Last Updated on April 15, 2026 by Brian Kay
BBQ Potato Chips Taste Test Big Brands vs Store Brands
Barbecue potato chips have always held a strong place in the snack world, even if they are not always the first flavor people reach for. For me, sour cream and onion usually takes the top spot, especially the old school onion and garlic style chips, but barbecue chips have exploded in popularity over the years, especially with the rise of bold and smoky flavors that younger snack fans seem to gravitate toward.
The challenge with barbecue chips today is that there is no longer just one standard flavor. Every brand brings its own variation, backyard barbecue, honey barbecue, smokehouse barbecue, and everything in between. That makes a true comparison difficult, but instead of narrowing it down, I decided to go the other way. If it said barbecue on the bag, it made the competition.
All of these chips were purchased fresh and tasted side by side with one goal in mind, flavor. No nutritional breakdown, no ingredient debates, just which chip actually delivers the best barbecue taste.
# 6 – Lay’s Barbecue
Expectations were high for Lay’s, especially after performing well in other flavor categories, but this one did not deliver the same way. The flavor leaned more toward a ketchup-style sweetness rather than a traditional barbecue taste. It lacked the boldness of the other chips in the lineup and proved the most disappointing entry in the test.
# 5 – Wise Golden Potato Honey Barbecue
Wise took a different approach with a honey barbecue flavor that softens the intensity and adds a touch of sweetness. The result is a milder chip compared to the others in the test. It is enjoyable, especially for those who prefer a less aggressive flavor, but it does not compete with the stronger, more complex chips in this lineup.
# 4 – Kettle Backyard Barbecue
Kettle brought a thick, crunchy chip that immediately delivered a bold flavor. The barbecue taste hit right away, with a strong, smoky profile that really felt like something cooked outdoors. The texture added to the experience, giving it that heavier crunch kettle style chips are known for. It was a strong chip, just not as strong as the three that finished ahead of it.
# 3 – Good & Gather Mesquite Barbecue
This Target store brand came in with low expectations but quickly made an impression. The barbecue flavor here was even more intense than the Kettle version, with a strong seasoning that stood out right away. It proved to be a real surprise in the contest, finishing third and also standing out as the best buy of the group.
# 2 – Ruffles Smokehouse BBQ
Ruffles came in strong with a thick cut chip and a bold, smoky flavor that immediately stood out. The seasoning hit hard, and the texture gave it even more impact. This was one of the heaviest flavor blasts in the whole lineup, and it clearly earned its place near the top.
# 1 – Deep River Mesquite BBQ
Taking first place in my barbecue potato chip contest was Deep River Mesquite BBQ. I am becoming very impressed with this brand of potato chips. Deep River delivered the most balanced chip in the entire test. The barbecue flavor was not overwhelming but rich, full, and well-developed. This was the kind of chip for someone who does not want an overpowering blast of seasoning but still wants a high-quality barbecue taste. It stood out as the most complete chip in the group and finished as the winner.
Closing Verdict
This taste test delivered one of the more surprising results so far. While the major brands showed up strong, it was Deep River that stood above the rest with a balanced, rich barbecue flavor that did not rely on overpowering seasoning. Ruffles came close with a bold performance, while Good & Gather proved to be the best value in the group. The biggest surprise was seeing Lay’s finish at the bottom, showing that even the most recognized names do not always win.
Watch The Full Taste Test
For the full breakdown, including first bite reactions, comparisons, and the complete ranking, watch the video below and see exactly how each chip performed in real time.
BBQ Potato Chips Taste Test Best Brands Ranked article published on RockinFoodie.com© 2026
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