Originally created by Hostess in the early 1970s, ketchup chips never found their market in the United States, unlike some of Hostess’s other snacks, like Twinkies or Powdered Donettes. It makes me wonder, why is it that the snack has become so iconic in Canada, but right across the border in America, in a culture where we put ketchup on literally everything, the love for ketchup chips never caught up?
To explain the strange difference in taste, it’s appropriate to compare ketchup chips with other popular flavored chips in America. What is it that makes barbecue or salt and vinegar chips well-liked? When we hear “barbecue-flavored chips,” we immediately understand that the flavor has a smoky yet sweet taste. And we immediately know that salt and vinegar chips are salty and sour. Compared to ketchup chips, you would think that it tastes like ketchup, but that’s where the inconsistencies occur. It doesn’t taste like ketchup. Since the taste can sometimes be more salty than sweet, it can actually throw people off if they are not expecting it. This difference in expectations versus reality doesn’t go well in getting ketchup chips any favors.
Another thing to consider is the texture difference of ketchup chips. We often eat ketchup in its gloopy and viscous form, where we can put it on our burgers or fries. However, the ketchup chips are coated with ketchup powder, which is inconsistent with our traditional concept of ketchup. Additionally, ketchup chips are slightly thinner than regular chips, which can make them underwhelming overall because the signature snap is not that prevalent.
All in all, I believe the reason ketchup chips are loved in one country but barely noticed in another lies in the inherent cultural differences. We generally prefer chips with bold and straightforward flavors, and chips that we can take crunchy bites of. Ketchup chips don’t satisfy both factors, with their inconsistent flavor and thinner texture. However, with such a big presence in our northern neighbor, who knows if they will appear on American shelves one day?
