Lay’s New Flavor Icons Line Is Inspired by Famous Foods from Real Restaurants

At various points over the past few months of societal collapse, I’ll admit that I’ve eaten chips for lunch. I’m not proud of it, but I’d bet that I’m far from the only one. Well, the good news is that Lay’s is about to unleash a whole new line of potato chips that could arguably pass as a lunch, given that they’re based on iconic dishes from across the country.

Starting the week of July 13, a new Lay’s line of “Flavor Icons” will hit snack aisle shelves nationwide. The move comes two years after they rolled out a similarly-oriented “Taste of America” line inspired by regional staples like New England lobster rolls, Mid-Atlantic “crab spice,” and more. This time around, though, these Flavor Icons are tied to specific dishes from real restaurants across the country, each of whom gets a specific shoutout on the bag.

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So far, the flavors include New York Style Pizza from Brooklyn institution Grimaldi’s, Philly Cheesesteak from Geno’s (of the great Pat’s vs Geno’s debate), Nashville Hot Chicken from local joint Party Fowl, a Carnitas Street Taco from LA’s El Torito (in a Wavy Lay’s chip), and a Chile Relleno chip inspired by Albuquerque, New Mexico’s Cocina Azul.

Four of the five Flavor Icons will be available wherever you buy chips starting July 13. For whatever reason, though, the Chile Relleno flavor will be exclusive to Walmart and 7-Eleven, maybe because those major corporations have a finer appreciation for New Mexican cuisine I guess.

At a time when restaurants across the country could use a bit of a boost, here’s hoping these chips somehow support or drive business to the cultural and culinary institutions that inspired each flavor. More importantly, perhaps the runaway success of these restaurant-themed chips will inspire a comprehensive line of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. Hey, you never know.