Ranking The Most Popular Pringles Flavors So You Don't Have To

When it comes to the almighty potato chip, it's hard to top a Pringle (okay, even if they technically aren't potato chips at all). Light, easy to digest, and with a perfect crunch that's sure to satisfy ASMR foodies, Pringles are wholly unique when compared to other leading brands. As such, they remain one of the most popular potato chips around. There's nothing quite like popping off the top and indulging in the salted savory favorite (even if said indulgence does result in a big issue of your hand getting stuck in the tube).

As the slogan goes, once you pop you can't stop. But, as with so many advertising mottos, it turns out that this isn't always the case. Indeed, not all Pringles are created equal. 

In recent years, Kellogg's has put all their (potato) chips on the table: A whopping 170 Pringles flavors are in existence, from the regular hyperbolic paraboloid ones to the Scorchin' and Wavy spinoffs. And some of those incarnations are considered downright unpalatable. Let's find out which varieties are absolutely crunchtastic, and which ones need to be dropped like a hot potato. We are ranking the most popular Pringles flavors so you don't have to.

The Wavy Pringles (essentially crinkle-cut potato chips) made their debut in 2018. Although a number of the Wavy flavors are firm fan favorites, the Sharp White Cheddar variety simply isn't one of them. Pringles promises consumers a super creamy cheddar tang with an irresistible buttery finish. But far from being the big cheese, folks agree that this one stinks.

Wavy Sharp White Cheddar ranks low due to the positively savage feedback from Pringle aficionados. At Walmart, shoppers were near unanimous in their distaste for this variety. "Bland, pretty much flavorless. Probably end up in the squirrel feeder!" wrote one customer. "They did not taste like a white cheddar. I felt like I was eating a piece of cardboard. This product is definitely not up to Pringles' standards," lamented another. Meanwhile, one particularly disgruntled buyer said that these tasted like puke. Yikes. 

Elsewhere, YouTube foodie Tami Dunn noted that these are too high in salt content and lacking in the cheddar department, which is likely the worst one could expect from a potato chip that boasts a super cheesy experience. Suffice it to say, this is one chip that isn't worth burning a hole in your wallet.

One would expect Pringles' Hot Honey potato chips to be bursting with sapid delights. A replacement of sorts for the original (and sadly discontinued) Honey Mustard chips, the Hot Honey offering boasts a coalescence of sweet honey and spicy overtones. Yet, the recipe developers have somehow managed to miss the mark entirely. The consensus on the Pringles website is that these are woefully lacking in piquancy. "Terrible. Barely had any flavor. Imagine an original Pringles chip with cayenne pepper sprinkled on top," complained one irked customer.

At Walmart, these have a pitiful average rating of just 2.7 out of 5 stars, with consumers complaining about everything from blandness to the unequal distribution of flavors. The overriding criticism is that the honey is undetectable, despite supposedly being the star of the recipe. Moreover, folks argue, contrary to the promise of this being a whole new potato chip, Hot Honey is barely indistinguishable from regular lightly salted Pringles. As one user writes, "If you want a plain Pringle with a small hint of sweetness for a split second then you will like these, but if you're expecting the flavor to be what it says it is then you will be very disappointed. They aren't even hot at all. No spice." All in all, you're better off sticking to the Original Pringles than wasting your money on this ill-thought-out concoction.

The Cheddar Cheese Pringles were initially notable for their bright orange hue and super cheesy tang. However, many cheesy Pringles stans now realize that the flavor has drastically changed over the years. Subsequently, on Reddit, various users have lamented that this variety isn't what it used to be. What was once cheesy heaven in a tube is now rendered a mildly cheese-infused version of Pringles Original. Moreover, the formerly Cheetos-esque coloring has been replaced by something altogether more yellow, and thus unpalatable. "I was disappointed to find that one of my favorite Pringles [flavors] had undergone such a drastic change and no one seems to have noticed or care," wrote one Redditor. 

But folks do indeed care, to the point of calling out Pringles on Twitter. Responding to the backlash, the company explained that it changed its recipe in order to remove artificial flavors, seasonings, and dyes, hence the less saturated color.

On Target, reviews are somewhat mixed, but numerous folks take issue with an apparent lack of cheese seasoning. "Barely dusted with cheese at all. You could hardly tell they were not the regular ones. What's up with that?" wrote one buyer. Another reviewer notes that while these smell like cheese, they don't exactly taste super cheesy, which for some folks is enough to turn up the ick factor. Back in the day, these would have ranked higher, but the absence of the initial qualities that customers enjoyed leaves a bad taste in our mouths.

