I did a double-take when I walked by the potato chip selection at Calgary’s Sunnyside Market. Hardbite’s folksy packaging has clearly had a major update, and this was my first time seeing it.
Overcome with a sudden hankering for chips, I picked up a flavour that was new to me: Schezwan Peppercorn.
My Hardbite experience has been mixed – their Creamy Coconut and Curry Oriental potato chips didn’t do anything for me, though I eventually tried at least one or two other flavours that were decent enough – so I crossed my fingers and hoped for the best.
The Pitch: Like many new-wave potato chips, there’s some back story on the packaging. “Farmer grown • farmer owned,” says the banner at the top of the package. The back blurb explains that the potatoes used to make the chips are grown by the folks who make the chips, leading to a level of supply-chain integration one doesn’t often see in potato-chip making. Other big selling points: no MSG, gluten-free, no trans fats, handmade, no cholesterol, non-GMO and, most unequivocally, “NO ARTIFICIAL ANYTHING.” I like that line.
The Look: Nice new packaging, despite the odd choice to use a location-labelled photo of the “Cariboo Mountains, B.C.” on a bag of Schezwan-flavoured chips.
The Taste: The chip base – a crisp, thick, crunchy slice of potato – is the best part of these. They’re a bit too oily, but the flavour is otherwise interesting. Spicy peppercorn and onion/garlic dominate, and yes, there are definitely taste elements reminiscent of Chinese takeout. There must be some ginger in the overly generic “spices” line item on the ingredients listing. Also, strange but true: after I eat a bunch of these, I smell a faint odour of skunk whenever I breathe in. Why?
—
RATINGS AND DETAILS
Cost: $3.49 at Sunnyside Market in Calgary.
Value for cash money: Not bad.
Availability: Not widespread. Check natural food markets, etc.
Nutrition?: Per 20 chips (40 grams): 210 calories, 12 grams of fat, 230 mg of sodium, 2 grams of fibre, 2 grams of protein.
The verdict: I can’t say these are my favourite chips, of that I’d even buy a bag again, but I appreciate the flavour. It’s unique, not too bad at all, and has me craving a box of stir-fried noodles. That’s the first time a bowl of potato chips has ever had that effect on me.
so, it begs the question…..what are your favourite chips?
Aha! That’s quite the question. On some days, I just can’t say no to Old Dutch Ketchup chips. On other days, I’m all about Kettle Brand Honey Dijon. I used to like the Spicy Thai chips from Kettle when you could still find them in Alberta; they were genuinely spicy, with a heat that built over time, chip-by-chip. Haven’t seen them in quite some time, though.
How about you? Any favourites? 🙂
I like Kettle chips, too. I have a real soft spot for all things vinegar so I do like the salt and vinegar. For a lighter chip, I also really like their baked chips. I think they are much better than other baked chips, say, like Lays.
I also like the covered bridge chips too. Their dill is a strong dill as is their S&V.