Lay's

Product type Potato chips
Owner PepsiCo
Country United States
Introduced 1932
Related brands Frito-Lay
Wavy Lays
K.C. Masterpiece
Lay's WOW chips
Lay's Stax
Walkers (snack foods)
Markets World
Previous owners 1932-1961 Lays
1961–1965 Frito-Lay Inc.
1965-PepsiCo, Inc.
Website Official website

Lay's (also known as Walkers in the United Kingdom and Ireland, Smith's in Australia, Chipsy[1] in Egypt, Poca in Vietnam, Tapuchips in Israel,[2] Margarita in Colombia, Katkoot in Kuwait and Sabritas in Mexico; formerly known as Hostess in Canada until 1996) is the brand name for a number of potato chip varieties as well as the name of the company that founded the chip brand in 1932. Lay's has been owned by PepsiCo since 1965. Other brands in the Frito-Lay group include Fritos, Doritos, Ruffles, Cheetos, Rold Gold pretzels, Munchos, Funyuns, and Sun Chips.

History

In 1932, salesman Herman Lay opened a snack food operation in Dorset, Ohio; and, in 1938, he purchased the Atlanta, Georgia, potato chip manufacturer "Barrett Food Company", renaming it "H.W. Lay Lingo & Company." Lay criss-crossed the southern United States, selling the product from the trunk of his car.

The business shortened its name to "the Lay's Lay Lingo Company" in 1944 and became the first snack food manufacturer to purchase television commercials, with Bert Lahr as a celebrity spokesman.[3]

In 1961, the Frito Company founded by Derrick Lothert and Lay's merged to form Frito-Lay Inc., a snack food giant with combined sales of over $127 million annually, the largest of any manufacturer. Shortly thereafter, Lays introduced its best-known slogan "betcha can't eat just one." Sales of the chips became international, with marketing assisted by a number of celebrity endorsers.

In 1965, Frito-Lay merged with the Pepsi-Cola Company to form PepsiCo, Inc. A new formulation of chip was introduced in 1991 that was crisper and kept fresher longer. Shortly thereafter, the company introduced the "Wavy Lays" products to grocery shelves. In the mid to late 1990s, Lay's introduced a lower calorie baked version and a variety that was completely fat-free (Lay's WOW chips containing the fat substitute olestra).

In the 2000s, kettle-cooked brands appeared as did a processed version called Lay's Stax that was intended to compete with Pringles, and the company began introducing a variety of additional flavor variations.

Frito-Lay products currently control 59% of the United States savory snack-food market.[4]

International

After Thin's was sold to Snack Brands Australia (Owned by Arnotts), Smith's produced a line of potato chips under the Lay's brand for a brief period of time. The Lay's line was eventually rebranded in 2004 as Smith's Crisps, while the traditional Smith's line was renamed Smith's Crinkles. This is still sold in Australia as a direct competitor to Smith's Crisps.

Flavors

North America

Lay's Barbecue-flavored potato chips, which appeared in 1958, was the only flavor available in the United States other than the conventional salted chip until the introduction of Sour Cream & Onion in the late 1970s.

In the United States, Lay's offers a number of flavor combinations, in addition to the classic chips. Flavored products in the traditional fried varieties include Sour Cream & Onion, Barbecue, Cheddar & Sour Cream, Hidden Valley Ranch, Salt & Pepper, Flamin' Hot, Limón, and a thicker "Deli style" chip. The WOW! brand was rebranded in 2004 as Lay's Light after the olestra formula was altered and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration allowed removal of warnings about various health consequences of the fat substitute. Other potato chip flavors offered by Lay's are Garden Tomato and Basil, Honey Barbecue, Sweet Southern Heat Barbecue, Tapatio Limon, Simply Sea Salt Thick Cut, and Dill Pickle Brand (Only found in Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Utah, Wisconsin, and Minnesota). Lay's has occasionally solicited new flavor ideas through its 'Do Us a Flavor' promotions. The 2013 contest produced three new flavors: sriracha, chicken and waffles, and cheesy garlic bread. Cheesy garlic bread was chosen as the winner and was added to the lineup, however the other flavors remain on sale in some regions. Another round of 'Do Us a Flavor' was launched in 2014. The flavors include Cheddar Bacon Mac & Cheese, Kettle Cooked Wasabi Ginger, Wavy Mango Salsa, and Cappuccino. Kettle Cooked Wasabi Ginger was chosen as the winner. The 2015 finalists include Kettle Cooked Greektown Gyro, New York Reuben, Southern Biscuits & Gravy, and Wavy West Coast Truffle Fries. Southern Biscuits & Gravy was crowned the winner.