There are all sorts of bizarre Pringles flavors, from dill pickle to pumpkin pie (yes, seriously). So, all things considered, Philly Cheesesteak Pringles don't sound all that outlandish. The reviews are largely positive on Influenster, with fans commending the distribution of flavors and value for money. One consumer suggests that they're the perfect chips for cheesy dips. However, not everyone was so keen to embrace this new potato chip medley. "These taste like dirty socks if I had to say so myself," wrote one disgusted consumer. "I will never ever come near them again. Just thinking about them is making me sick to my stomach. I can't believe people actually spend money and eat these."

Likewise, on YouTube, theendorsement argued that the company was trying too hard to replicate the taste of meat, noting that these end up with a beef ramen-esque palate. And over on the Pringles site, they have an average rating of 2 stars out of 5. The complaints range from a bell pepper-heavy palate to a sour aftertaste.

By no means the worst variety out there, Philly Cheesesteak is an acquired taste (much like the titular sandwich after which it is named). If you love onion and meaty aromas, this one's for you. If artificial meat flavorings are enough to turn your stomach, then fear not. There are plenty of other Pringles to choose from.

In 2020, Pringles launched a whole new Scorchin' range. Hopes were high for the collection, with marketing director Gareth Maguire promising to seriously turn up the heat by mastering the right ratio of spice and zing. "I'm proud to say, we have succeeded on both fronts to offer the perfect balance of bold flavor and spicy heat that builds over time," Maguire declared in a statement, per PR Newswire.

One such flavor was Scorchin' Cheddar. Fans were woefully disappointed in the lack of cheesiness in regular cheddar Pringles, but does the Scorchin' variety live up to its name? Well, not quite.

According to Spicy Food Reviews, these are neither scorching nor cheesy. Unfortunately, it seems that Pringles thought all it needed to do to please consumers was add the faintest hint of heat to its already cheese-bereft cheddar recipe. The Impulsive Buy echoes such sentiments, noting that while there's nothing inherently wrong with this flavor, it's pretty misleading for the company to suggest that something so tame in the heat department will satisfy spice-obsessed foodies. On Amazon, these get a lackluster 3.7 out of 5 stars. "If you like zing in your chips from time to time, these are not for you. Scorchin' they are not. I will not purchase again," advises one reviewer. Nevertheless, if you have a heat-averse stomach — or enjoy just the subtest pinch of spice in your snacks — then these are certainly worth a try.

What is it about Pringles being unable to master spiciness? Perhaps it's due to the dreaded Pringle hand, resulting in any spices ending up as finger residue as opposed to an actual coating on the potato chip. Either way, reviews for the Scorchin' Wavy Loaded Nachos are mixed. But most agree that the Scorchin' collection doesn't live up to its name.

"They don't taste like nachos nor are they 'scorchin,'" laments one peeved Amazon buyer. Meanwhile, another user suggests that these are only for die-hard Pringles aficionados. They get a modest 4.2 stars out of 5 on Walmart, where customers appear to be in disagreement over how scorchin' they are. Some claim that these are too hot to handle, while others protest that they're bland and tasteless.

However, giving a more positive review, theendorsement notes that while these aren't super spicy (a mere 1.5-2 out of 10 on the heat-o-meter according to the vlogger), they are rather delectable, as well as generous on the nacho seasonings. All in all, your love for this product depends on how big of a hothead you are. If a sprinkle of chili powder is enough to burn the roof of your mouth, then go for it. But zesty zealots beware: This probably isn't for you.

In 2019, Pringles launched their new Wavy Fire Roasted Jalapeno chips. In a pre-launch review by Bustle, the chips are described as smelling like salt and vinegar Pringles and tasting like the barbeque variety. Huh? The outlet also notes that the flavor is nearly indistinguishable from its Sweet and Tangy BBQ cousin. And yet again, the company is severely skimping on the heat. As such, the promise of Fire Roasted Jalapeno turns out to be yet another misnomer.

Some Walmart consumers don't think that the lack of heat is necessarily a bad thing, however. As one customer writes, "Very mild flavor, but it allows you to eat more of them in one setting. These are definitely beautiful chips though." While that's great for those looking for a comforting snack to munch during movie night, it's bad news yet again for chiliheads. "The chip is NOTHING like advertised," bemoans another consumer. "Just white... Plus it has a very mild jalapeno flavor. Very disappointed." Overall, these have a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on the site. As with many products in this rundown, these are by no means terrible, but there's certainly room for improvement.

Ranch is just about everywhere these days, found slathered on everything from fries and bacon to desserts (there's even a ranch ice cream if you have the stomach for it). It stands to reason, then, that Pringles come in ranch variety. On its official site, the company suggests that ranch has reached its final form with this concoction, having made the shift from mere dip and dressing to a bonafide potato chip.

