Here’s which crinkle-cut salt and vinegar chip is the punchiest of them all

The salty-sour combination so characteristic of salt and vinegar chips simply hits differently when compared to other chip flavours; a clear upgrade to the standard salted potato chip. While that distinct vinegary sharpness is definitely one of those flavours that’s either passionately loved or hated, there are varying potencies when it comes to just how punchy and sour different brands are, which can impact the overall enjoyment of any good salt and vinegar chip-munching session. In this taste test, the level of vinegar definitely determined the level of enjoyment for the samplers.

WATCH: Food24 recreates Lay’s Salt & Vinegar chips

Whether they’re your go-to for a hangover cure or you prefer to enjoy them alongside red wine or an ice-cold coke, we tried a variety of crinkle-cut salt and vinegar chips so you don’t have to. Here’s the sample that won with its sour tang and the ones that just fell short:

Simba Salt and Vinegar flavoured potato chips: 4/5

With a near-perfect score of 4/5, Simba Salt and Vinegar chips were the undisputed winning champion of the day! This sample was the only chip that gave that punchy tang (most) people look for in a salt and vinegar chip, perfect for those who can hold their vinegar!

Samplers absolutely raved about these chips and their flavour, saying things like, “This is what you call a salt and vinegar chip!” and, “Best sample. Only one where the vinegar comes through with a punch – delicious.”

This sample also scored highly on the acidity scale, proving it truly is the chip that packs that sour punch. Therefore if you’re more of a mild salt and vinegar lover, this may not be the packet you want to pick up.

In looks this one was the blondest out of the tested samples, but it was perfectly crisp and utterly moreish – well worth the R17.99 price tag if punchy salt and vinegar chips is your thing.

Woolworths Crisps Salt and Vinegar flavoured potato chips: 3/5

The consensus was that this sample was wonderfully crisp, but samplers noted that the vinegar flavour was more on the subtle side. It lacked that strong kick but because it was on the milder side, you could also really taste the subtle sweetness of the potato chip itself.

“A decent chip that’s fine for a hike or a picnic, but I wouldn’t serve it as a pre-dinner snack,” one sampler noted. Others noted things like, “A good sample. Quite subtle on the acid but enjoyable,” and, “I liked this sample, but it was actually a bit sweet. I need more of a vinegar ‘bite’.”

At R18.99, it’s a great option for those who prefer a mild salt and vinegar chip with less sourness.

Taits Salt and Vinegar flavoured potato chips: 2.5/5

This one tasted intensely of sweet spuddy potato goodness but was incredibly mild in the acid department. One sampler noted: “This is quite a rustic chip. The flavour is alright but not “punchy” enough from an acidity standpoint. Great for serving with a heavy dip, though.” Another echoed this opinion: “It was ok, I liked the potato-ness of it and it had a hint of sweetness to it, but lacked the vinegar.”

At R14.99, this one’s perfect for those who prefer a subtle vinegar flavour.

Pick n Pay Salt and Vinegar flavoured potato chips: 2/5

Samplers described this one as neither here nor there, noting that it was more of a salted chip than anything else: “It is a bit bland, more on the saltier side rather than vinegary.” Another agreed: “I would describe this as salty more than anything else; I felt like there wasn’t enough vinegar flavour.”

At R15.49, this is a good go-to for those who can’t hold their vinegar and prefer more of a salted chip with subtle notes of vinegar.

The rules of Food24 Tastes:

– All tasters tasted and scored all samples. Each individual taster’s preference impacts the score they give.

– The samples were tested without packaging and were not easily identifiable.

– The samples were not labeled and were tasted in random order.

– This article is not sponsored in any way, and Food24 was not paid to come to any particular result.

Our taste tests are always unbiased and intended for your entertainment. You may, however, have come to this article through various paid-for advertising.