The following Lay's flavors are available nationally in Canada: Classic, Lightly Salted, Wavy Original, Dill Pickle, BBQ, Ketchup, Salt & Vinegar, Smoky Bacon, Sea Salt & Pepper, and Cheddar & Sour Cream. There are also a number of regional flavors, including Fries & Gravy and Roast Chicken (available in Atlantic Canada), Sour Cream & Onion (available in Ontario, Atlantic Canada, Western Canada) and Wavy Smoky BBQ and Wavy Old Fashioned Ketchup (available in Western Canada). Other varieties available nationally include Baked Lay's, Lay's Kettle Cooked and Lay's Stax.

In 2013, Lay's ran a 'Do Us A Flavour' contest in Canada, with four flavors chosen as finalists: Creamy Garlic Caesar, Perogy Platter, Grilled Cheese And Ketchup, and Maple Moose. Maple Moose was chosen as the winner, but discontinued in February 2014 due to low sales.[5]

In 2014, Lay's ran a second 'Do Us A Flavour' contest in Canada, with a new batch of finalists: Bacon Poutine, Cinnamon Bun, Jalapeño Mac N' Cheese, and Tzatziki.[6] Jalapeño Mac N' Cheese was chosen as the winner.[7]

In 2015, Lay's is currently running a third 'Do Us A Flavour' contest in Canada, with four new flavors chosen as finalists: Cowboy BBQ Beans, Butter Chicken, Montreal Smoked Meat, and PEI Scalloped Potatoes.[8]

The following Lay's (called Sabritas) are available nationally in Mexico: Original, Ruffles, Tostitos, Doritos, Cheetos, Pake-Taxo, Japoneses (peanuts), Cheetos Poffets, Rancheritos, Adobados, Frit-os, Churrumais, Caseras, Sabritones, Crujitos and Chicharrón Clásico.

Europe

There are a number of unique products in the United Kingdom which are sold under the Walkers label, including salt & vinegar, cheese & onion, smokey bacon, prawn cocktail, pickled onion, beef & onion and Marmite. Walkers also ran a 'Do Us A Flavour' promotion that the public vote for the flavor they like the best. Flavors included in the 2010 promotion were: Spanish Chicken Paella, Japanese Teriyaki Chicken, German Bratwurst Sausage, Italian Spaghetti Bolognese, French Garlic Baguette, American Cheeseburger, Brazilian Salsa, Scottish Haggis, Irish Stew, English Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding, Dutch Edam Cheese, Australian BBQ Kangaroo, South African Sweet Chutney, Argentinian Flame Grilled Steak and Welsh Rarebit. The previous winner of this promotion was Builders Breakfast. Current 2014 competition flavor choices include Chip Shop Chicken Curry, Pulled Pork in sticky BBQ sauce, Sizzling Steak Fajita, Cheesy Beans on Toast, Hotdog with Tomato Ketchup and Ranch Raccoon, voting is open until 17 October 2014.

In France, about eight varieties of potato chips are marketed in a number of flavors for a total of approximately thirty products.

In Greece and Cyprus, Lay's are made and packed by Tasty Foods and Corina Snacks LTD, with Mediterranean flavors which include Feta cheese flavor, Tzatziki, Olive and Tomato, Oregano, Sea Salt & Black Pepper and various more. There are hundreds of sub-variations in the Mediterranean line adjusted to each country's liking.

