I’m a self-proclaimed salt and vinegar chip expert. What credentials do I have? The scars on my mouth and bank account speak for themselves. I'm a fiend for the salty, tangy and sometimes sweet coddle of flavour on the tongue. Daughter, friend, S&V lover is the legacy I will leave on this planet.
Strength of flavour matters, sure. But it goes deeper than that. The crunch factor, the texture, and even the packaging all play a part in securing the status of the ultimate salt and vinegar chip. But the key to a well-rounded salt and vinegar diet is to choose your fighter wisely. And, more often than not, occasion dictates the decision. Make these your go-to for each different snacking scenario.
The Impresser: Great Uncle Kenny’s Amazing Snackachangi Chips Vinegar & Salt
A newcomer to the Australian chip game, and my kitchen cabinet, this Kiwi brand has come out swinging since landing on our shores last year. As the name suggests, vinegar is the forward ingredient here. The corrugated cut is second to none. Honestly, no notes. And for around $5.95 for 150 grams, they won’t break the snack bank. Pull these out when you want to impress your mates – I promise you’ll convert the whole group before the packet is empty.
Special Occasions Only: Chappy’s x Fin Wines Red Wine Vinegar
I’ve been manifesting this one. The universe delivered. Yarra Valley natty bunch Fin Wines gifted Chappy’s boss (and former Movida chef) Harry Stephens a batch of red wine vinegar from its Le Vin Du Rosier for this crunchy collab. The Chappy’s range was noticeably missing a salt and vinegar entry, and I’m hoping for a permanent post for this limited-edition chip. Until then, I’m treating these like Elaine from Seinfeld treats her favourite contraceptive sponges: buy in bulk and deploy only on the worthy.
The Picnic: The Good Crisp Company Sea Salt & Vinegar
I like to think of these as the ultimate beach or picnic chips. They come in a self-contained vessel with a lid, which makes for easy transportation and portion control. The saddle-shaped cut – a hyperbolic paraboloid if you want to get technical – is perfectly uniform and stacked throughout the pack. The mouthfeel is crunchy, but the smooth edges remove any fear of injury. They have an almost baked texture, although according to the brand they’re “currently lightly fried”. Give me a really cold wedge of watermelon as a palate cleanser and I’m a happy camper.
The Comfort King: Red Rock Deli Sea Salt & Balsamic Vinegar
A true treat. Sophisticated some might say. The sweet, almost syrupy notes of balsamic disrupted the S&V game and spurred a raft of dupes. And while some of these copycats are worthy opponents, Red Rock is still the king. It’s the thrill of the curled-up crispy bits and the moreish salty-sweetness that finds me suddenly staring into an empty packet after a long day. A comfort chip best eaten on the couch, in the bath or even broken into on the drive home from the supermarket.
The Road Tripper: Samboy Salt & Vinegar
Nostalgia alone cements Samboy as the road trip chip in my mind. Or any form of travel really – they often linger around train stations and convenience stores, so it checks out. It’s the lick-your-fingers (and bottom of the foil bag) seasoning that does it for me. A solid crinkle and just the right amount of crunch. Queue up a dramatic playlist, stare out the window and have your main character moment while your tongue fizzes in the most delightful way.
The Girl Dinner: Thins Salt & Vinegar
A bit of a sleeper hit on my palate, my fondness for Thins Salt & Vinegar flavour comes from living in Germany, where 97 per cent of the chip aisle is taken up with packets of paprika-flavoured crisps. For three years, I hoarded Lays Salt & Vinegar whenever they appeared in my local supermarket. This is the closest imitation I’ve found since moving home. Best served with some juicy Sicilian olives and a Negroni a la Italian aperitivo hour. Girl dinner at its finest.
The Party Starter: Proper Crisps Big Cut Dill Pickle & Apple Cider Vinegar
A second Kiwi brand for this list. There must be something in the soil over there. Not for the faint-hearted, Proper Crisps combine my great loves: pickles and salt and vinegar. The brand’s Big Cut style of chip offers the perfect surface area for zingy apple cider to dance around with herby dill. It also creates a solid vessel for toppings – a schmear of cream cheese and a curl of smoked salmon makes for a party-starter snack your guests won’t forget easily.
