Ranking Pringles Flavors From Worst To Best

Pringles may be found in the chip aisle, but they technically aren't "chips" in a traditional sense. Most potato chips start out as thin slices of potatoes that are then fried in oil. Pringles are labeled as potato crisps, as the brand's recipe uses dehydrated processed potato in its recipe rather than whole slices. In fact, the crisps contain less than 50% of potatoes total. A mixture of the processed potato and other ingredients, including corn flour, cornstarch, wheat starch, rice flour, maltodextrin, and more, is spread out into thin sheets. Then, the saddle-shaped ovals are cut out, cooked, seasoned, and put in a can adorned with a smiling mustached floating head for salt snack lovers to enjoy.  

Aside from the flagship original flavor, the company is always experimenting with different ideas as a way to keep Pringles exciting for its customers. If you're a spicy food lover, there are ever-growing options for you. If you're someone who prefers a crunchy snack, Pringles makes a wavy version that's even crispier than the original versions (and the ridges capture more seasoning). We can't forget about the famous pizza Pringles, which somehow defy the laws of nature and capture the essence of a pizza slice in one crunchy chip. 

We tried to get our hands on as many flavors of Pringles as possible, but availability does depend on location. Regardless, we were able to rank some of the most popular options to cover the basics of all things Pringles. 

The reduced fat Pringles ultimately make no sense as a product. If wavy white cheddar wasn't so bad, this would be dead-last on the list because it's just not a well-thought-out concept. These Pringles are essentially the same as the original flavor chip, but with an off-putting aftertaste that's vaguely artificial. The texture is inconsistent as well, so they just aren't as good as the real thing. When inspecting the ingredients list, these crisps virtually contain the same stuff, though the label doesn't classify exact amounts. The only difference detectable to the customer is the note that the chips in the can contain 25% less fat. It's really not a significant nutritional difference to warrant not just purchasing the original flavor, so we're wondering exactly who this chip is meant for. 

If you're looking for a healthy chip, there are plenty of options at the grocery store from other brands, using healthier oils or that are more vegetable-based and have fewer additives. However, if you're dead-set on indulging a crunchy snack craving that only some Pringles can resolve, just commit to the real deal and get the original flavor. Obviously, if you do have dietary restrictions/reasons that warrant the choice, these are totally a solid option, as they are far from inedible. However, it's not a flavor worth seeking out whatsoever compared to the classic variety. 

As you might expect, the lightly salted version of Pringles is as bland as can be. Salt tends to be one of those seasonings that's not an option, even if it's used sparingly. It makes sense for people who really have to monitor their salt intake to grab a can of these on their grocery store run. Otherwise, you're better off getting any other flavor, including the original version of the plain crisps. Sometimes, you get a can of Pringles and it suffers from having less seasoning than usual. Opening a can of Pringles Lightly Salted is like purposefully going through that experience, whether you are anticipating that or not. 

Pringles could greatly improve its low sodium option by putting a little more love into it. Since these are lacking salt, the chips could be cooked longer so that they are slightly toasty. Pringles could also add another seasoning like black pepper or lemon zest to add some dimension to this can. We're not knocking Pringles for offering options for people with special diets. Rather, we want this recipe to be the best version of itself. Those with dietary restrictions shouldn't have to sacrifice flavor for the sake of health, even when it comes to something as simple as a can of chips. 

Pringles Scorchin' Cheddar is just a spicy version of the cheddar flavor that we didn't love so much. It's a bit better because the blanket spiciness actually masks some of the unpleasant qualities of the cheese powder. The seasoning is mildly spicy, so it's actually not bad that the crisps in this can were lacking in powdered flavor. However, hot chip lovers on Reddit don't seem to be fans. " Pringles Scorchin is THE worst hot chip out. Don't know why the mascot is blowing steam when the heat is barely there," u/WatchTheTimbsB wrote. "The actual potato chip is always tasty, but the lack of flavor dust is pitiful and disrespectful."

In general, these are one-note and not worth the hype. The Scorchin' category has way better flavors to offer. In general, most of the cheese flavors (aside from one outlier) are worth skipping when sauntering down the Pringles aisle. Luckily, the brand has plenty of options for spicy-lovers, so you're not stuck settling for the one middle-of-the-road option. If you're going to treat yourself to a can, it better be one of the flavors that is really hard to stop eating. 

