flavor yet?
“Meneko Spigner McBeth”? Does this person even exist?! I’m Facebook creeping this sucker.
@Rocketgirl: LOL
Actually one of the better of all the new flavors
@MOB: AGREE! I am voting for these.
I’ve tried the Wasabi and they are amazing!!!!!
@Joyce: YES!
Righteous. They are delicious. 🙂
@ Rocketgirl…yes she does she’s from Pemberton. We actually went to school together. And the Wasabi Ginger’s are great!!
@Tasha: CONFIRMATION! Nice.
Yes Rocketgirl she does exist. She is a nurse and mom of three. If you google her name you will see her recent appearances.I was her wedding planner so I can attest to the fact she is real. I tried 3 of the 4 flavors and truly the Wasabi Ginger is the best. So proud of her. Her mother’s family is Japanese so she grew up with those flavors.she is the bomb.com
@Deidre: BOMB.com. HAHA – love it
I saw the other 3 flavors lined up in the front of my grocery store. Looking at the selection I was a bit meh, the Cappuccino had me intrigued to say the least but looking at them I just made the prediction that it would come down to either the mango salsa or the mac and cheese, more likely the mac and cheese given the average American love for cheese and bacon.
I wondered through the store grabbing the items that I had came for when I stumbled upon the fourth flavor tucked away at the end of the aisle, wasabi ginger in the kettle cooked style I didn’t even had a second thought I HAD to have them.
I know why it might have been back there away from the others displayed up front, I live in the south and although there are quite a few sushi places around they aren’t as plentiful as the burger places.
I’m not Asian but I love sushi, I am a stickler for my wasabi, I don’t want some normal horseradish paste dyed green passed off as wasabi I want the real deal and complete with that good burn accompanying that distinct taste. And I love pickled ginger, it’s heavenly plain or dredged in a bit of soy.
First bite and my tongue and the corners of my lips tingled with a light burn, that bit of soy followed by that hint of ginger sending my tongue on a mini taste adventure of spice, salty, then eased into the end with a bit of sweetness mixed with that crunchy texture that is kettle cooked chips.
These are the best (I’m munching on them now). I’ve been voting for them like crazy in hopes of keeping these in production.
Sorry for the long story.
@Adork: I actually LOVE the long story. Thanks for sharing 🙂 I totally agree with you – these are the best of the new 4 by far 🙂
Agreed 🙂
Great description. I’ve been voting too. I want them to stay around. We are on our 5th bag (semi-health concious only). My granddaughter and I have to work hard at not eating the entire bag every time…like we did the first two bags. We hit up the Lay’s delivery guy and made him drop off Wasabi Ginger at the Target and now…they carry them up front. 🙂
Gotta say, Wasabi ginger is the best flavour so far. I ate the entire bag in one evening cause they’re so good! But they’re pretty loud to crunch on. I would proudly serve these sushi or any seafood. I tried cappuccino today, and I literally chugged down a carton of soy milk to settle the flavour. I’m not tasting anymore. Nevertheless, I don’t see the flavour winning, since most like familiar, subtle flavours in their mouths. *sigh*
I think New England clam chowder deserves to be on the shelf next.
@IKOFFEE: Clam Chowder chips??? Intriguing…
I would eat them. Mango Salsa may have been great in theory but Lay’s did not deliver. The Cheddar Bacon Mac and Cheese are not too terrible; but they don’t lend much flavor nor are they original. They taste too much like the green onion.
The wasabi ginger are by FAR the best choice this year!
I agree though that there’s no chance of them winning. I think most won’t even try them. It’s a shame because they really are very mild and suited for the American palate.
The mango salsa chips are inedible. The fake fruit perfume lasts in your mouth, it made me gag. The other two flavors are just meh.
@Rose: Agree – Mango Salsa = inedible. Who knows, maybe America will surprise and go for the wasabi!
AMAZING!!!!!!…….WINNER!!!!
Wasabi Ginger, AMAZING!!!!!!…….WINNER!!!!
@Marlena: AGREE! 😀
From this middle-aged (50s being the new middle age) white guy … this chips are a tatse sensation. They need to be paired with a bag of sushi. 🙂
@Joe: LOL – glad you enjoyed them!
