When you vote for Cappuccino in this year's Lays Do Us a Flavor contest, did you know that your vote only carries weight in the United States? Did you that variations on the contest have been around for seven years in different parts of the world?
The chip flavors (or flavours outside of the US) vary based on country and brand. This means our neighbors to the north have not been exposed to the wasabi or mango chips currently lining store shelves.
Options from other 2014 and (where applicable) 2013 contests are listed below. Note that each of these fall under the Lays corporate umbrella. North America - Canada 2014 flavor finalists
Bacon Poutine Cinnamon Bun Jalapeno Mac N' Cheese Tzatziki
2013 flavor finalists
Creamy Garlic Caesar Grilled Cheese & Ketchup Maple Moose Pierogi Platter (Spelled Perogy in Canada)
Europe - England/UK (Under the Walker's name) The contest originated under the Walkers brand in 2008-09. The first flavor to win was called "Builder's Breakfast," meant to taste like a full English breakfast (typically consisting of baked beans, tomatoes, toast, eggs, bangers, toast, and blood pudding).
2014 flavor finalsts
Pulled Pork in as Sticky BBQ Sauce Chip Shop Chicken Curry Ranch Raccoon Cheesy Beans on Toast Sizzling Steak Fajita Hot Dog with Tomato Ketchup
Discontinued Contests The Smith's brand (also part of Lays/Walkers) in Australia ran the contest in the early 2010s. They have since been merged to the Walkers brand. Australian entries included flavors like buttered popcorn, Caesar salad, and kebab.
Variants of this contest existed between 2009 and 2013. For example, Walkers ran a "flavor World Cup" for the 2010 series of soccer/football matches. This was not continued for 2014. But the "million dollar" variety was relaunched last year, first in North America then in Europe. Commentary Get it together, United States. These are some pretty interesting flavors. Perhaps a first step is to begin embracing flavors like roast chicken, ketchup, or any of the fish varieties in our mainstream selections. Only then would we consider something like English breakfast.
Buy the finalists online:
Lay's Do Us A Flavor Finalist, Mixed Bundle, 37 Ounce (Pack of 4)
Lay's Sriracha Flavored Potato Chips (2013 US finalist)