If you think you’ve tasted it all when it comes to potato chips, think again. Lay’s, the iconic snack giant, has just announced the winner of its highly anticipated 2025 “Do Us A Flavor” contest — and this year’s champion is a mouthwatering tribute to comfort food: Bacon Grilled Cheese.
This new flavor isn’t just another chip; it’s a story of nostalgia, innovation, and a $1 million prize that has food lovers everywhere buzzing. After a seven-year break, Lay’s brought back its beloved contest, inviting fans nationwide to dream up the next big chip sensation.
Out of more than 700,000 submissions, Paula George of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, claimed the top prize with her inventive take inspired by her late father’s favorite sandwich. The resulting chips perfectly capture smoky bacon, gooey grilled cheese, and the kind of savory warmth that makes snacking feel like a hug from home.
A Flavor with Heart: The Story Behind Bacon Grilled Cheese
What sets this winning chip apart is not just its delicious profile but the touching story behind it. Paula George’s inspiration came from a deeply personal place — her father’s grilled cheese sandwich loaded with crispy bacon, a recipe he cherished.
By translating this classic comfort food into a crunchy, salty snack, Lay’s has crafted a flavor that resonates emotionally as well as on the palate. The Bacon Grilled Cheese chip combines the smoky, savory richness of bacon with the creamy, buttery notes of melted cheese, all balanced by the signature Lay’s potato chip crunch. This unique marriage of flavors is nostalgic yet fresh, making it easy to see why it won over judges and snackers alike.
This contest victory isn’t just about flavor; it’s a $1 million life-changing prize and a testament to Lay’s commitment to engaging fans in their flavor innovation process. Paula’s win also highlights the power of food as a storytelling medium, connecting generations through shared tastes and memories.
The Contest Returns: Bringing Back Fan Creativity After Seven Years
The “Do Us A Flavor” contest had been on pause for seven years, but its revival this year reignited a nationwide wave of excitement. The competition drew over 700,000 entries, with passionate fans submitting bold, creative ideas inspired by regional cuisines, personal memories, and global trends.
The finalists included not only the winning Bacon Grilled Cheese but also Valentina & Lime, a zesty nod to Mexican flavors submitted by Araceli Huerta, and Wavy Korean-Style Fried Chicken from Neelia Lynn, which brought the spicy, savory flavors of Korean cuisine to the mix.
Lay’s decision to offer these finalists in stores for public voting was a brilliant move that boosted engagement and gave consumers the power to shape the future of snack aisles. This inclusive approach celebrates Lay’s loyal fan base while reflecting the growing demand for diverse, global-inspired tastes in everyday foods.
The contest’s comeback underscores a larger trend in the food industry: consumers want to be part of the creative process and crave flavors that tell stories beyond just taste.
Exploring the Flavor Landscape: From Comfort Food to Global Inspiration
What’s fascinating about this year’s finalists is the range of cultural influences they represent. While Bacon Grilled Cheese taps into American comfort food nostalgia, Valentina & Lime brings the vibrant, spicy, and tangy elements of Mexican cuisine, showcasing the popularity of bold citrus and chili combinations. The Wavy Korean-Style Fried Chicken flavor offers a savory, slightly sweet profile inspired by the global rise of Korean BBQ and fried chicken dishes.
This mix of flavors highlights how Lay’s is not only honoring traditional favorites but also embracing multiculturalism and fusion trends in the snack industry. By doing so, Lay’s broadens its appeal, attracting adventurous eaters and those seeking familiar comforts alike. Moreover, the contest’s success demonstrates how home cooks and everyday food lovers can influence national food trends — a powerful reminder that innovation often starts in the kitchen at home.
Where to Find It and What’s Next for Lay’s Innovation
The Bacon Grilled Cheese flavor is now available nationwide, but only for a limited time. Snack fans eager to experience this winning chip should hurry to their local stores because the combination of winning flavor buzz and Lay’s massive distribution means these chips are flying off shelves quickly. Lay’s has built a reputation for limited-run flavors that generate excitement and demand, encouraging fans to try new tastes before they disappear.
Looking beyond this contest, Lay’s continues to prioritize fan-driven innovation, making it clear that the “Do Us A Flavor” contest is more than a one-time event—it’s an ongoing invitation to food lovers everywhere to participate in shaping snack culture. Past winners like Cheesy Garlic Bread and Southern Biscuits & Gravy have become staples for many, and this latest flavor promises to join those ranks.
For those passionate about unique chip flavors, Lay’s official website offers updates on new releases and future contests, ensuring the snack giant remains connected to its fan base while staying ahead in a competitive market.
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