Private Label Chips: Trends, Suppliers & How to Start

Chips have long been a beloved snack worldwide, dating back to the early 1800s in their simplest form. Over time, they’ve evolved into a diverse and innovative category, incorporating new ingredients, shapes, and flavors. While the chips market has traditionally been dominated by large brands, private label chips have seen significant growth in recent years, offering businesses opportunities to tap into this thriving sector. The most recent emerging trend is influencer brands, where chips seem to be a great product category to enter. In this article, we explore the rise of private label chips, the latest trends in the category, and how brands can launch their own line. We also highlight Torg’s top pick potato chips suppliers, who can help bring your chips products to life.

Potato chips have an intriguing history, evolving from a humble kitchen creation to a global snack industry staple. Their origins can be traced to the early 19th century, with the first written reference found in William Kitchiner’s The Cook’s Oracle (1817), which described thinly sliced, fried potatoes. However, the popular origin story credits chef George Crum of Saratoga Springs, New York, with inventing potato chips in 1853, allegedly as a playful response to a customer’s complaint about overly thick fries.

The commercialization of potato chips began in earnest during the early 20th century. The introduction of pre-packaged chips, pioneered by brands like the Smiths Potato Crisps Company in the 1920s, revolutionized snack distribution. Packaging innovations, such as using greaseproof paper and including small packets of salt, set the foundation for the mass production of chips. By the 1950s, the launch of flavored varieties, like barbecue and sour cream, transformed potato chips into a diverse product category that appealed to a broader audience.

Potato chips have been adapted to reflect local tastes and cultural preferences, resulting in a variety of unique flavors across the globe.

Private Label Chips in the Americas

In the United States, regional specialties include barbecue, sour cream and onion, and ranch. Canada is known for all-dressed chips, combining sweet, tangy, and salty flavors, and ketchup chips, which are a national favorite. Latin America often features lime and chili varieties that cater to spicier palates.

Private Label Chips in Europe

European countries have embraced bold and innovative flavors. In Belgium and the Netherlands, bolognese chips are a popular choice, while the UK is known for prawn cocktail and salt 'n' vinegar chips. Eastern Europe favors flavors like paprika and sour cream with herbs.

Private Label Chips in Asia

Asian chips often incorporate local ingredients and seasonings. In Japan, exotic flavors like wasabi, soy sauce, butter, and plum dominate the market. Korea offers chips made from sweet potatoes and flavors like honey butter.

These regional varieties demonstrate how potato chips have been tailored to meet diverse cultural preferences, reflecting local ingredients and culinary traditions.

Potato chips are part of a broader snack category that includes a variety of similar foods, each offering unique textures, flavors, and preparation methods.

Potato Crisps and Sticks

Potato crisps, like Pringles, are made from dehydrated potato paste shaped into uniform pieces and baked or fried. Their stackable design and consistent shape make them a standout alternative to traditional chips. In contrast, potato crisps à l’ancienne manufacturers focus on small-batch, kettle-cooked methods that highlight rustic texture and real potato flavor. Potato sticks—thin, fried strips—are another variation, offering a crunchier texture and often used as toppings for dishes like salads or casseroles.

Baked Potato Chips

Baked potato chips provide a healthier alternative to deep-fried varieties, with lower fat content and fewer calories. Their preparation method involves oven-baking thinly sliced potatoes, which retains much of the crunch and flavor of traditional chips while appealing to health-conscious consumers.

Vegetable Chips

Other snacks like vegetable chips—made from carrots, beets, or kale—offer nutrient-dense alternatives with unique flavors and vibrant colors. These options cater to consumers seeking variety and healthier choices in their snacks.

These similar foods highlight the versatility of the chip category and the growing demand for options that suit diverse tastes and dietary needs.

The chips industry has seen a surge in innovation, driven by consumer demand for healthier and more diverse snack options.

Health Risks Associated with Sodium and Acrylamide

Potato chips, while beloved for their convenience and taste, have long been associated with health concerns due to their high sodium content and the formation of acrylamide during frying or baking at high temperatures. Excessive sodium intake is linked to risks such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and kidney problems, as emphasized by the World Health Organization (WHO). Similarly, acrylamide, a potential health hazard, is linked to an increased cancer risk, making it a significant concern for health-conscious consumers.

These issues have led to increased scrutiny of traditional snack options and created a demand for healthier, health-conscious products.

