Lay’s New Flavor in ‘Do Us a Flavor’ Contest Unveiled: Exclusive

Rachel Tepper Paley
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New Lays flavor Southern Biscuits and Gravy captured America’s heart and the Lays “Do Us a Flavor” crown. (Photos courtesy of Lay’s)

It’s official: Southern Biscuits and Gravy is the winner of Lay’s annual “Do Us a Flavor” contest, Yahoo Food can exclusively report.

The creation was voted the top entry by millions of consumers, beating out Kettle Cooked Greektown Gyro, New York Reuben, and Wavy West Coast Truffle Fries. Its creator, Hailey Green of Noblesville, Ind., was crowned the winner on Tuesday night by singer Nick Lachey, who over the summer first surprised all four finalists at their doorsteps to kick off the contest.

Related: A Coffee Expert Reviews Lay’s Cappuccino Potato Chips

Green gets more than just bragging rights; she’ll take home a $1 million prize or one percent of her flavor’s net sales through July 15, 2016, depending which is higher. The three runner-up finalists get something, too — they’ll each walk away with $50,000.

Earlier this year, Lay’s offered some insight into Green and her winning flavor: “She has a great appreciation for each locale’s ‘homemade style,’ because it reminds her of her own childhood, filled with memories of eating Southern food in her grandmother’s kitchen,” Lay’s said in a release. “One of Hailey’s favorite dishes is biscuits and gravy — a recipe that was handed down in her family generation after generation.“

Related: Wasabi Ginger Wins 2014 ‘Do Us a Flavor’ Contest

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Southern Biscuits and Gravy creator Hailey Green.

So does the chip really taste like biscuits and gravy? Sort of. Back in July, Yahoo Food had a blind tasting of all four finalists. We thought the Southern Biscuits and Gravy chip was “[v]ery savory, almost meat-like in flavor. We noted hints rosemary, too. On the whole, the flavor recalls a Thanksgiving turkey. Said one editor: ‘I’d put it in a sandwich for a bit of crunch.’”

Will it prove more popular than last year’s winning flavor, Wasabi Ginger? Only time will tell. Those aching for a taste of the winning flavor can find it on store shelves wherever Lay’s are sold.

Related: We Try the 4 Finalists in Lay’s ‘Do Us a Flavor’ Potato Chip Contest