The Ultimate Ranking of Cape Cod Potato Chip Flavors: From Disappointing to Delicious

Cape Cod fans are ardent supporters of these delicious snacks. Devotees often exclaim that no other kettle chips can compare and regularly express the need to cut back on their purchases to manage their consumption.

With such impassioned fans, the debate rages on regarding which flavor reigns supreme. To address this culinary curiosity, I decided to sample every flavor of Cape Cod potato chips available in my local stores, ranking them based on taste and overall enjoyment. Let’s discover which flavors truly deserve accolades and which ones might be better off staying on the shelf.

I embarked on my chip journey by purchasing 16 bags of Cape Cod chips, trying every variety available in my area. This collection even included reduced-fat and reduced-sodium options, as I was curious if I could discern any difference in flavor.

Each flavor was carefully tasted, with meticulous notes taken on flavor, texture, and appearance, interspersed with sips of water to cleanse my palate. Pairing similar flavors back-to-back allowed me to identify subtle distinctions that informed their ordering. Ultimately, this ranking represents not just personal preference, but also includes insights from family members to create a balanced overview of Cape Cod’s offerings.

Introduced in 2018, Cape Cod’s Waves chips offer a thicker cut than traditional kettle chips, touted as premium “dippable” options. However, the reduced-fat variety leaves much to be desired. Although the chips offer a satisfying crunch, they lack the crispness of their full-fat counterparts. The flavor also disappoints, proving bland compared to Cape Cod’s more robust offerings.

Don’t be swayed by the “40% less fat” label. According to the fine print, this means a reduction compared to another leading brand — not their own. Each serving contains 6 grams of fat, not far from the original. When considering flavor impact, this choice isn’t justified.

In contrast to the misleading reduced-fat options, these “lightly salted” chips genuinely reduce sodium levels. With only 60 mg of sodium per serving compared to the original’s 125 mg, this option provides a more heart-healthy snack.

However, a reduced salt content does detract from the overall flavor of the chips. While the crunch remains delightful, the absence of salt diminishes their taste. If you’re aiming to cut back on sodium for actual health reasons, these can serve your needs. Otherwise, they might lack the flavor punch that most chip lovers crave.

Cape Cod lacks a regular full-fat version of these aged white cheddar chips, likely because the taste doesn’t warrant one. The sour cream flavor overpowers the cheddar, leaving something that isn’t quite a satisfying chip experience.

While Cape Cod makes multiple variations featuring sour cream, this combination fell short. The flavors felt like they belonged on a cheese puff rather than a kettle chip, making them unappealing for me.

High hopes accompanied this Waves variant, as ripple-cut BBQ chips usually excite me. Yet, I was met with disappointment. The BBQ seasoning fell short against the clunky texture of the Waves chips.

BBQ typically ranks weakly among Cape Cod flavors, and unfortunately, this honey version only made it sweeter without the desired spice. Ultimately, they missed the mark and wouldn’t find a place in my pantry.

Regularly, plain rippled chips can taste less salty than others. Perhaps due to their thicker cut, these Waves chips appeared a little underwhelming in terms of flavor. The crunchiness fell short of excellence, so I wouldn’t reach for these chips frequently.

However, paired with a dip, they could excel, given their sturdiness. Their size adds potential for flavor when dipped, making them suitable for gatherings, even if a bag wouldn’t likely make it home.

Sour cream and onion tends to be a flavor I avoid, though my family devours it. While these chips deliver decent taste, they don’t strike a chord with the variety that typically excites me.

Some family members claimed they were delicious, but I found the flavor too tangy and lacking in the onion essence that makes this pairing enjoyable. Cape Cod excels in many flavors; unfortunately, this one fails to shine.

These chips stand out as the best option within the Waves lineup and Cape Cod’s sour cream offerings. The thicker chip cuts accommodate the seasoning nicely, unlocking subtle bursts of flavor.

While the taste remains fairly average when compared to other sour cream varieties, the texture enhances their appeal. I wouldn’t buy them, but if offered at a gathering, I’d gladly take some.

Despite a number of fans loving Cape Cod’s barbecue flavors, I hold that they don’t do them justice. The reduced-fat version didn’t seem drastically different from its regular counterpart, and neither rocked my taste buds.

With a lighter texture than the original, these chips also suffer from a less satisfying crunch. The flavor holds steady, but if you demand some crunchy delight with a hearty flavor, you’ll probably prefer to stick with the classic.

These chips sit just above their reduced-fat counterpart in rankings. The courageous flavor offers a hint of smokiness with a tinge of sweetness that, while delicious, could benefit from a little more spice.

Mesquite barbecue might be personal, but the sweetness needs a stronger flavor to make these chips extraordinary.

Having enjoyed Cape Cod’s salt and vinegar chips for years, the reduced-fat version still delivers a lot of what I love. The chips keep their significant crunch and robust salt-and-vinegar flavor that works beautifully together.

These don’t quite overpower the original, but if sampled without comparison, you’d likely feel satisfied. A few slight differences in flavor rank them slightly lower, yet they remain a pleasurable snack option.

At this tier, it’s hard to go wrong. I would happily purchase any of these flavors again. I may not have noticed much distinction between the reduced-fat and original versions unless tasted side by side. Even in my last family gathering, the reduced-fat version disappeared quickly, proving their appeal.

When sampled directly afterward, they felt a little less salty and rich, attributed to the extra process they undergo. They still hit the mark for excellent chips.

Cape Cod does salt and vinegar chips exceptionally well. Their kettle-style freshness elevates the flavor harmony, as the combination of salts and vinegar shines through beautifully. The balance in taste lingers on your palate long after the crunch, making it a delightful choice.

Though the occasional chip can be rough on the mouth, the flavor explosion keeps bringing me back for more.

Salt and pepper form a classic combination, yet many don’t achieve the right balance. Cape Cod’s version manages to master this fine line effectively, delivering ample pepper complemented by the salt that enhances the flavor profile beautifully.

Sweet undertones balance the pepper’s kick, culminating in a chip packed with delightful flavor. One notable ingredient, whey, enhances the umami experience — giving these chips an almost cheesy undertone. This recipe is solid — please let it remain unchanged.

New to me until this tasting, these russet chips gained a following during their time off the shelves. Their loyal fans rave about the unique flavor profile the russet potatoes deliver when fried, which possess that nuanced sweetness and buttery notes.

The dark russet chips maintain that satisfying Cape Cod crunch and come with the delightful bonus of folded chips scattered throughout the bag.

With their perfect crunch and crispness, Cape Cod’s original kettle chips set the standard. Indulgent yet light, they provide a salt explosion that tantalizes the taste buds. Known for executing basic flavors impeccably, these chips act as a crowd pleaser — a go-to for any get-together.

You need not worry about guests’ palates when serving these chips; their universally appealing nature allows everyone to enjoy.

When I consider Cape Cod’s offerings, these jalapeño chips spring to mind first. While many brands shy away from delivering spice, these chips embrace it, serving an authentic kick complemented by a touch of sweetness.

Each handful delivers an explosion of flavor, while the folded chips embody the delightful spice. These represent the pinnacle of Cape Cod’s flavor craft, showcasing their mastery in chip-making.