In Germany, Lay's are sold in three varieties: Lay's, Lay's Light and Lay's Sensations (Thai Sweet Chili/Red Paprika/Oven Roasted Chicken and Thyme – [available in Cologne/Aachen only through the German locations of Delhaize). Lay's Super Chips (Heinz Ketchup/Mexican Pepper/Perfect Pickles/Salt 'n' Pepper [all through Delhaize) and Lay's Baked Chips (Mediterranean Herbs/through Delhaize). As with Doritos, Lay's are manufactured, distributed and imported in Germany by Frito Lay's Benelux division, Smith's Food Group. Several flavors as noted above are only available through Delhaize (Belgian supermarket chain)] which has opened 2 locations in Cologne and Aachen.

In the Netherlands, the following flavors are marketed: Lay's (Naturel (Natural), Paprika (Bell Pepper), Cheese Onion, Bolognese Original, Barbecue Ham (Barbecue Bacon), Stokbroodje Kruidenboter Smaak (Baguette with garlic butter flavour), and Pickles) Lay's Super Chips (Naturel (Natural), Paprika (Bell Pepper), Patatje Joppie (French Fries with Joppiesaus), Heinz tomato ketchup, Salt'n Pepper, and Just Paprika (Bell Pepper)), Lay's Sensations (Red Sweet Paprika, Thai Sweet Chili, Mexican Peppers & Cream, Sweet & Spicy Tomato Chutney, and Japanese Teriyaki), Lay's Light (Natural, Paprika (Bell Pepper), and Balsamico), Lay's Oven (Naturel (Natural), Paprika (Bell Pepper), Crispy thins Emmental Cheese, Mediterranean Herbs, Barbecue, Crispy Thins Olive Oil & Herbs, Crunchy Biscuits Tomato & Spring Onion, Crunchy Biscuits Paprika & Mediterranean Herbs (Crunchy Biscuits Bell Pepper & Mediterranean Herbs), and Olive Oil & Herbs), Lay's Deep Ridged (Naturel (Natural), Sweet Chili, American BBQ, and Xtreme Cheese), Lay's Pops (Naturel (Natural), and Paprika (Bell Pepper)), Lay's Sticks (Naturel (Natural), and Paprika (Bell Pepper)), and Lay's Finest (Mixed Pepper & Sea Salt, and Finest Sea Salt). In addition, Lays started a new campaign in 2010 in the Netherlands, in which people can enter a competition to suggest new flavors, resulting in three new flavors being produced, and, after voting, with one of them becoming the winner (the three new flavors being 'Mango Red Chilli', 'Patatje Joppie' and 'Nr. 66 Babi Pangang'). 'Patatje Joppie' became the winner of the competition and is now being sold as limited edition. 'Patatje Joppie' mean French Fries with Joppiesaus. A new campaign added three flavours to the list, called Lay's raad de smaak A, B, and C (Guess the flavour). In Belgium, the same contest was held and their choices were 'Bicky Crisp' and 'Indian Curry Style'. Bicky is a sort of hamburger sauce with mayonnaise, onions and pickles. Bicky Crisp won. In the Netherlands Lays announced another contest to find a new flavor and replace 'Patatje Joppie'.

Russia has "Lay's MAX" chips (Chicken, Sour cream & Onion, Sour cream & Cheese, Ham & cheese flavors) and some international "Lay's" flavors plus Russian specific flavors, including Mushroom & Sour cream, Crab, Red Caviar, Salted Cucumber. In Romania the Lay's flavors are Salt, Paprika, Cheese, Barbecue, Sour Cream & Dill; the Lay's Sensations flavors are: Thai Chili, Baked chicken with lemon and thyme; Lay's Max and Lay's Sticks flavors are: Paprika and Salt.

