National Potato Chip Day

Happy group of friends sharing a bag of potato chips, wearing casual attire, enjoying a picnic in a sunny park.. — National potato chip day illustration

Hold onto your hats and loosen your belt buckles, folks! It's high time we roasted, toasted, and celebrated the crispy, crinkly, savory delight that is potato chips! Yes, you've heard it right - we're saluting National Potato Chip Day.

When is Potato Chip Day?

It's national potato chip day on the 14th March.

Tales of the TV-Tanned Tubers

With a whopping 6109 mentions online, the love for this salty snack is more than just a ripple in the foodie world. The highest wave of starchy support crested on 14th March 2017, proving quite definitively that us couch-potatoes know how to celebrate with style.

The Crisp Story

But how did this come about? The salty saga of Potato Chip Day goes all the way back to 1853 when chef George Crum, in an epic battle of hospitality passive-aggression, invented the potato chip. Apparently, a disgruntled customer kept sending back his fries, claiming they were too thick, until Crum sliced them wafer-thin in a funky 'take that, customer!' moment. And voila! The potato chip was born.

Chip Champions Today

Fast forward over a century later, we're still chomping away at these thin slices of delight. So, whether you're a fan of the classic ready salted, or you're a daredevil delving into the exotic realm of wasabi ruffles, National Potato Chip Day is for you!

History behind the term 'Potato Chip'

1853

The accidental creation

In 1853, the potato chip was accidentally created by George Crum, a chef at a resort in Saratoga Springs, New York. One day, a customer complained that his French fries were too thick. Crum, known for his hot temper, sliced the potatoes paper-thin, fried them until they were crispy, and seasoned them with salt. The customer loved the crispy chips, and thus the potato chip was born.

1895

Mass production begins

In 1895, William Tappenden, an Englishman living in Cleveland, Ohio, began mass-producing potato chips. He sold them from a horse-drawn cart, and the popularity of the crispy treats quickly spread. Tappenden's invention revolutionized the snack industry and paved the way for the widespread availability of potato chips.

1921

The birth of the potato chip industry

In 1921, Laura Scudder, a entrepreneurial woman from California, invented a wax-paper bag that could keep potato chips fresh and prevent them from becoming stale. This innovation allowed for the packaging and distribution of potato chips on a larger scale, transforming them into a widely popular snack. Scudder's success led to the establishment of the potato chip industry as we know it today.

1953

Flavor explosion

In 1953, Joe 'Spud' Murphy invented the first flavored potato chip. He created a unique barbecue seasoning and applied it to his potato chips, creating a savory and delicious snack that became an instant hit. The introduction of flavored potato chips opened up a world of possibilities, and today, there are countless flavors to choose from, ranging from classic to exotic.

1995

The Guinness World Record

In 1995, the world's largest potato chip was created by Pringles in Jackson, Tennessee. Measuring 25 inches by 14 inches, this giant chip weighed in at a whopping 5.4 ounces. It earned a place in the Guinness World Records and showcased the enduring popularity and fascination with potato chips.