Feature Photo with Brian Kachejian
There was a time when I could sit down with a can of Pringles and finish the entire thing before I even realized what happened. The original flavor was one of the most addictive snacks I had ever tasted. Then came Sour Cream and Onion, Cheddar Cheese, and a few other varieties. Somewhere along the way, however, something changed. Whether it was a change in ingredients, a different recipe, or simply changing tastes as I got older, Pringles never seemed quite as irresistible as they once were.
That got me wondering if some of the newer flavors could capture the magic that I remembered from years ago. So I headed to the store and picked up several varieties, including some newer releases and a few flavors that have gained popularity in recent years. The goal was simple: find out which Pringles flavor deserves a place in your shopping cart and which ones can stay on the shelf.
A Brief History Of Pringles
Pringles first arrived on store shelves in 1968 and quickly became one of the most recognizable snack brands in America. Unlike traditional potato chips, Pringles are made from a mixture of dehydrated potatoes and other ingredients that are formed into their famous uniform shape. Their unique packaging, stackable design, and consistent texture helped make them a snack aisle icon.
Over the decades, Pringles expanded far beyond the original flavor. Today the brand offers dozens of varieties ranging from traditional favorites to bold experimental flavors designed to attract adventurous snack lovers.
#5 Smoky Bacon Pringles
Score: 3 Out Of 10
This one surprised me.
The Smoky Bacon flavor delivered the strongest flavor of any Pringles in this taste test. One bite and it immediately announced its presence. The problem was that I simply did not enjoy the flavor profile.
The smoky taste was extremely heavy, almost like burnt bacon. While I appreciate bold flavors, this one felt overpowering. There was certainly no shortage of seasoning, but it was not a flavor that made me want to reach for a second handful.
#4 Salt And Vinegar Pringles
Score: 4 Out Of 10
Salt and vinegar is one of the most popular potato chip flavors in the world, so expectations were high.
Unfortunately, these did not deliver the sharp punch that makes great salt and vinegar chips so satisfying. The flavor felt muted and lacked the aggressive vinegar bite that many fans look for.
They were not bad, but compared to stronger competitors in the category, they left me wanting more.
#3 Cheddar And Sour Cream Pringles
Score: 5 Out Of 10
This flavor brought back memories because it was one of the earliest Pringles varieties I remember after the original flavor.
The chips were smooth and pleasant, but they lacked the bold flavor I was expecting. Years ago I remember Pringles having a much saltier, more impactful taste. These were easy to eat, but nothing about them really stood out.
A perfectly acceptable snack, but not one I would go out of my way to buy.
#2 Dill Pickle Pringles
Score: 5.8 Out Of 10
I approached this one with some hesitation.
Pickle-flavored snacks seem to be everywhere these days, and sometimes the flavor can be overwhelming. Thankfully, that was not the case here.
The dill pickle seasoning hits you immediately, but it never becomes overpowering. The flavor is unique, balanced, and surprisingly enjoyable. I liked these much more than I expected to.
#1 Honey Mustard Pringles
Score: 6 Out Of 10
The winner of this taste test was Honey Mustard Pringles.
What impressed me most was how much mustard flavor came through. Many honey mustard snacks lean heavily toward sweetness, but these chips placed the emphasis on the mustard while still providing a subtle touch of honey.
The result was a flavor that felt distinct and memorable. Out of all the varieties I sampled, this was the one I would be most likely to buy again.
Final Ranking
- Honey Mustard Pringles – 6/10
- Dill Pickle Pringles – 5.8/10
- Cheddar And Sour Cream Pringles – 5/10
- Salt And Vinegar Pringles – 4/10
- Smoky Bacon Pringles – 3/10
The Winner
Honey Mustard Pringles earned the top spot in this ranking. While none of the flavors completely recreated the magic I remember from the Pringles of my childhood, the Honey Mustard variety offered the most balanced and enjoyable flavor of the bunch. If I were buying another can tomorrow, this would be the one coming home with me.
Watch The Video
The written review tells the story, but the real fun was tasting these flavors. Check out the video below to see my full Pringles taste test and ranking.
If you’re a potato chip lover, be sure to check out some of our other rankings. We’ve sampled everything from classic plain potato chips to sour cream and onion favorites and regional brands that have developed loyal followings over the years. Take a look at our rankings of Hal’s Potato Chip Flavors, Plain Potato Chips, and Sour Cream & Onion Potato Chips to see how some of our favorite chips stacked up against the competition.
