10 Trader Joe's Potato Chips, Ranked

10. Ghost Pepper Potato Chips

If you’re not a fan of intense heat, the Ghost Pepper Potato Chips might be a bit overwhelming for regular snacking. While ghost peppers aren’t the absolute hottest variety out there, they certainly deliver a significant punch. The initial bites are pleasantly warm and tingly, but after a few chips, I found my mouth starting to burn. Unlike some flavored chips, these don’t have a strong aroma, vibrant color, or messy seasoning on the outside. This means you won’t have to worry about residue on your fingers while eating, but it also makes it easy to accidentally grab a handful and get more heat than you bargained for. Overall, they offer a fun twist on traditional potato chips, but they’re not something I’ll be reaching for frequently.

The lattice-style cut is one of the crispier options available at Trader Joe's, and it’s my favorite feature of this chip. They’re sturdy enough to scoop up creamy homemade dips, which can help mitigate the heat. If I plan to indulge in more than a few, I usually have some sour cream dip on hand, as it complements the spiciness quite well.

9. Sea Salted Saddle Potato Crisps

The saddle potato chips are packaged in a handy tube that preserves their shape, making them an excellent choice for travel snacks. However, in terms of flavor, they fall short compared to other options on the shelf. While they share a similar texture and taste with other saddle-style chips, they only offer the classic original flavor, lacking the wide variety found in other brands. If you're a fan of saddle chips, these are Trader Joe's sole offering, but they don't rank among my top potato chip picks.

The chips are generously salted, but the larger sea salt crystals are not embedded in the chips, which means they often fall off while eating. This sea salt does provide a bit of extra crunch, though the consistency can vary from chip to chip.

Additionally, they are somewhat expensive for their size, priced at around $2 for just over 5 ounces. In contrast, most other bagged chips at Trader Joe's are about $3 and can be significantly larger. On the bright side, the sturdy packaging ensures that the chips remain intact, allowing you to enjoy the entire container with minimal crumbs at the bottom.

8. Everything but the Bagel Seasoned Kettle Cooked Potato Chips

If you're a fan of everything bagel seasoning, you'll definitely enjoy Trader Joe's Everything but the Bagel chips. These chips are generously coated with the beloved E.B.T.B. seasoning, which quickly earned a spot in the "TJ's Hall of Fame" shortly after their release. The flavor profile is a delightful mix of salt, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper, complemented by a touch of sugar and sesame oil to bring it all together.

If you're unsure about the bold flavor, it's a good idea to start with a small portion when trying these chips. They are packed with flavor, thanks to Trader Joe's signature seasoning blend, which is also featured in other products like crackers and cheese. If you enjoy those, you'll likely find the Everything but the Bagel chips to your liking as well.

The chips boast a satisfying crispy texture, likely due to being fried in small batches. After frying, they are generously coated with the seasoning blend, which is a major draw for fans of these chips. Ultimately, it comes down to your preference for the E.B.T.B. seasoning, as it is the predominant flavor in this snack. Personally, I think they're good, but not the absolute best.

7. Gluten-Free Ridge Cut Salt and Pepper Potato Chips

Trader Joe's offers several ridge-cut chip options, each featuring a unique flavor profile. The salt and pepper variety is denser compared to the other selections, with a distinct peppery taste that distinguishes it from the rest. The saltiness is more understated, becoming more noticeable as you reach the bottom of the bag. It's important to note that these are not salt and vinegar chips, which are another favorite among chip enthusiasts but are not available at Trader Joe's. Instead, these chips deliver a peppery zest rather than a vinegar sharpness, while still maintaining a mild chip flavor that pairs well with dips and salsas.

For those seeking a gluten-free choice, these chips provide the classic potato chip taste and a satisfying crunch due to their ridged texture. They are particularly well-suited for dipping, as their extra thickness makes them sturdy. I was able to scoop generous amounts of sour cream and onion dip with these chips without any breakage. The salt and pepper seasoning adds a nice kick without being overwhelming, and even my picky kids found them enjoyable.

6. Kettle Cooked Potato Chips

If you enjoy a crispy chip with less fat than traditional potato chips, kettle-cooked chips are an excellent option. The delightful crunch is the highlight of these chips, especially if you prefer a thinner variety like I do. They are ideal for snacking — light and not overly dense, yet still satisfying. With 50% less fat and sodium compared to Trader Joe's Ode to the Classic Potato Chips, which closely resembles them in texture and flavor, these chips stand out. They are the least salty among Trader Joe's offerings, making them a great choice if you're looking to reduce your sodium intake or simply want a more straightforward flavor. While the taste isn't particularly remarkable, there's enough salt to curb a craving.

Although it may not be the most critical factor for a great potato chip, the packaging deserves a mention as it tends to tear easily. Be cautious when opening the bag and when storing the chips — pulling too hard can create a mess, leaving you with only a few whole chips. The bag's tendency to rip also increases the likelihood of the chips going stale in your pantry. If you're determined, you can revive the crispiness in an air fryer, but as long as you seal the bag properly, you shouldn't encounter any issues.

5. Ridge Cut Kettle Cooked Potato Chips

The Ridge Cut Kettle Cooked Potato Chips from Trader Joe's are among the thickest and crunchiest options available, making them ideal for dipping or adding to sandwiches. They are crafted from hearty potato slices, cut into ridges, fried in sunflower oil, and lightly seasoned with sea salt. The ingredient list is refreshingly simple, making them a great choice for those mindful of additives and preservatives. The sea salt provides a satisfying salty flavor typical of quality potato chips, without being overwhelming. During a taste test of various Trader Joe's chips, I consistently reached for these when I wanted a chip that could hold up to sour cream dip without crumbling. If you enjoy the texture of the salt and pepper chips, you'll find these quite similar, minus the peppery kick.