I thought they were ok, a little too bland and not enough punk in the flavor I was expecting from ginger and wasabi. The Bacon Mac and Cheese are better imo.
@Rob: I sort of agree, since I too am used to BOLD wasabi and ginger flavor…but maybe because it was a bit muted is why it has a bit more widespread appeal.
@ Rob. I’ve heard that from a couple of people in the New England area. It seems that they had a few bland batches. Hope you are able to find them more to your taste in future batches.
*punch
America might surprise you, I just checked out the Lays website where they have tons of tweet votes posted and there were ONLY votes for the Wasabi and the Mango. Didn’t see ANY votes for the other two! And I would say the Wasabi were winning over the Mango by at least two to one if not more. So cross your fingers!
I really wanted to try both the Wasabi and the Mango but all four are sold out at our local store! I do love Wasabi peas (Happi Brand) and also sweet and savory together (love Arriba!’s Mango Berry Salsa) so I have high hopes for both of them.
I wish Pringles would run a contest like this!
@Rich: Oh man – if America picked Wasabi, it would sort of restore my faith in humanity.
Also, Pringles should TOTALLY run a contest like this. So true.
@ Rich … Call Lay’s like I did and insist that they provide these flavors in your area.
i was so excited to see ALL FOUR flavors lined up as neat as you please at kroger’s yesterday and i didn’t even want to try cappucino or mango salsa. i got the bacon mac and cheese for me and the wasabi ginger for the hubs. he eats anything. we switched bags and i didn’t give it back. i even have some in my lunch today. best flavor EVER. i love asian food and this better win, people. spread the word. now. go on, vote.
still peeved that my salted caramel apple lays didn’t get picked. or my mushroom and onion steak kettle chips. but i’m not bitter. nope. i’ll just drown my sorrows in more wasabi ginger goodness.
@Shawn: I wouldve voted for the salted caramel apple chips.
The Wasabi Ginger are terrific. Definitely a good way to satisfy an Asian food craving. I hope they continue to be made. I’ve also tried the Mango Salsa, but they sort of remind me of a children’s antibiotic flavor, but not quite as bad.
Man I’m so with you on this one wasabi is usually Waaay to hot for me but dam these are awesome I hope they stay on the shelves! ! Will be stockpiling just in case!
@Jennifer – I can’t find them anywhere anymore 🙁
Ah! I see that you HAVE tried and reviewed these, good. They are so yum, and yeah I like the triscuit ones as well, but those are not ginger-y. I think they’d be good as appetizers/easy sushi with a little square of tuna or salmon on them – the triscuits that is.
@Nobody: LOL, I’m glad you caught my review!
Noo! Of all of the chips, I was most looking forward to this one, but it’s not gluten-free! That’s a complete deal-breaker for me. It’s so easy to make it gluten-free, too; the soy sauce is the one ingredient that contains wheat. Gluten-free soy sauce exists, so it isn’t as if there’s a huge shortage of options, either. I suppose I’ll just stick to my cheesy garlic bread chips, and my six reserve bags of Sriracha that I picked up last year. I don’t eat a lot of chips, so that should last me until next year’s contest. That Sriracha flavor was so good that I had to stock up as soon as I heard that Cheesy Garlic Bread won!
It was really tough for me to vote for Cheesy Garlic Bread last year, because Sriracha was so good, but because I can’t eat real garlic bread, the chip that tasted like garlic bread, as “safe” and “boring” a flavor as it was, tasted very exotic to me. Gluten-free bread made into garlic bread just isn’t the same, unfortunately.
I’m honestly very disappointed that we got three awful flavors and one awesome one I can’t even try, while Canada got really interesting things like Cinnamon Bun and Tzatziki. I’m not surprised we in the US think that COFFEE and BACON are the ultimate foods, but I find neither remotely appealing.
