17 Best Pringles Flavors + 3 Tasty Alternatives

Diana Barkley (Senior Editor)

Potato chips are a matter of taste, but if you’ve ever had Pringles, you’ve probably enjoyed them. Brought to market in 1968 as a stackable potato chip creation, they were innovative then and are still a little crazy today. Here you’ll find the best and worst pringles flavors you need to try.

From regular flavors to special editions, there are some flavors you’ll instantly recognize, and others that will really raise eyebrows.

In this article, we delve into what makes Pringles so unique, how they came to be, which flavors you should definitely try, and which ones are a little on the weirder side.

What to Know about Pringles Flavors

What to Know about Pringles Flavors

Pringles actually didn’t taste very good when they were first created — it took several years to come up with the shape, and still longer to come up with the flavoring.

The flavors are more pronounced on one side so your tongue hits the taste just as you put the chip in your mouth.

There are some other fun facts about Pringles, for example: the little character on the packaging is called ‘Julius Pringles’.

Brad Pitt once starred in a Pringles commercial, and there are Pringles shapes hidden all over the packaging — you just have to find them.

Pringles were also not originally called ‘Pringles’ — they were ‘Newfangled Potato Chips’, which thankfully didn’t stick around.

Perhaps one of the weirdest, slightly macabre facts about Pringles is the way the inventor was buried when he passed away: You may have guessed it already at this point, but Fredric Baur was buried in a can of Original flavor Pringles.

In fairness, it’s nothing if not economical, and it gave him the ‘last laugh’, so to speak, as you’ll see in the Pringles invention story a little below.

Origin of Pringles

Origin of Pringles

Pringles were invented by Procter & Gamble in the 1950s. They decided to try and develop potato chips that aren’t greasy, easily breakable, or become stale after consumer complained.

They succeeded by the mid ‘60s, and Pringles were first marketed in 1968.

What makes Pringles unique is their shape and the design of the container tube. They’re popular across the world for their crispness and lack of grease.

Pringles, as you’ll see below, aren’t 100 percent potato chips. They’re made of a mixed dough, which is cooked in a special machine, instead.

Who Invented Pringles

Who Invented Pringles

There’s some controversy around this question. The original inventor of Pringles and creator of the shape and packaging was Frederic Baur.

Sadly, his chips didn’t taste very good, and he was pulled off the project after two years of development.

Procter & Gamble researcher Alexander Liepa was tasked with re-starting his work some years later, and made the chips palatable.

Liepa is officially credited with their invention on the patent, but Baur specified that he wanted to be buried in a can of Pringles after his death. So in some ways, he is still much better known for his association with the popular chips brand.

Meanwhile, science fiction author Gene Wolfe helped with the development of the chips’ cooking machine. So they’re truly a futuristic invention, and have stayed so over the past 60-odd years. No other chips are really quite like them.

Ingredients of Pringles

Ingredients of Pringles

Pringles aren’t actually made of just potatoes. Their dough recipe includes a mixture of dehydrated potatoes, corn, wheat, and rice. They also include vegetable oil, salt, and a mixture of natural and artificial flavoring.

Some flavors apparently include sweeteners, MSG, and a variety of other ingredients. Interestingly, while Pringles feel less greasy in your hands and mouth, they actually contain more saturated fats and sugars than regular potato chips.

As far as health is concerned, Pringles aren’t all that healthy. A 1 oz serving contains an average of 160 calories, which is the same as a serving of Lay’s.

So really, you’ll want to buy Pringles for the taste and experience. Don’t buy them for any perceived health benefits you might think you’re getting from Pringles being less greasy.

The Best Pringles Flavors You Need to Try

The Best Pringles Flavors You Need to Try

With 166 flavors and counting, it would probably take you quite a while to go through every can of Pringles to find out which is best. Here we rank the ultimate top flavors that you must try. Starting with an all-time fan favorite.

Sour Cream and Onion

One of The Best Flavors: Sour Cream and Onion

Sour Cream and Onion is perhaps the most popular Pringles flavor of all time. It pairs the tangy flavor of sour cream with zingy green onion. Whether you lick the flavor off these chips first or devour them in one go, they’re sure to delight. Try these with a spicy tomato salsa.

Cheddar Cheese

Pringles Flavor Cheddar Cheese Is One of The Best

Cheddar Cheese Pringles are actually made with cheddar and blue cheese. They apparently no longer use artificial flavoring or dye, making these reasonably alright for you.

That aside, cheddar cheese Pringles taste great with just about any dip, but we especially like them with guacamole or a spicy tomato salsa.

Wendy’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich

If you like a Wendy’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich, you’ll enjoy these as they taste like the breading on the chicken. They have a lovely peppery flavor that’s hot but not too hot.

Top tip: apparently the underside of the tabs on these has a code for a free Wendy’s spicy chicken sandwich. Enjoy these with a nice ranch dip.

The Weirdest Pringles Flavors

The Weirdest Pringles Flavors

For every delicious, finger-licking Pringles flavor there’s bound to be some that are just a little strange. Below is a list of the all-time strangest flavors we’ve come across.

This in no way means they’re bad (minus number 2, which is truly horrifying) — so do try some of these for yourself.

Everything Bagel

If you love a bagel, you might enjoy these. As far as chips flavors go, they are a little bit weird. They’re meant to taste like bagels with poppy seeds and cream cheese. If you enjoy an ‘everything’ bagel, these are for you, though they did make us wonder a little.

White Chocolate Peppermint

White Chocolate Peppermint

These were described as ‘toothpaste on chips’, which is essentially enough said. They taste like potato chips which have been dunked in minty mouthwash, minus the sogginess. Truly, the weirdest (and worst) Pringles flavor ever. Do not buy these.