Amazon shoppers think these are the cream of the crop, with a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Similarly, at Walmart, they have an average rating of 4.4. While most folks agree that ranch-infused Pringles do exactly what they say on the tube, others think that the company has once again skimped on essential ingredients that would otherwise bring out the piquancy. "I expected the flavor to be as bold as the sour cream. To me, it is salted and dusted with some creamy flavor," wrote one unhappy buyer.

Considering these issues, another Walmart consumer suggested a hack to enhance the creamy punch: "They are good, but I was hoping for a little bit more ranch flavor. But dipping these in ranch is the best." That's all well and good, but using Pringles like a dip scoop isn't quite what we signed up for. Moreover, it defeats the purpose of having ranch in potato chip form in the first place. As such, this one remains in the lowly rankings. 

One of the OG Pringles varieties, Salt and Vinegar has long been a firm fan favorite. But with so many other salt and vinegar chips on offer, Pringles needs to bring something altogether unique to the table to rank higher on this list. With this offering, the company pays homage to traditional British fish 'n' chips, hence the seemingly random addition of a newspaper on the tube artwork (in the U.K., fish and chips have traditionally been served out of newspapers). While the recipe stems from a delicacy drenched in vinegar, it seems that the company didn't quite understand the assignment.

On Target, they get a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, with many users lauding them as the best that Pringles has to offer. However, a number of folks have complained about the meager quantity of vinegar included in the chips. "Where has the vinegar flavor gone?" asks one customer. "I thought I was mistaken a few months back when the taste was off, but I bought another can ... and there is still no vinegar taste at all, much like another review pointed out."

However, some users suggest that a mild vinegary taste is preferable to the kind that burns your lips. If you want a lighter and easily digestible variation on classic salt and vinegar chips, this one's for you. If you're a hardcore vinegar stan, you may want to look elsewhere.

Okay, so Pringles doesn't exactly have a great track record when it comes to its cheesy offerings. But has it finally perfected cheesy goodness in the form of Cheddar and Sour Cream Pringles? Surprisingly, yes. The combination of rich cheddar and sharp sour cream makes for an impeccable creamy combo.

On Target, these get 4.5 out of 5 stars. While some users lament that the recipe could be improved (a common complaint levied at the company), the general consensus is that these are a moreish and addictive snack. So addictive, in fact, that one entrepreneurial customer is making it rain thanks to the popularity of Cheddar and Sour Cream. "I import these Pringle flavors to the countries where they are not available. Sell them for 3x the prices and you bet I sold out on all of them," wrote the sneaky budding businessperson, who added that they, too, are a huge fan of the unique tang.

Similarly, folks on Influenster are raving about this variety, with many highlighting the perfect ratio of cheddar and sour cream. This double whammy of cheese is, admittedly, often difficult to balance and hence master, so we salute Pringles for giving cheeseheads exactly what they need with this product.

Our first descent into the Wavy realm of Pringles (via the dreaded Sharp White Cheddar) didn't exactly go well. But the third time's the charm. Accordingly, the Wavy Sweet and Spicy BBQ variety is a crinkle cut above the rest ... If your chips come with the right amount of dusting, that is.

A number of Walmart reviewers seem to think that these are the best Pringles flavor on offer, praising the combination of spices and the wavy cut bestowing an extra crunch. However, there are also a considerable amount of one-star reviews. This is likely attributable to the inconsistent amount of sweet and spicy coating in each box. As one reviewer explains, "Definitely the strongest and most pleasant tasting of Pringles flavors. Even when you occasionally run into a can that the chips are covered more sparingly, it's still the best."

On Amazon, reviews are by no means terrible, but folks are in agreement that Pringles ought to do more to make these actually live up to their promising name. Many reviewers note that these are rather bland and dry, lacking a certain punch that one would expect from traditional sweet and sour recipes. Again, this is likely due to the hit-and-miss nature of the dusting distribution. Accordingly, experiencing the full benefits of this flavor ultimately comes down to luck of the draw.

It all started with Pringles Original. The OG flavor is known for being impossibly light with just a sprinkle of salt, making it ideal for those days when you want nothing more than a soothing snack to curtail your hunger pangs. As well-traveled foodies may have noticed, these have also become ubiquitous in hotel mini-bars, where guests pay an exorbitant amount to pop until they can't stop.

Although the company has since launched so many more unique and innovative spinoffs, the original product reigns supreme for a lot of folks. As one person writes on the Pringles site, where this one gets an impressive rating of 4.7 out of 5, "Nothing beats an original Pringles. Flavors are fun sometimes, but my go to Pringles will always be the original salty, crispy chip!" They have a similar rating on Influenster, where users are in agreement that this is a must-have for potato chip lovers.

