News on Chips and Snacks from the United States

Uglies® Sweet Potato Chips won two 2026 industry awards. Its Hot Honey flavor received a Best New Product Award, while its Original, Hot Honey and Spicy BBQ varieties earned Double Gold for taste and packaging.

Saratoga Potato Chips recalls J. HIGGS Loaded Bacon and Cheddar Potato Chips in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee and Maryland over undeclared soy. Consumers with allergies should avoid affected packages and return them for a refund.

Keogh's Crisps has secured its largest overseas distribution deal, bringing five crisp flavours to 1,400 Publix stores in the United States, now its largest export market.

Pringles is launching Dippers, its first thicker, sturdier and wavier crisps designed for dipping, in three flavors this September. The brand is also expanding its Mingles range with a new Sweet & Salty flavor.

Taste of Maine has begun kettle chip production at its new USD 75 million plant in Limestone, Maine, using locally grown potatoes. The facility can produce up to 14 million pounds of chips annually and will also support co-packing operations.

MoistTech will present the IR-3000 NIR moisture sensor at PACK EXPO International 2026. The system enables real-time moisture control, helping food and corrugated manufacturers improve quality, reduce waste, and save energy.

Shearer's Foods has opened its 17th manufacturing facility and fourth in Ohio. The new Moraine plant, built in a former General Motors facility, will produce variety packs, create hundreds of jobs, and expand the company's snack production capacity.

Intersnack’s proposed partnership with Utz could influence the potato-chip sector, but no changes to potato sourcing, supplier contracts or processing capacity have been announced. Utz’s manufacturing plans disclosed before the deal remain unchanged.

Intersnack Group has agreed to acquire Utz Brands in a deal valued at about USD 2.9 billion. The acquisition will give Intersnack its first major presence in the US snack market, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals.

Pringles launched limited-edition Pop Dog Buns, potato-based hot dog buns inspired by Sour Cream & Onion, BBQ and Honey Mustard crisps. The buns will be offered free with a Pringles Three-Pack on July 8 and July 15, while supplies last.

The United States Food and Drug Administration has upgraded the recall of selected Utz potato chips under the Zapp's and Dirty brands to a Class I recall due to the potential risk of salmonella contamination.

Boulder Canyon's Wavy Grillo's Classic Dill Pickle Flavored Chips have won a 2026 Good Housekeeping Snack Award. The recognition is the brand's second award this quarter, following a People Food Award for its Agave Sriracha Potato Chips.

Kettle Brand’s Tater Tracker™ lets consumers trace potatoes to the farm where they were grown. By entering a code on the bag, users can meet the farmers and explore regenerative practices, including cover crops and pollinator habitats in action.

Pringles continues expanding its potato chip lineup with a wide range of savory, spicy, salty and seasonal flavors designed to appeal to snack fans across different tastes and occasions worldwide.

Utz Brands reported Q1 2026 net sales growth of 2.6% to USD 361.3 million, while branded salty snacks sales rose 5.2%. The company improved margins and cash flow performance and reaffirmed its full-year 2026 guidance.

Utz Quality Foods, LLC is recalling limited Zapp’s and Dirty chips after a seasoning ingredient may contain Salmonella. No illnesses reported. Consumers should not eat affected products and can request refunds.

PepsiCo, a leading global food and beverage company with a portfolio that includes iconic brands such as Pepsi, Lay’s, Gatorade, Quaker, and Doritos has reported results for first-quarter 2026.

SNAC International has announced Chesapeake Spice as the winner of the SNX 2026 Flavor Showdown, honoring its standout Poblano Chile con Carne seasoning as this year’s Flavor of the Year.