Seth Rogen’s recent endorsement of ketchup potato chips has brought renewed attention to this Canadian classic. However, ketchup chips are not just a quirky favorite of celebrities; they are deeply ingrained in Canadian culture, sold at virtually every grocery and convenience store across the country.
International companies like Lay’s recognize the popularity of ketchup chips in Canada and the U.K., but they remain largely unknown in most parts of America. This is puzzling to Canadians, who consider ketchup chips an essential part of their snack repertoire.
Despite their widespread availability in Canada, ketchup chips don’t truly taste like ketchup. They capture the savory notes of ketchup, including salt, vinegar, and sugar, but the texture and overall flavor profile are distinct. This unique taste has earned ketchup chips their own place in the snack pantheon, rather than being a mere imitation of the condiment.
The origins of ketchup chips are shrouded in mystery. Some claim that Herr’s, a Pennsylvania-based snack company, created the original ketchup chips in the early 1980s. However, Hostess, a Canadian potato chip company, asserts that they were selling ketchup chips in the 1970s. Regardless of their precise origin, ketchup chips have become a beloved Canadian snack, with Seth Rogen’s endorsement simply solidifying their iconic status.