Review: Frito Lay - Ruffles Ultimate Sweet & Smokin' BBQ Potato Chips

Ruffles have ridges and Ruffles Ultimate have really big ridges. Frito Lay's Ruffles Ultimate Sweet & Smokin' BBQ potato chips are one of two new bigger, bolder Ruffles brand potato chips.

They retail for $4.29 for a 9-ounce bag in my area, but I nabbed it on sale for an even $2.00.

You might think these are like Wavy Lay's, but whereas Wavy Lay's feel like Lay's with ridges, Ruffles Ultimate are slightly thicker with a more substantial crunch; similar to, but not quite the same as a kettle-cooked chip. It's not as oily as a kettle chip though. Also, the ridge sides have an almost artificial smoothness; I'd be really curious to see how they cut and fry these up.

Flavorwise, Ruffles Ultimate Sweet & Smokin' BBQ have a lot more seasoning to them. You can tell just by looking at the fairly orange chips. The taste is understandably bolder with a strong brown sugar sweetness, a bit of chipotle spiciness, and a fair bit of smoke. It's a nice combo.

The picture on the bag suggested they be paired with Ruffles Ultimate Beef N' Cheddar dip (even though the dip is not out until July), but I can't imagine that'd be that great a combination with a barbecue flavored chip.

If you're looking for more, bolder barbecue flavor in a chip and a bigger crunch than regular Ruffles, Ruffles Ultimate Sweet & Smokin' BBQ potato chips might be just the thing to bring to your barbecue. If you want something with less barbecue, less sweet, and more potato, I'd go with these.

Nutritional Info - Ruffles Ultimate Sweet & Smokin' BBQ Flavored Potato Chips
Serving Size - 1 oz (28g / about 10 chips)
Calories - 160 (from Fat - 90)
Fat - 9g (Saturated Fat - 1.5g)
Sodium - 190mg
Carbs - 16g (Sugar - 2g)
Protein - 2g