Yes! They should make them gf. And I swear, the ingredients list changed. The first bag I bought had no soy sauce or wheat warning. I didn’t get sick from them. Then I tried to get some at Costco the other day (a humongous bag), now it has soy sauce and wheat listed. They were so so good. And now I’m so sad. I’m a wasabi addict, my favorite sushi bar knows to double up the wasabi for me. Lays, please make these chips gluten free! Sad tear
Loved these! I’m hoping these wasabi-ginger chips stay around for a long long time. Personally, I’m bored to death with the never ending array of cheesy chips! I love sushi, but that’s not the reason I like these. I like the subtle flavoring but with enough punch to make a difference in my mouth. Although, I dislike kettle chips, I make the exception for these. My friends and I have had them with the typical tuna sandwiches, as well as the standard ham and turkey sandwiches. Last night I threw them on the side of chicken salad… perfect! They had the perfect balance of heat and salt, with the lovely crunch.
I don’t usually rave about chip, it’s not my thing. Usually, I’m a straight Lay’s Potato kinda girl. But, in answer to some of the other comments, the people I’ve shared these with in the last few weeks are all Americans… I’m from NJ, other friends who like them just as well hail from Oregon, Georgia and Boston… Americans all. It’s a great chip! Enough said!
Exactly so!
Cappuccino chips? Nope. Mango Salsa chips? Nope. Mac and Cheese chips? Maybe. Wasabi Ginger chips? Please please please please please!
Had the mac and cheese. Blah. Tasted like putting fat in my mouth. Mango salso and cappuccino? Will not try. Found a bag of Wasabi Ginger this morning and no-brainer bought it. And love it. I am not a huge fan of wasabi. Those pea things? Gross. Of all the flavors, though…this one sounded the best.
And this flavor is excellent. I didn’t get the sour cream/onion taste until I read this review and I agree. That flavor is here. The wasabi is a nice undertone and there is a little tiny bit of tang that keeps me coming back for more. This flavor can’t possibly win the contest, though, since Sriracha was clearly the best last year and it lost.
THE best new flavor of chip I’ve tried in a LONG time – just a great chip, new flavor, or not. New fav. I like wasabi almonds but they can be a little too strong to munch on – not these (mixed blessing if you’re trying to limit snacking!). It will now be even harder to stay out of the chip aisle.
My wife and I really want to try these! We can’t ever find them though. We always see the other three together but never the wasabi ginger chips. we’ve tried Shoppers ,Walmart, Wegmans, Safeway… I hope we get to try them before they stop making them =/
I am completely obsessed with these chips. I’m American, I love sushi and I love wasabi. No one else in my family likes it though. They think I’m crazy weird lol There are wasabi soy sauce almonds that are really good too. They have a good kick to them. I really hope these chips are here to stay. I might need to stock up on them just in case.
I stocked up today lol. I crave sushi all the time and these chips are the next best thing. My sister also loved them. We hope they win!!
I had a tasting of these with the gas station attendant where i bought them and thought ump they are o.k. I tried a new bag on my own and was surprised that the subtle taste grew on me. These are the clear winner !!!! Not to overbearing, yet flavorable, I have been giving to friends and family and we all agree. i would buy again.
Love the wasabi/ginger chips!! But can not find them any where now! Use to get them at raileys but now I can’t even find them there now! What gives !
@ Sheila. Call Lay’s and insist that they provide them in your area. It worked for me.
These chips are fantastic! They were the first ones that I have tried. I didn’t want to even look at the others. Please people try these chips, you will absolutely love them. Vote, Vote, Vote, I must have them in my life. I am a chip lover and these are to die for. Go Wasabi Ginger!
These are THE BEST. It makes me so angry because I doubt the’ll win. Cuz Murica!!
Gonna be those nasty cheesey mac and bacon ones.
It’s a shame I’m already addicted to these things and they’re already hard to find.
@Missy. We are addicted in our household. That would be so wrong if they don’t continue making them.
My husband and I love these wasabi-ginger chips. Looked every store for them could not find. Where can we find them. They are sooo goo
I will never buy coffee chip. Will not taste them. We love the cheesy garlic hips and jalapeño chips too
I disagree, these were the first new lays chips to vanish from the store racks! I love these fucking things and I cant find them anywhere!
@Chris – yeah I’m bummed they are GONE everywhere 🙁
Finally found these on the shelf at my local Target after a way too long absence. Bought four bag! Love these chips and was heartbroken when they disappeared. But looks like Frito Lay’s finally got it together and here they are!!! Munch on America!