Ranking four limited-edition Pringles flavors, including Carolina Pulled Pork Barbecue and beer-inspired varieties. Photo by Brian Kachejian
Pringles has spent decades proving that no flavor idea is too unusual to try. While most potato chip companies focus on a handful of classic varieties, Pringles has built a reputation for constantly experimenting with new flavors, limited-edition releases, and creative collaborations. It is one of the reasons the brand remains one of the most recognizable names in the snack food business.
The Pringles story began in 1968, when Procter & Gamble introduced the product as a new type of potato crisp packaged in the now-iconic cylindrical can. The brand was later sold to Kellogg’s in 2012 and has continued to expand its lineup with flavors inspired by everything from international cuisine to barbecue, burgers, wings, and now even beer-inspired recipes. Whether every flavor works is another story, but there is no question that Pringles deserves credit for constantly trying new ideas.
For this taste test, we sampled four limited edition flavors. Three were part of the company’s beer-inspired collection, while the fourth was a Carolina Pulled Pork Barbecue flavor that was too interesting to exclude from the competition. Here is how they ranked.
#4 Beer Battered Onion Rings Pringles
This was the biggest disappointment of the group. The flavor was not unpleasant, but it never really delivered the onion ring experience promised on the can. There was a mild seasoning blend present, but the onion flavor remained subtle throughout. After a second taste, it still felt more like a lightly seasoned potato chip than anything resembling a beer battered onion ring.
Score: 4 out of 10
#3 Beer Cheeseburger Pringles
The Beer Cheeseburger flavor delivered a much stronger experience. The first bite revealed multiple layers of flavor that arrived one after another. Ketchup appeared first, followed by cheese and then a savory meat flavor. It was one of the more complex chips in the lineup and definitely captured the spirit of a cheeseburger. While enjoyable, it could not quite match the stronger overall flavor of our second place finisher.
Score: 6.8 out of 10
#2 Beer Braised Steak Pringles
This flavor immediately announced itself with a pronounced steak flavor that paired surprisingly well with the Pringles base. The seasoning was balanced and flavorful without becoming overpowering. Unlike some novelty chips that rely on gimmicks, this one actually tasted like what it claimed to be. The savory beef flavor made this one of the easiest cans to keep reaching into.
Score: 7 out of 10
#1 Carolina Pulled Pork Barbecue Pringles
The clear winner of the taste test was Carolina Pulled Pork Barbecue. From the first bite, the flavor exploded across the palate with a bold barbecue profile that genuinely suggested pulled pork. It was the strongest and most convincing flavor of the group. If given the choice of taking home only one can, this would be the easy selection.
Score: 8 out of 10
Final Ranking
- Carolina Pulled Pork Barbecue Pringles
- Beer Braised Steak Pringles
- Beer Cheeseburger Pringles
- Beer Battered Onion Rings Pringles
The Winner
Carolina Pulled Pork Barbecue Pringles wins this competition thanks to its bold flavor, immediate impact, and impressive ability to capture the taste its name suggests. While the Beer Braised Steak flavor also performed well, the Carolina Pulled Pork Barbecue variety simply delivered a more satisfying overall snacking experience.
MigraineWatch Our Limited Edition Pringles Taste Test
Pringles continues to prove that few snack brands are willing to take as many creative risks. Some experiments work better than others, but trying unusual flavors is part of what makes the brand so much fun. Watch our complete taste test video below to see our reactions to all four flavors and find out how the final rankings came together.
More Snack Reviews From RockinFoodie
If you enjoyed this Pringles taste test, be sure to check out our other snack reviews and rankings, including our Candy Taste Tests & Rankings hub, Potato Chip Taste Tests & Rankings hub, Cookie Taste Tests & Rankings hub, and Snack Cake Taste Tests hub. We are constantly sampling new products to help readers discover which snacks are worth the money.