Healthier and More Diverse Options

In addition to addressing health concerns, the potato chips industry is expanding its portfolio to include innovative and nutrient-rich alternatives. Key trends include:

• Vegetable Chips: Made from ingredients like carrots, beets, and parsnips, offering a nutrient-rich alternative.
• Pulses and Grain-Based Chips: Incorporating lentils, chickpeas, and quinoa for higher protein and fiber content.
• Gluten-Free Options: Catering to consumers with dietary restrictions.
• Global Flavors: Introducing exotic seasonings such as kimchi, sriracha, and Mediterranean spices.

As consumers increasingly prioritize nutrition, these innovations highlight how the industry is evolving to balance indulgence, convenience, and health.

The growing awareness of these health risks has prompted the potato chips industry to invest in research and development and innovate healthier alternatives. Key responses include:

• Baked Chips: Lower-fat options to replace traditional fried chips.
• Reduced-Sodium Recipes: Employing alternative seasonings and advanced techniques to cut sodium without sacrificing flavor.
• Low-Acrylamide Processes: Adjusting frying methods and potato varieties to minimize acrylamide formation.
• Nitrogen Flushing: Using advanced packaging methods to extend shelf-life while maintaining freshness.
• Portion Control Packaging: Offering smaller packs to help consumers regulate their intake.

These strategies reflect the industry's commitment to mitigating health risks while maintaining the appeal of potato chips.

The MOQ for private label chips depends on the level of customization and the manufacturer:

• Small Batches: Some manufacturers can produce as low as 5,000–10,000 bags for startups.
• Standard Production: Most suppliers set MOQs at 30,000–50,000 bags.
• Large-Scale Production: For highly customized recipes or partnerships with major manufacturers, MOQs start at 100,000 bags.

1. Europa PL

Europa Private Labels, headquartered in Greece, specializes in the development and production of premium private label beverages and food products. With expertise in energy drinks, hydration solutions, soft drinks, and a growing range of food items, Europa PL is now expanding into the snack sector, offering private label potato chips crafted to meet your brand’s unique requirements. Backed by a strong focus on research, quality, and customer support, Europa transforms your product ideas into successful market-ready offerings.

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2. Guangdong Yusheng Food Co., Ltd

Yusheng Food Industrial Co., Ltd., based in China, is a trusted producer of high-quality snack foods designed to satisfy global consumer tastes. Their diverse product portfolio includes crispy potato chips, shrimp chips, and corn puffs, and all available for private label partnerships. With a dedication to consistent quality and customer satisfaction, Yisheng is a reliable partner for sourcing custom-branded snack solutions, including flavorful private label potato chips.

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3. Golden Snack s.r.o.

Golden Snack s.r.o., located in the Czech Republic, is a renowned manufacturer and distributor of savory snacks including pellet snacks, crackers, popcorn, savory sticks, and potato chips. They offer both branded and private label options, catering to international clients seeking high-quality snack products. Golden Snack focuses on using premium ingredients to deliver delicious and healthier snack alternatives, including private label potato chips tailored to your market needs.

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4. Preziosi Food

Based in southern Italy, Preziosi Food is a leading innovator in the snack food industry with a strong emphasis on quality and sustainability. Their product range features potato chips, extruded snacks, and unique surprise snacks for children. Preziosi Food offers private label potato chips, combining Italian quality and innovation to help brands expand their snack offerings with confidence.

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5. SnackCo of America

SnackCo of America, located in Logan, Utah, is a family-owned business specializing in the production of premium snack foods. Their lineup includes potato chips, kettle chips, popcorn, and tortilla chips, all made with top-tier ingredients. SnackCo offers comprehensive private label solutions, allowing partners to create their own brand of potato chips and other snacks backed by decades of industry expertise and ethical manufacturing practices.

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The private label potato chips market offers a real opportunity for brands that want to carve out their own space in the snack aisle. With a wide range of flavors, healthier ingredient options, and packaging formats available, it’s easier than ever to launch a chip brand that feels fresh and original. From regional flavor trends to the rise of influencer-led products, chips continue to be a crowd-pleaser with room for creativity and personalization.

Whether you’re a retailer looking to boost your in-house offerings or an entrepreneur testing your first food product, private label chips give you flexibility without compromising on quality. The key is finding the right manufacturing partner and focusing on a product that reflects your audience’s taste and values. With the right groundwork, you can create something memorable, something that people reach for again and again. Chips aren’t just snacks anymore. They’re a brand-building platform waiting to be explored.