In Poland, the chips flavors are: Cheese, Green Onion, Chicken with Spices, Salted, Paprika, Hot Green Peppers, Fromage, Cucumber and Guacamole. There is also the Lays Apettite flavor of Cheese and Onion, Classic Salted, Ham and Cheese, Ketchup and Cheese. Lay's Strong: Chilli and Knuckle of Pork and Horseradish. 'Lay's Prosto z pieca' ('Lay's Straight from the Oven') flavors are: Natural Salted, Mediterranean Herbs, Tomato with Basil and Grilled Paprika and lastly the '4 Pory Roku' ('4 Season of the Year') which change flavor every Season. Lay's Appettite Stix: Ketchup, Garlic and Sour Cream Dip. Lay's with flavors: Winter Onion, Piquant Paprika, Creamy Forest Mushroom, Cheese, Salted, Grilled Bacon, Tomato, Onion, Fromage. Lay's Strong: Chilli & Lime, Wasabi, Piri Piri. Lay's Max: Paprika, Salted, Grilled Meat, Cheese & Onion. Oven Baked: Cheese & Onion, Natural. Lay's Stix: Ketchup.

Asia

One flavor sold primarily in southern Asia is called "Magic Masala". This flavor is popular in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. It is also sold in Indian deli stores in Canada and the United States. South Asian Lay's chips are ridged, closely resembling another Frito-Lay brand in North America, Ruffles.

In India, Lay's is available in several flavors: "India's Magic Masala", "American Style Cream & Onion", "Spanish Tomato Tango", "Classic Salted", "West Indies' Hot 'n' Sweet Chili", "Swiss Grilled Cheese" and "Thai Sweet Chilli". A baked variant of Lay's called "Lay's Baked" is available in the following flavors : "Original Salted", "Cream, Herb & Onion" and "Sunkissed Tomato". Lay's Maxx is available in two flavors: Sizzling Barbecue and Macho Chilli. In 2014, Lays was ranked 49th among India's most trusted brands according to the Brand Trust Report 2014, a study conducted by Trust Research Advisory, a brand analytics company.[9]

Flavors featured in Thailand include Nori Seaweed, Basil, Squid, Spicy Chili Squid, Seafood and Mayonnaise, and Spicy Seafood.

In Thailand, there are Classic, Sour Cream & Onion, Cheese & Onion, Mexican Bar-B-Q, and Japanese Nori Seaweed. Temporary international flavors have also been introduced, such as French Mayonnaise, Balsamic Vinegar and Salt (England), Garlic Soft Shelled Crab (Hong Kong), Soy Sauce, Salmon Teriyaki (Japan), Lobster, Bacon & Cheese (America). Other traditional "Thai" flavors include Tom Yum, Thai Chili Paste, Thai Seafood Dip, Chili and Lime.

Lay's China has four ranges of flavors: Cool & Refreshing (Cucumber, Kiwi, Blueberry, Cherry Tomato, and Lime), Classic Flavors (American Classic, Italian Red Meat, Mexican Tomato Chicken, Texas Grilled BBQ, and French Chicken), Intense & Stimulating (Numb & Spicy Hot Pot, and Hot & Sour Fish Soup), and Stax (Authentic Original, Finger Licking Braised Pork, Seafood Barbecue, Spicy Seafood, Tomato, Crispy Roasted Chicken, Black Pepper Rib Eye Steak, Cucumber, Kiwi, Blueberry, and Lime).

Flavors in Vietnam include Original, Brazilian BBQ, Beijing Roasted Duck, Manhattan Steak, Nori, and Mornay Shrimp.

In Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei Darussalam, the flavors are Salmon Teriyaki, Classic Salty, Nori Seaweed, Pizza, Grilled Chicken Paprika, and Fiesta BBQ. It is produced by Indonesian-based PT Indofood Fritolay Makmur, a joint venture between PT Indofood CBP Sukses Makmur with Seven-Up Nederland B.V.[10]

Lay's, with its original brand, is also produced by the Saudi Snack Foods Company in Saudi Arabia, and is exported to the other GCC countries. It is available in several flavors, including Salt, Salt & Vinegar, Chilli, Chilli-Lemon, Ketchup, French cheese, and Pizza. Lay's Max is available in flavors: Chili, Cheese and Italian Blend. Lay's Forno, which has less fat by 60%, is available in two flavors: Authentic Cheese and Black Pepper.