Over on Reddit, a user voiced their unpopular opinion that Original remains the best of all the Pringles, arguing that it's the only flavor in which the company gets the recipe just right. However, numerous users commented that the Original is a tad boring compared to the other varieties on offer. Nonetheless, this one has a universal appeal due to its less-divisive taste, which perhaps stems from it not really tasting of, well, much at all.

Sour Cream and Onion has long been one of the most popular Pringles flavors, but does popularity equate to greatness? This tangy incarnation of the original salted Pringle gets an impressive rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Influenster, with fans lauding the seasonings and crunchtastic finish. In addition to being a great potato chip, some consumers offer ingenious snacking hacks to help you experience its full savory delights. "Paired with a sandwich or by itself these chips are amazing!" raves one fan. "The crunch and taste always makes you want more. You can't just have one. I personally dip these in ranch and they taste great."

There is still room for improvement, however. A number of Influenster users lament that the cooks sometimes skimp on the powder — a common complaint, it seems, when it comes to Pringles. Moreover, a Reddit user noted that while Sour Cream and Onion Pringles taste great, they can have a surprising and unpleasant side effect. "I like the sour cream and onion flavored snacks, but a huge issue is a lot of the time the taste lingers forever, even if you brush your teeth and use mouthwash," they write. A permanent Sour Cream and Onion taste in one's mouth certainly doesn't sound appetizing, so that alone is enough to knock a few points off this otherwise high-ranking favorite.

One of the OG Pringles flavors, the BBQ variety remains a firm fan favorite. What's not to love about that smoky kick and reddish coating that makes these oh-so-finger-licking good? One overzealous consumer on the Kellogg's site suggests that these are a literal godsend. "This chip tastes as if god descended from heaven and blessed every single chip with the taste of the heavens. It is the single most voluptuous drool-inducing, tastebud watering, masterpiece of a concoction to have ever graced the earth," they wrote. High praise indeed for barbeque-infused potato chips. But they're not alone in their love for the snack. In fact, one Reddit user argues that these are the best Pringles flavor of all time.

Over on Influenster, they score an impressive 4.6 out of 5 stars. However, these would rank slightly higher if they were more easily obtainable. Indeed, reviewers have noticed a strange anomaly with the BBQ packaging, which appears far narrower than other Pringles varieties. "I'm constantly having a monkey paw situation where if I get my hand in the jar enough to reach the chips, once I've obtained the chip in question, I can't seem to get my hand back out without breaking the chip," bemoans one reviewer. Once you pop you can't stop, but only if you can get your hand out of the box ...

Folks love French fries; folks love ketchup. So, Pringles came up with the ingenious idea of combining the two into delicious potato chip form. Of course, one may be cynical at first. This is, after all, a brand that managed to mess up cheesy chips. And considering that potato chips and fries come from the same food family, we're just a tad perplexed as to how Pringles is going to bring out the flavor of French fries in this product. But surprisingly, the recipe developers have nailed it.

According to folks on Influenster, these are the ultimate comfort food. "I must say as a fan of Pringles and ketchup, these are perfect together," writes one fan. "Pringles really knocked it out of the park with this one. Ugh so good. I am constantly snacking on these. The perfect ketchup-to-chip ratio." Another user revealed that the soothing embrace of this crispy ketchup concoction provided them with much solace during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Elsewhere, fans of the offering have praised Pringles for coming up with a truly novel spin on the standard potato chip. "They taste unique. It's a little sweet and sour chip ... More sour than the ketchup I use from Heinz, but not bad!" enthused one Reddit user. This marriage of the potato chip and the almighty French fry (who are in a throuple with the latter's loyal condiment BFF) is a win.

If you want a slice of pizza without the cheese sticking to the roof of your mouth (or the unfortunate greasy fingers) then opt for a superb, crunchy alternative: Pizza Pringles. Sprinkled with tomato powder and with a cheesy tang, Pringles' take on the deep-dish snack is lit. And with this product, the brand finally proved that it can indeed master the art of the cheesy Pringle.

According to Reddit users, this flavor is absolutely addictive, and the one that remains truest to Pringles' "once you pop, you can't stop" motto. In fact, one overzealous user was so enamored with the pizza-infused chips that they were beseeching the good people of the net to help them overcome their habit. "I just finished an entire 6-serving can of pizza Pringles ... They're so good, I can't help it ... I haven't had a food addiction like this since my gallon cheeseball days," they wrote. Many fellow enthusiasts took to the comments section to confess that they, too, are utterly obsessed with the flavor.

Indeed, Pizza Pringles take the top spot due to sheer innovation, combining two comfort foods into one moreish and convenient concoction. Some Target buyers are convinced that these are a dead ringer for pepperoni pizza rolls in potato chip form, with many admitting that they can consume an entire tube in one sitting. Who needs a pizza pie when you can have pizza chips?