These are the best Cape Cod chips, according to readers

Food

Nearly 1,000 readers chimed in to share their favorite flavor of Cape Cod chips, which recently announced it would close its Hyannis facility.

The time to bring out your best bag of chips and a family recipe dip is nigh in New England, now that there’s once again a reason to watch the Super Bowl this Sunday.

The Patriots are facing off against the Seahawks in San Clara, Calif. for the Big Game, but for foodies, the only match-up we’re concerned about is pitting the long list of Cape Cop Potato Chip flavors against each other. 

The Hyannis-based chip brand was in the news recently over the announcement from Campbell’s, who acquired Cape Cod chips in 2018, that said the facility in Cape Cod would close in April. 

The closure will mark an end to the brand’s physical ties to Cape Cod; its identity as a Cape Cod-based chip, founded in Hyannis in 1980 by brothers Steve and Jude Bernard, will now only be in name.

But the chip will stick around despite one site closure, and we asked readers about their go-to Cape Cod chip flavor ahead of one of the highest periods of demand for chips, the Super Bowl. 

Boston.com heard from nearly 1,000 readers who shared their most beloved Cape Cod chip flavor. Some pined over limited edition deep cuts, like the Cracked Lemon Pepper or the Beachside Barbecue. But there were clear winners in the flavor wars, some garnering hundreds of votes from Boston.com readers.

Here are the top-5 best Cape Cod chip flavors, according to our readers. 

No. 5: Sea Salt & Cracked Pepper

This flavor combines peppercorn and white pepper with a profile that’s “slightly sweet,” according to the Cape Cod chips website. But readers say this classic chip stands the test of time due to a subtle kick from the pepper. 

“They wake you up and feel less greasy,” said Helene L. from Orlando, formerly of Cambridge. 

“A hint of conflicting flavors that still works so well,” said Shawn F. from West Yarmouth.

“Just like a baked potato!” commented Bill from Merrimack, New Hampshire. 

No. 4: Original Lightly Salted

True to the name, the brand’s website said this flavor is the original recipe, but with 60% less sodium. It’s the perfect chip for those readers in search of a low-sodium chip. 

“The absolute perfect chip. Every time I have Cape Cod Chips I can hear Patti Page singing the Old Cape Cod song: ‘If you’re fond of sand dunes and salty air,’” said Michael H. from West Dennis.

“You get more potato taste and less salt,” said Julie L. from Dartmouth.

“[It’s the] healthy choice because it is impossible to eat just one,” said Justin P. from South Yarmouth.

No. 3: Sea Salt & Vinegar

Another sea salt variation makes the cut, though Cape Cod promises a touch more vinegar in their chip compared to the competition. To readers, the balance of salty and sour strikes just right here. 

“They are, bar none, the BEST salt and vinny’s,” said Andy P. from Bellingham. 

“You can’t beat it! The crunch and the vinegar taste goes best with a sandwich for lunch or the whole bag for dinner,” said John D. of Scituate. 

And here’s a pro-tip from reader Robert P. from Chatham:

“One of my favorite moves is crushing a handful of sea salt and vinegar Cape Cod chips and layering them into the sandwich right before serving. That bright pop of acidity and shatter-crisp texture takes it from good to unforgettable.”

No. 2: Dark Russet

According to Cape Cod, it’s the only chip made with russet potatoes, which means these chips can come in different shades of brown depending on when the potatoes used to make the chips were harvested. Some readers said it can be slightly harder to find this chip, though they appear to be available for purchase specifically at nearby Stop & Shop grocery stores. 

“Unique and delicious! To have a whole bag of the dark chips is heaven,” said Chris M. from Medford. 

“The buttery flavor is unmatched,” said Jeff H. of Moultonborough, New Hampshire. 

“Perfected the already perfect chip. Saltiness is on point with the slight well-done flavor. Household staple for my family and most of my friends, too. Please never stop making this chip,” pleaded Sav from Peabody. 

If these descriptions aren’t enough to convince you to try this chip, Brad K. of Watertown may have the best reason yet:

“Because I am always right.”

Enough said, Brad.

No. 1: Original

Nothing beats the classic recipe, as has been determined by Boston.com readers. Made simple with potatoes, oil, sea salt and “the good vibes of the Cape,” (though that’s debatable now) this chip is also the easiest to find in store, which also probably helps propel it to the top chip among Cape Cod fans. Boston.com heard from 280 readers who voted for the original recipe. 

“It tastes most like a french fry,” said Charles T. from Stoughton. 

“You can’t mess with perfection,” said Courtney from Framingham. 

“I can always add something to the chips myself if I want a different flavor. That’s what dips are for! I always like having the regular pure taste, and it’s the best crunch in the business,” said Cory M. from Wakefield.

“Potato flavor shines through. No need to mask it,” said Dave from Thousand Oaks, California.

“I’m a purist. I like the simplicity of the original that I find to be perfection,” said Terri G. from West Roxbury. 

“The best chips for dipping into onion dip at parties,” said Edward T. from Waverly, Georgia. 

“I grew up on the Cape, first in Wellfleet and later the Barnstable area. Every time I chomp on the Original, it tastes like warm, sunny days at Lecount Hollow. A special treat earned after lugging all the umbrellas, towels, chairs, and cooler down that red, sandy hill. My grandmother’s coconutty sun tan oil, my mom relaxing, and laughing with my sister, and waiting for the tide to go out,” said Karyn S. from Salisbury, North Carolina. 

Katelyn Umholtz

Food and Restaurant Reporter

Katelyn Umholtz covers food and restaurants for Boston.com. Katelyn is also the author of The Dish, a weekly food newsletter.