Salt & vinegar isn't a flavor for everyone, and no two chip brands of this flavor are built alike. Sometimes, the vinegar flavor can be too overpowering and leave your tongue feeling like sandpaper. Pringles knows that this experience makes people stop eating their chips, so the brand did its best to make these as balanced as possible. They have more salt than the original, which is a really important aspect of the flavor combination that is sometimes overlooked. The vinegar has just the right amount of zing that you'd expect, and these chips definitely require the accompaniment of a thirst-quenching drink. 

Pringles are thicker than your average chips, so these salt & vinegar crisps are perfect for adding to sandwiches or burgers. No lunch is more satisfying than a homemade tuna melt with salt and vinegar chips on it, if you're into that sort of thing. These chips would be a good options, so their versatility earned them a higher spot. They aren't Top 5 material, though, just because the flavor can be polarizing in general and it's available from so many other brands. One Walmart user review proclaims that Pringles makes the best salt & vinegar chips of them all, and it's tough to disagree. "One of my favorite snacks of all time," they wrote. "I hope they never stop producing this flavor." 

Pringles are either a hit or a miss when it comes to spicy flavors. Jalapeño is a masterpiece in every way. It's everything you want a chip solely reliant on tasting like the pepper to be. Unfortunately, the brand lost its way a little bit with the fire-roasted version. It's not totally awful, but it's just not as good when eaten in tandem with the regular version. There's something oddly artificial lingering in the seasoning of this chip that's hard to detect. 

The regular version tastes like the essence of the actual pepper, whereas this tastes more like jalapeño sauce with other ingredients mixed in. Some people may not mind the toned-down version of this chips, but others are quick to declare this can as one of the worst of the bunch. "Not only do they taste nothing like jalapeños, they are not spicy at all," one 2021 review on the Pringles website reads. "I cannot get the terrible taste out of my mouth. It is stuck. I may have to taste this taste for the rest of my life."

Luckily, the saving grace is that these are wavy. Wavy tends to be better, it's just the way it is. If the regular jalapeño flavor came in a wavy version, it might be enough to top the list. However, the fire-roasted variety doesn't have the same impactful bite, leaving it as one of the more middle-of-the-road flavors in the Pringles lineup. 

Before you start getting mad at us, hear us out for why Pringles wavy classic salted is a better original chip than the classic Pringles. It comes down to the fact that wavy chips are almost always crunchier, as is the case with this variety. The salt settles in the ridges, so when you place the Pringle on your tongue, the salt dissolves in your mouth before you get that satisfying crunch. 

The wavy Pringles are also just underrated. Most people who prefer things plain might be keen on sticking with what they know, but let yourself brand out a little bit. Pringles wavy is the perfect middle ground: It's safe enough, but also brings some added crunch into your life. We would recommend getting an option that's a little more flavorful, just for the fun of it, but these are a solid plain chip that we can see ourselves going back to. 

Additionally, some customers declare that this version is ideal for pairing with your favorite chip dip. "They are just a little bit crispier than regular Pringles so I could get a scoop of dip with no problem, but still the same great taste," one 2020 review on the Pringles website reads. We didn't test it, but we can imagine that the original version of these Pringles might crack under the pressure of too much French onion dip. 

Scorchin' Wavy Loaded Nachos-flavored Pringles were not an option we expected to like, but we were pleasantly surprised. The big perk to this flavor is that it actually isn't flavored like nacho cheese, which is a good thing because it would probably taste awful if it were. Jalapeño is in the forefront, which adds a pleasant heat to these chips that lives up to the "Scorchin'" label. There is a slight cheddar cheese flavor, but thankfully, the addition of buttermilk helps boost it up similar to the way sour cream also improves the cheese flavors. 

Do not purchase this flavor of Pringles and expect to get a chip that tastes like a perfect plate of nachos. It's a tall order that is setting yourself up for disappointment to expect any chip to taste exactly like a full meal. However, they are all-around tasty chips and way better than expected. "I love that's it's spicy but still has flavor and taste exactly what it says as well," one 2020 user review on Walmart's website reads. "Had me thinking I was eating real loaded nachos." If you want to get more of a cheese flavor, make nachos with these Pringles as the base for a truly mind-blowing flavor experience. 

Scorchin' Chili & Lime is another amazing spicy option that's the best out of the Pringles "Scorchin'" line of crisps. This chip is exactly as advertised. It tastes like someone took a Pringle, squirted lime juice on it, and dunked it in a bowl of chili powder. Thankfully, the addition of spices like onion powder and garlic powder balance out the flavor so it isn't one-note. It's an explosion of flavors in your mouth that is as refreshing as it is piquant. "These are one of the best chips I've ever come across. The balance of different flavors is right up there with other classic blends of spices and herbs that have stood the test of time," one user review on the Pringles website reads. "I am confident that these could become a new classic flavor among chips to last for decades."

