Trader Joe’s Just Brought This Potato Chip Flavor to the U.S. — And It’s So Good, I Get Why It Sold Out in 90 Minutes

Trader Joe’s runs are an adventure all on their own. I love browsing the aisles for the latest finds, trying new items at the sample station, and adding far too many snacks (and frozen meals) to my cart (in addition to my weekly TJ’s staples, of course). One of the newest items — Ketchup Flavored Lattice Potato Chips — has gotten a lot of buzz online recently.

One commenter on Reddit claimed to have nearly devoured the entire bag before leaving the parking lot. Another posted, “I’m already on my third bag.” So I decided to see what all the hype was about.  

Let me tell you: These chips are in HIGH demand. They were already sold out by 9:30 a.m. at the first location I visited in New York City. I then called not one, but three other stores before finally finding them. (Ironically, that location was sampling the chips that day.)

I paid for my sole bag of chips, and headed back to the office to get to tasting. Here’s how it went.

Canadians out there might be familiar with this classic flavor. Ketchup chips are a popular staple in the neighboring country. Trader Joe’s adds its own “textural twist” with a supremely crunchy lattice-cut potato chip. The potatoes are fried in sunflower oil, and seasoned with sugar, tomato powder, salt, vinegar powder, citric acid, and paprika. 

The Ketchup Flavored Lattice Potato Chips are available at Trader Joe’s stores nationwide for a limited time only, and retail for $3.49 per 7-ounce bag.  

Ketchup and potatoes are an iconic pairing, so I assumed this combination would be a hit. Upon opening the bag and popping a chip into my mouth, I quickly realized the hype was real — and warranted. The chips smell just like the ketchup packets that get tucked inside the fast-food bags I pick up at the drive-thru. 

Plus, that lattice-cut potato chip really takes things to the next level. I absolutely LOVE the texture. The chips are thick and have a super-solid crunch, and the flavor is spot-on. It reminds me of the extra-brown, crispy fries at the bottom of said fast-food bag, dipped in ketchup. They’re potato-y, slightly vinegary, and subtly sweet. I can totally see why they’re selling out just 90 minutes after the store opens. 

I put the bag out for the rest of the office to taste, and it swiftly disappeared in minutes. Mara, our director of groceries and shopping, was also impressed with the nostalgic flavor. “Oh wow, it tastes just like Heinz!” she said. “I can visually see the ketchup squirting out of the bottle onto my plate for dipping fries.” She was also a fan of the “slightly more vinegary than your standard ketchup” taste and the lattice texture that provided a “perfect crispy crunch.” 

Terri, executive editor at our sister site Apartment Therapy, agreed: “They’ve got a nice ketchup-y flavor without being too overwhelming, and I love the crunch … I went back for a second helping.”

Find it in stores: Trader Joe’s Ketchup Flavored Lattice Potato Chips, $3.49 for 7 ounces 

Have you tried Trader Joe’s Ketchup Flavored Lattice Potato Chips? Let us know in the comments.