The Sweet And Salty Lay's Potato Chips That Were Sadly Discontinued

Let's hop in the way-back machine to travel to a tastier time: 2013. Per Candy Industry, 2013 was the birth year of Lay's Wavy Original Potato Chips Dipped in Milk Chocolate, a salty-sweet snack that combined two surprisingly complementary flavors. As stated by Chris Kuechenmeister, spokesperson for the Frito-Lay company, the product was intended to target "millennial women" and their supposed love of "indulgent, savory/sweet combinations."

As a limited-edition holiday release exclusively sold at Target, it was evident that Lay's new chips were not going to be around forever (sadly, they aren't the only snack we miss). However, they proved to make an impact on consumers, at least according to social media. In a Reddit thread about a similar discontinued Trader Joe's product, one commenter lamented the absence of Lay's chocolate-covered potato chips, while others recommended chocolate/chip combos from other manufacturers. The ongoing chatter about these chips, which have been off the market for some time, begs the question: Why were they discontinued in the first place?

While they never officially made their way back to store shelves, and into the hearts of consumers, Lay's did re-introduce its chocolate-dipped chips briefly in 2021, according to Potato Business. The limited release was in honor of Valentine's Day and was only available as part of a promotional effort. Fans could comment on Lay's social media for their chance to snag a bag, but the campaign officially ended on February 12th of that year. So, what made Lay's discontinue a product that people are still talking about ten years later? 

The company has never provided an official reason, but once again, the people of Reddit swoop in to provide some unofficial insight. In yet another thread lamenting the loss of Lay's chocolate-dipped chips, one commenter posits that poor sales likely had something to do with it. Another questions the price of these chips compared to other snacks. Consider that the Lay's release was priced at $3.49 for a 5-ounce bag. Now consider that an 8-ounce bag of Lay's Classic Potato Chips retails for just $2.76 when purchased from Walmart. When combined with the elevated price, it's possible that consumers didn't respond as strongly as Lay's would like, despite the lingering enthusiasm. However, the snack manufacturer has heard your frustration and offers a solution.

If you're still pressed about the loss of chocolate-dipped chips (which date back to 1985), Lay's has you covered. A recipe featured on the Lay's website illustrates how you can make your own sweet and salty treat using a bag of Lay's Wavy Potato Chips. You'll also need one cup of milk chocolate, either chips or chunks, for coating.

To get started, fill a pot with water and let it simmer on the stovetop. Next, take a heat-safe bowl and pour ¾ cup of chocolate into it. Place the bowl into the simmering water and stir continuously, until the chocolate begins to melt. Using a thermometer, measure the temperature of the melted chocolate. Once it reaches 110 degrees Fahrenheit, remove the bowl, and add another ¼ cup of chocolate while stirring. You'll continue stirring until the chocolate is 90 degrees or completely melted.

Now, take a chip and dip it into the chocolate. You can use a pair of tongs to avoid burning your fingers. Rest each chocolate-dipped chip on a sheet of wax paper to allow it to harden. If you want them to firm up in a hurry, place them in the refrigerator until solid. While more complex than buying a bag of chips from a local store, this recipe ensures snack lovers can enjoy their favorite indulgent treat whenever the mood strikes.