Private Label Chips

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.


The Rise of Private Label and Influencer Brands
While the chips market has traditionally been dominated by large brands like Lay’s and Pringles, private label chips have seen significant growth in recent years. Retailers and smaller brands are leveraging the opportunity to offer unique flavors and healthier alternatives, appealing to consumers seeking differentiation from legacy products.

The newest emerging trend is the rise of influencer brands in the chips category. With chips being a fun, versatile, and universally loved product, influencers are tapping into the market to create their own branded snacks. This trend opens up exciting opportunities for collaboration between manufacturers and influencers to produce chips with unique branding and market appeal.

In this article, we explore how private label chips and influencer-driven products are reshaping the industry, the latest trends, and how brands can successfully launch their own line. We also highlight Torg’s top pick suppliers, who bring expertise and innovation to help make your chips vision a reality.


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


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.


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.


Asia
Asian chips often incorporate local ingredients and seasonings. In Japan, exotic flavors like wasabi, soy sauce and 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.


Similar Foods 
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. 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.


Industry Responses to Health Concerns
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.


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.

Production Methods and Insights 
Launching a potato chip brand requires understanding the various production methods, as these influence the product's texture, flavor, and market appeal. Here’s an overview of the key processes involved in manufacturing potato chips:


Production Methods

1. Deep Frying: The most common method, where thinly sliced potatoes are fried in hot oil using a continuous process. This method produces the classic crispy texture consumers love.
2. Kettle-Cooking: A batch process where potatoes are fried in smaller batches, often at varying temperatures. This creates a thicker, crunchier chip with a rustic appeal.
3. Air Frying and Baking: Health-conscious consumers favor chips produced with these methods, as they use less oil or none at all. These techniques often include fat substitutes for taste retention.

Flavoring Techniques
After cooking, chips are seasoned using tumbling drums or spray flavoring. Popular flavor profiles range from classic salted and cheese varieties to more innovative options like truffle, kimchi, and even dessert-inspired flavors. Natural herbs, spices, and dehydrated potato flour are used for unique, bold tastes.


Packaging Innovations
Packaging plays a critical role in preserving freshness. Modern methods like nitrogen flushing replace oxygen in bags, preventing oxidation and staleness. Additionally, resealable pouches and eco-friendly materials are increasingly popular, aligning with sustainability trends.

By mastering these production methods, brands can offer high-quality chips tailored to consumer preferences, ensuring a competitive edge in the thriving snack market.

Launching a private label chips brand can be a rewarding venture, but it requires strategic planning and the right partners. Here’s how to get started:


Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs)
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.

Customization and Innovation
The level of customization determines production complexity. Creating unique recipes or using innovative ingredients like pulses or grains often requires more extensive R&D, impacting MOQs and lead times.


Finding the Right Manufacturer
Torg’s platform offers access to thousands of chips manufacturers, allowing buyers to filter by MOQs, certifications, and ingredient preferences. This ensures you find a supplier that aligns with your business goals.

Here are some of the top suppliers featured on Torg’s platform, known for their innovation and expertise in the chips industry:


Rice Up
Rice Up specializes in healthy, rice-based chips, catering to the growing demand for gluten-free and grain-based snacks. Their focus on sustainability and minimal processing makes them a preferred choice for health-conscious brands.


Yellow Chips
Yellow Chips is a leader in vegetable chips production, offering a wide range of products made from carrots, beets, and parsnips. Known for their vibrant flavors and eco-friendly practices, they are ideal for brands seeking unique and sustainable options.


Andean Chips
Andean Chips brings the rich flavors of South America to the global market. Specializing in cassava, plantain, tortilla and quinoa chips, they combine traditional methods with modern technology, making them perfect for brands focused on authenticity.


Brands Xpansion
Brands Xpansion offers versatile solutions for private label chips, including potato chips and healthier alternatives. With flexible MOQs and a commitment to quality, they’re a great partner for startups and established brands alike.

The private label chips market is thriving, fueled by consumer demand for healthier, innovative, and sustainable snacks. Whether you’re looking to create vegetable chips, grain-based options, or unique flavors, the opportunity for growth is immense.

By partnering with experienced suppliers like Rice Up, Yellow Chips, Andean Chips, and Brands Xpansion, brands can successfully launch their own private label products. Torg makes it easy to connect with these manufacturers, helping you bring your vision to life.
Ready to make your mark in the chips industry? Explore Torg’s extensive database today and start sourcing smarter.