Honey Mustard

Honey Mustard Pringles have really mixed reviews. Essentially, you either love or hate them. Some say they taste a little too heavy on the honey, while others love the mix of sweet and salty flavors. They’re not a weird flavor as such, but they do taste very strange to some.

The Original Pringles Flavors

The Original Pringles Flavors

Up until the 80s, Pringles actually only had one flavor available in America, listed at number 1 here. Their other ‘originals’ followed after, though some have become standard since. Here we list the very first original flavor, plus the most common ones still available across the US.

Pringles ‘Original’

Pringles ‘Original’

Original flavor Pringles are still amongst the most popular, and for good reason.

They taste of potatoes with a hint of salt. These are perfect on their own, or paired with your favorite dip.

Fun fact: they’re also the chips packet the original inventor chose to be buried in, which is a little weird but humorous all the same.

Salt and Vinegar

If you enjoy sour flavors, these are for you. They pair a wonderfully tart combination of salt and vinegar flavoring. Try these with a more mellow dip, such as sourcream or a mild ranch.

Sour Cream and Onion

One Of The Original Flavors: Sour Cream and Onion

As already mentioned above, these are a firm fan favorite for just about anyone who loves Pringles. They feature tangy sour cream flavoring alongside a tasty ‘bite’ of green onions.

Cheddar Cheese

Another fan favorite, Cheddar Cheese Pringles are loaded with delicious cheese flavors. They’re great on their own or paired with a tangy salsa.

Ranch

Ranch-flavored Pringles are exactly what it says on the tube: chips with a ranch dressing flavoring. They’re described as a ‘Pringles flavor classic’, and are popular across the Pringles-fandom.

BBQ

BBQ

Did you know? BBQ chips are always popular, but especially so when they’re Pringles. These pair well with a variety of creamy or spicy dips. They’re just a little smoky with a lovely tangy flavor. Essentially they’re just what you’d expect from a barbecue flavor.

Hot and Spicy

Hot and Spicy

This flavor packs a punch. It’s spicy yet smokey, with a good hint of garlic. They’re not quite as hot as other flavors, so you may wish to pair them with a good spicy salsa if you like things extra spicy.

Loaded Baked Potato

Loaded Baked Potato-flavor Pringles are described by some as a mix of original flavor Pringles paired with cheddar and sour cream.

As such, they blend some of the all-time best selling Pringles, making them a firm fan favorite. Sadly at time of writing, these have actually been discontinued, but there is a petition to bring them back.

Hot Pringles Flavors

Hot Pringles Flavors

If you like a spicy chip, you’re not alone. One survey in the US showed that nearly 75 percent of Americans prefer their food with some hot sauce on it.

It goes without saying that spicy chips are equally popular. Pringles have quite a few spicy chips in their vast selection. Here are our favorite ones.

Las Meras Meras Habaneras

Pringles meets grilled habanero peppers and lime. These are perfect for your next cocktail party or Mexican dinner night. They’re spicy with just a hint of acidity. Whip up a big batch of guacamole and enjoy it with Pringles Las Meras Meras Habaneras.

Hot and Spicy

Hot and Spicy

As mentioned above, Hot and Spicy Pringles are a (sort of) original fan favorite. They’re not overly spicy, so they pair very well with a hot salsa or chili-based dip. Why not serve up a selection of all the spiciest Pringles and see which ones your guests like best?

Scorchin’ Chips — Xtreme Buffalo

Scorchin’ Chips — Xtreme Buffalo

These are buffalo-flavored Pringles but with plenty of heat. Some say these are actually a little bit too spicy.

If that’s you, pair them with a nice cooling ranch or sour cream dip, and enjoy. And if you like it hot, add some pickled jalapenos alongside your dip.

Tasty Alternatives to Pringles

Tasty Alternatives to Pringles

If you’re through the 166 different flavors (is that even possible?) and want to try something else, there are plenty of alternatives available:

According to statistics, the top 3 chips brands in America are Pringles, Ruffles, and, at number 1, Lay’s.

And if those aren’t enough, our number 3 will certainly have you licking your fingers.

Lay’s

Lay’s

Did you know? Lay’s are arguably America’s number 1 chips brand. That’s unsurprising, as they have had a whopping 316 flavors since their inception.

Some of the current favorites include Classic, Crispy Xtra, Mediterranean, Paprika, Xtra Bacon, and Artisan. Some of their more unusual flavors include Cucumber, Fries’n Gravy, and even Roasted Seaweed.

The latter is a Chinese creation, so you’re unlikely to get it back home, but it’s definitely worth a mention.

Ruffles

Ruffles

Another very popular chips brand is Ruffles. They include flavors such as Flamin’ Hot Cheddar & Sour Cream, Jalapeño Ranch, Cheddar & Sour Cream, Flamin’ Hot, Original, Sour Cream & Onion, and more.

Ruffles are, apparently, favored if you enjoy a good dip. Their ridged texture means they’re more stable for dipping into sauces and creams. Pringles have less breakage thanks to their unique packaging.

Doritos

A Tasty Alternative: Doritos

Doritos are popular across much of the world, and boast over 100 flavors over the years.

They have standard flavors including Nacho Cheese, Tangy Cheese, Cool Ranch, and Spicy Nacho, and crazier varieties such as Ranch-Dipped Chicken Wings, Late-Night Cheeseburger, and, bizarrely, Mountain Dew.

Doritos are great with a variety of dips, particularly salsas, guacamole, and, of course, nacho cheese dip.

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