Have you ever taken a bite of your favorite meal and thought, this should totally be a chip flavor? Well, Lay’s gave snack lovers across America the chance to make that dream a (crispy) reality.
Their “Do Us A Flavor” contest is back — and it’s bigger, bolder, and possibly cheesier than ever. After receiving more than 700,000 flavor submissions from chip fans all over the country, Lay’s has officially revealed the three finalists for the grand prize: a cool $1 million and serious bragging rights. And now? It’s up to the rest of us to snack, savor, and vote.
The Flavor Showdown Begins
Lay’s “Do Us A Flavor” contest has a solid track record of producing unforgettable, sometimes wacky, but often delicious chip creations. Previous champions like Southern Biscuits & Gravy, Crispy Taco, and Cheesy Garlic Bread didn’t just win the hearts of voters — they won valuable space in snack aisles (and lunchboxes) across the nation.
The contest isn’t just a corporate flavor lab experiment — it’s a crowdsourced culinary adventure. These finalists are rooted in real stories, inspired by family traditions, regional favorites, and nostalgic food memories.
Let’s dive into this year’s three contenders and what makes each one special.
1. Lay’s Bacon Grilled Cheese
Submitted by Paula George – Sapulpa, Oklahoma
If comfort food had a crunch, it would probably taste like this. Lay’s Bacon Grilled Cheese is all about cozy, cheesy goodness — with a smoky, savory edge.
Submitted by Paula George, this flavor pays tribute to her late father’s iconic grilled cheese sandwiches, always made with sizzling strips of bacon. Paula’s hope? That each bite gives people the warm, familiar feeling of home-cooked meals, shared at the kitchen table with loved ones.
The chip itself promises that buttery richness of melted cheese layered with salty, umami-packed bacon, all packed into Lay’s classic golden crisp. It’s the kind of flavor that makes you want to curl up with a blanket and a bowl of tomato soup — and maybe just one more handful.
Flavor profile:
- Nostalgic, homey, comforting
- Smoky bacon meets creamy cheddar
- Perfect for fans of indulgent, savory snacks
2. Lay’s Valentina & Lime
Submitted by Araceli Huerta – San Jose, California
For those who like their snacks with a side of spice and tang, Valentina & Lime is coming in hot. Literally.
Araceli Huerta’s flavor entry was inspired by a snack her mom used to make: tossing Lay’s Classic chips with a drizzle of Valentina hot sauce and a squeeze of lime. Simple. Spicy. Delicious.
This chip captures the essence of that fiery snack with a zesty punch that builds with each bite. The tang of the lime balances out the warm heat of the Valentina, creating a snack that’s bold, lively, and addictive in all the right ways. It’s the flavor of childhood memories, backyard picnics, and that perfect balance of heat and citrus.
Flavor profile:
- Zesty, fiery, fresh
- Real chili heat balanced with citrusy lime
- Great for those who love bold, Mexican-inspired flavors
3. Lay’s Wavy Korean-Style Fried Chicken
Submitted by Neelia Lynn – Chesterfield, Virginia
Lay’s is no stranger to international inspiration, and this finalist brings a flavor explosion straight from Korean street food culture.
Submitted by Neelia Lynn, this chip takes its cues from Korea’s iconic fried chicken — known for its double-fried crispiness and unforgettable glaze. Neelia, who spent time in South Korea with her family, was inspired by the sweet-meets-spicy profile of the dish.
The Wavy chip format is the perfect vehicle for this one. Each ridge catches more of the rich, sticky-sweet glaze flavor with hints of garlic, soy, chili, and a little tang. It’s like a Korean fried chicken experience — without the fryer.
Flavor profile:
- Sweet, spicy, savory
- Street food-inspired with bold umami notes
- A must-try for adventurous eaters and fans of Korean cuisine
How to Taste and Vote
From April 21 to June 13, all three finalist flavors will be available in stores nationwide. That means you can pick up a bag (or three), round up some fellow snackers, and hold your own taste-test showdown at home.
Once you’ve found your favorite, head to DoUsAFlavor and cast your vote. You can vote once per day, so if you’re truly passionate about your pick, make it count.
And the stakes? Besides eternal flavor fame, the winning chip creator will receive $1 million. That’s a lot of chips — in every sense of the word.
What Makes a Winner?
What’s interesting about this contest isn’t just the flavor combos — it’s the stories behind them. Each finalist reflects a real-life connection to food, whether it’s a family recipe, a cultural staple, or a nostalgic snack passed down through generations.
As food lovers, we know that the best flavors tell a story. And that’s what makes this contest so much fun to follow (and eat our way through). Whether you’re all about creamy cheese and bacon, crave spicy and citrusy heat, or want something totally new with a Korean twist — there’s something here worth crunching into.
Final Thoughts from a Food Blogger’s Perspective
As someone who lives and breathes food culture, I love seeing big brands take a chance on everyday food stories. These finalist flavors go beyond novelty — they represent real people, real palates, and real emotion.
Plus, this is a snack lover’s dream. I’d recommend grabbing all three and setting up a blind tasting with friends or family. See which one gets the most votes in your own kitchen — and let that help guide your decision.
Personally, I’m leaning toward the Korean-Style Fried Chicken. There’s something about the way that sweet heat hits just right, especially on a Wavy chip. But then again… bacon and grilled cheese is the kind of thing I could snack on any day of the week.
In the end, no matter which flavor takes home the crown, this contest reminds us of one simple truth: snacks are better when they tell a story.
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