Pringles incorporated just the right amount of lime flavor to make it present and pop, but without making it puckering sour. Beware: these are not for those who can't handle heat, and they might have you looking like the Pringles head on the can with smoke coming out of his ears. Honestly, this flavor would be higher on the list if Pringles didn't come out with a limited-edition flavor that's good enough to be a close competitor. 

Sour Cream and Onion Pringles are a classic, so it's likely that some of the brand loyalists would be in outrage if it didn't make the Top 10, at least. It's the tried-and-true flavored Pringle that you can never go wrong with. This snack is the perfect companion to a satisfying sandwich lunch, or for packing on the go for picnics and beach days. Sour Cream & Onion Pringles always seem to have the optimum amount of seasoning to make them delicious, but not too salty that you can't devour an entire can in the blink of an eye. "Let's face it Pringles have a ton of great choices but I like what I like and Sour Cream & Onion is the one I come back to the most," one 2020 review on the Pringles website reads. "Great on its own or with a wrap or sandwich to provide that great crunch. Just remember once you pop you just can't stop." 

Sour cream & onion is a flavor done by almost every chip brand, but the Pringles version is one of the best on the market. The crisps are extra crunchy, and unlike bagged options, they never break in transit. The sour cream flavor used by Pringles alone deserves to be in the Top 10, so this chip really is just the vehicle. 

Remember that limited edition flavor we mentioned? Well, it's elote-flavored Pringles and they're worth running out and finding immediately. In fact, this was one of the flavors even we had trouble tracking down, but we were so glad when we did. Elote is Mexican corn on the cob that is garnished with cotija cheese, mayonnaise, lime juice, and chili powder. Yet again, the snack brand defied nature by capturing everything significant about the dish in one bit. There's a good amount of spice that's rivaled by the bright acidity from the lime. It's creamy, thanks to the addition of some cheese flavors.

The real stand-out in this Pringles flavor is that the corn flavor really shines through. Somehow, it even has a nice roasted element to it like you grilled it over an open flame, but you have to open your eyes and remember that you're just biting into a potato chip. Elote purists might be wary of a major snack brand trying to reincorporate the dish, but at least they did it justice by making it taste remarkably close to the real thing. "They have the perfect spice to them that makes you want to keep eating more and more! Definitely will be keeping my eye open to buy more before they are gone," one happy customer wrote in a review on the Pringles website. 

Pringles Wavy Chipotle Ranch is arguably the most underrated flavor of them all, because no one is shouting from the rooftops how good these are. Not only are these wavy crisps extra crunchy, but the flavor is like nothing else. Pringles kept the traditional ranch flavor, but with an added kick of a pleasant smoked barbecue spice that lingers on the tongue. If you're looking for the perfect companion to burgers and hot dogs on the grill, this should be your new go-to chip. The only issue is that this flavor is one of Pringles' newest creations, and it's not easy to get your hands on. According to PennLive, the chips are only available at Walgreens stores in the U.S. for a limited time, but they're worth making the trip just to try at least once. 

Pringles Wavy Chipotle Ranch featuring several flavor-packed ingredients, including onion powder, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, buttermilk, and parsley. All of those flavors are perfectly balancing one another out, with no single ingredient outshining the other. Even if ranch or BBQ chips aren't your thing, odds are you will take one bite and agree that these crisps are undeniably tasty. At the very least, we would bet that it would be pretty difficult for you to eat just one. 

We want to shout from the rooftops that Ranch Pringles are the best of the best from the brand. They're just the right amount of underrated, but those who have tried them instantly know why they're at the top of the list. The ranch flavor is everything — it tastes like they dumped a packet of ranch seasoning inside a can of original Pringles and saw what happens (which also sounds like an amazing snack idea in a pinch). Thankfully, the brand nailed the flavors so well that there's no reason not to have these stocked in your snack pantry at all times. 

Pringles Ranch crisps include ingredients such as the trifecta of buttermilk, onion powder, and garlic powder that are always a delicious combination, especially in a chip. A pro tip is to stack a ranch Pringle with a pizza Pringle for an explosion of flavors that ranch dressing enthusiasts will be all too familiar with. There are so many Pringles flavors that are good that it's worth to try a few a pick your own number one. We bet that the ranch flavor will definitely be in the running, though. If that doesn't convince you, die-hard fans of the flavor on Reddit take things pretty seriously when people don't consider this to be Pringles best flavor option. "If you don't say ranch we're not friends," u/thisistrashy28919 wrote.