Additionally, these chips offer excellent value, priced around $4 for a generous 16-ounce bag, making them a standout among budget-friendly options. If you're in search of a delicious chip with a satisfying crunch and a prominent salty taste, these are an excellent choice.

4. Kettle Cooked Olive Oil potato chips

The flavor of the Kettle Cooked Olive Oil Potato Chips is somewhat more understated compared to others, which I appreciate. However, it's the texture that sets them apart from ridge-style kettle chips in my opinion. These chips are thin and crispy, thanks to the use of finely sliced potatoes, rather than being thick and heavy. They are fried in olive oil instead of sunflower oil, like many other chips from Trader Joe's, yet they still boast a generous sprinkle of sea salt on top. In terms of texture, I find them comparable to the (upcoming) white truffle chips, but the olive oil imparts a distinctly different flavor.

Some may find the aftertaste surprising, as the olive oil flavor tends to dominate over the salt while enjoying these chips. If you're a fan of olive oil like I am, you'll likely appreciate this aspect, making it a matter of personal preference. However, if you prefer a stronger salt flavor, you might want to stick with the Ode to the Classic or the reduced-fat kettle chips, both of which offer the same delightful crispy texture.

3. Organic White Truffle potato chips

When I picked up some chips from Trader Joe's, the first flavored variety I chose was the Organic White Truffle Potato Chips, and I was eager to taste them. The moment I opened the bag, I knew I was in for a treat. Each chip is infused with the rich flavor of white truffle oil, creating a truly indulgent experience. If there’s such a thing as a gourmet potato chip, these certainly qualify. Crafted with Italian white truffles and fleur de sel sea salt, these ingredients combine to create a harmonious and robust flavor profile. The chips are thin and crispy, allowing the flavor to take center stage. Due to their bold taste, they are best enjoyed on their own rather than with dips.

Made with entirely organic ingredients, which may appeal to some, it’s the flavor that truly elevates these chips to the top of my list. I’ve never encountered another chip with a flavor quite like this. While I wouldn’t choose these as my everyday snack, they are definitely a go-to option when I want to change things up or bring something special to a gathering. The presence of white truffle in a potato chip is a delightful surprise, which is something Trader Joe's is renowned for in their snack offerings.

2. Carolina Gold-Style BBQ Flavored Ridge Cut Potato Chips

The Carolina Gold-Style BBQ Flavored Ridge Cut Potato Chips are definitely among my top picks from Trader Joe's. I was pleasantly surprised the first time I tasted them, as I usually don't enjoy barbecue-flavored chips. However, these have a delightful zing from the mustard and vinegar-based Carolina Gold-style barbecue seasoning, along with a subtle kick that emerges as you chew. The heat is mild compared to ghost pepper and leans more towards a smoky flavor rather than being overly spicy, so there's no need to worry about it being too intense. My whole family loves these chips, although they can get a bit messy due to the generous seasoning on each chip. If you're serving them to kids, having napkins on hand can help protect their clothes and your furniture.

These chips are ridge cut, making them a bit thicker than your typical classic variety. This added heft complements the bold flavor and allows even more of the tangy seasoning to adhere to the chip. They are incredibly tasty on their own, without the need for any dip or salsa, thanks to their robust flavor.

1. Ode to the Classic Potato Chip

These are aptly named the Ode to the Classic for a reason, primarily due to their light, crispy texture and salty exterior. When you think of a potato chip, these are likely what come to mind. They’re my favorite because of the ideal combination of salty seasoning on a delicate, crunchy chip. I get excited about the flavored varieties from Trader Joe's and often bring them to share at lunch or with my kids, but the Ode to the Classic bag is the one I reach for when I'm uncertain about my snack choice — and it never lets me down.

If you're into dipping, the salty flavor pairs well with just about anything, even if you might end up with some broken chips in your bowl. They are thinner than many other Trader Joe's chips, especially the ridge-cut ones, but I actually prefer this lighter texture. I enjoy using them as a crunchy topping on sandwiches, crushing them to create a salty breading for chicken, or simply pouring them into a snack bowl. Versatility is another quality I value in a potato chip, as I rarely finish an entire bag before they start to lose their freshness. These chips can be used in countless ways, and their delightful flavor never gets old.

How we selected and ranked Trader Joe's chips

When evaluating chips, I was aware of which varieties from Trader Joe's were already favorites in my home, but I also explored some new flavor options for comparison. The primary factor in assessing Trader Joe's potato chips was, naturally, taste, but texture was also a significant consideration. While some aspects are subjective—like preferring a light, crispy chip over a thicker, ridge-cut variety—I also took into account which chips would pair well with dips, be suitable for sharing, and offer additional flavor.

I noted my favorite specialty options alongside the classic chip styles that I tend to reach for repeatedly. Price and practicality were also important factors, particularly regarding how easy it is to store the bag or container, as I want to avoid wasting money or time on chips that might go stale or crumble. Classic potato chips are a staple in my household, but unique flavored options can sometimes end up forgotten at the back of the pantry. I always strive to prevent discovering stale chips or a mess of crumbs. Additionally, I highlighted any extras you might need, such as dips for spicy chips or napkins for the messier varieties, ensuring you're well-prepared to enjoy your chip selection to the fullest.