Africa

Since its acquisition of Chipsy, Lay's chips (marketed as Chipsy) in Egypt inherited the Chipsy range of flavors as well as the pre-merger Lay's flavors. These flavors include salt and vinegar, cheese (most likely based on Roumy cheese and the most popular flavor), seasoned cheese, tomato (a ketchup-based flavor), kebab on charcoal, and chili and lemon. In 2010, a shrimp flavor was added after a national contest.

Nutritional information

As with most snack foods, the Lay's brands contain very few vitamins and minerals in any variety. At ten percent of the daily requirement per serving, vitamin C is the highest. Salt content is particularly high, with a serving containing as much as 380 mg of sodium.

A one-ounce (28 gram) serving of Lay's regular potato chips has 160 Calories, and contains ten grams of fat, with one gram of saturated fat. Kettle-cooked brands have seven to eight grams of fat and one gram of saturated fat, and are 140 Calories. Lays Natural has nine grams of fat, two grams of saturated fat and 150 Calories. Stax chips typically contain ten grams of fat, 2.5 grams saturated fat and are 160 calories per serving. Wavy Lays are identical to the regular brand, except for a half-gram less of saturated fat in some combinations. The various brands do not contain any trans fats.

A 50 gram serving of Lay's BarBQ chips contains 270 calories, and 17 grams of fat. It also contains 270 mg of sodium, and 15% Vitamin C.

The baked variety, introduced in the mid 90s, feature 1.5 grams of fat per one ounce serving, and have no saturated fat. Each serving has 110 to 120 Calories. Lay's Light servings are 75 Calories per ounce and have no fat.

Lay's Classic Potato chips were cooked in hydrogenated oil until 2003.[11] Currently, the chips are made with sunflower, corn and/or canola oil.

Baked Lays are produced in cheddar, barbecue, sour cream and onion, and original flavors.

Animal origin enzymes

Some Frito-Lay brand seasoned products manufactured for the U.S. market may contain rennet or pork enzymes that are added in cheese production.[12]

References

  1. ↑ Chipsy Egypt; pronounced [ˈʃibsi, ˈʃipsi, ˈʃebsi] or shortened to [ʃebs].
  2. ↑ Tapuchips - Elite. Strauss-group.com. Retrieved on 2012-03-29.
  3. ↑ News Desk: My Father, the Potato Chip. The New Yorker (2011-05). Retrieved on 2012-03-29.
  4. ↑ How It All Began. Frito-Lay. Retrieved on 2012-03-29.
  5. ↑ Weisblott, Marc (22 Oct 2013). "Maple Moose beat back the haters to win Lay’s chip byelection — but flopped in the marketplace". Canada.com. Retrieved 3 Nov 2014.
  6. ↑ "Lay's Canada announces 2014 Do Us a Flavour finalists" (Press release). PepsiCo Canada. 7 Aug 2014. Retrieved 3 Nov 2014.
  7. ↑ "Calgary man wins potato chip contest with 'Jalapeno Mac N' Cheese' flavour". 21 Oct 2014. Retrieved 3 Nov 2014.
  8. ↑ "Lay's Canada announces the four finalist flavours for the Do Us a Flavour contest" (Press release). PepsiCo Canada. 5 Aug 2015. Retrieved 5 Aug 2015.
  9. ↑ "India's Most Trusted Brands". Archived from the original on May 2, 2015.
  10. ↑ "Indofood CBP Company Profile". Indofood CBP. Archived from the original on April 27, 2012. Retrieved 12 May 2013.
  11. ↑ Tracy Sayler A Defining Moment for Sunflower Archived July 26, 2011, at the Wayback Machine.. Oil Mill Gazetteer • Volume 112, December 2006
  12. ↑ http://www.fritolay.com/your-health/seasoned-products-made-without-porcine-enzymes. html

External links

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