In February Science Examiner Trina Hoaks pointed out potato chips can be good for you. This week the locavore community is all in a tizzy because Lay's is trying to say they are local.
Grist got most of it right, "Ultimately, I suspect such promotions will fade away: They’re easy fodder for outraged blog posts, but will they really fool anyone? Marketing schemes that fail to fool quickly skulk into obscurity. Pitching Smithfield pork as local and therefore desirable fell with a thud with the UNC students; I doubt this silly campaign will find much traction either. "
But I think the locavore advocates missed a great opportunity.
As the various blogs and progressive food writers ranted against the Lays’s petard none mentioned the many many many wonderful local potato chip makers.
This could be the chip heard round the world in the battle to get people to understand the benefits both presonally and economically to eating locally.
The potato chip can be the item to make everyone a locavore….just not Frito Lay’s idea of a locavore. There are plenty of regional and even smaller chip makers. Friends shouldn’t let friends eat anything but the best potato chip available.
What's your favorite local potato chip? I'm an Utz fan. No matter where you are - there is a local potato chip maker.
What about Tri-Sum.it's produced in Leominster Massachusetts.... the birthplace of John Chapman... aka.... Johnny Appleseed.... and it's the oldest potato chip company in the US....
Comments
In the Bay area, Bouchon Bakery in Yountville has great chips and for about the same price as a bag of Lays.
Another local chip make is Las Palmas on 24th and Mission
In Vermont, we like Wise chips (although they are based in PA, they have a strong VT presence). There are some other good local chip makers - Madhouse Munchies are pretty tasty too.
Tri-Sum chips are by far my favorites, 100 years of local tradition!
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!