Why Pennsylvania is the ‘Potato Chip Capital of the World’

Note: This article was written in collaboration with Hey Philly newsletter editor Siani Colón.

Potato chips weren’t invented here, but Pennsylvania really has ‘em in the bag.

With nationally distributed brands like Wise, Utz, and Herr’s — along with nostalgic names like Gibble’s and Good’s — it’s no wonder Pennsylvania’s known as the “Potato Chip Capital of the World.”

This crispy, salty treat is part of PA’s larger snack and confectionary empire. And if you look at a map of where chips are produced, you’ll notice a beltline along the southern and eastern part of the state. This overlaps areas where Pennsylvania Dutch communities live, like Lancaster and York counties.

These descendants of German-speaking European immigrants brought pretzels to PA in the 18th century. When potato chips became popular around the turn of the 19th century, they fit perfectly into PA’s agricultural and food customs.

Our state’s acidic soil and humid climate are ideal for growing “chipping potatoes.” And the Pennsylvania Dutch fried potato chips in lard, making them extra flavorful and crunchy and leading to a surge in popularity. (Some brands keep this tradition sizzling, like Utz’s “Grandma” kettle chips and Gibble’s “Kay and Ray’s.”)

Today, more than a dozen potato chip businesses operate in the Keystone State, giving rise to modern styles and trendy flavors — from red hot and jalapeño cheddar to dill pickle and honey BBQ.

Bookmark these brands for your next stroll through the snack aisle or road trip across the state ⬇️

Herr’s, based in Nottingham, PA, is the largest privately-held, family-owned snack food company in the U.S. It has fans nationwide, but locals have the opportunity to tour the plant in Chester County. This chip giant has some of the most intriguing flavors like Cheddar Horseradish and Baby Back Ribs. Plus, the Flavored by Philly contest collaborates with local businesses every year — like 2024’s mashup with Romano’s Stromboli.

Also in Adamstown, Zerbe’s stands out with its chips known locally as “Zerbe Darks.” Don’t worry, they’re not burnt! The sugar content in the russet potato creates a darker color and distinctive taste. Buy them online to pair with your sandwich … or just skip it and go straight for the Italian Hoagie flavor.

This Adamstown business has been around since potato chips started sizzling in PA (so it’s no surprise they still fry in lard!). Good’s debuted in 1886, and the business is now run by its sixth generation. Order the Original style in the red bag or Kettle Cooked in the blue bag online.

Dieffenbach’s (Uglies)

Dieffenbach’s fans love the quirky flavors like Deli Dill and Bacon Cheddar — but its sister brand, Uglies, is changing the way we eat chips. Uglies are made from potatoes with small imperfections that would otherwise be thrown out. Check out the factory store in Womelsdorf, PA, or buy them at MOM’s Organic Market, Grocery Outlet, Riverwards Produce Market, or Sprouts Farmers Market.

Harry and Fairy Martin established this business in 1941, and it’s still going strong in Thomasville, PA. Known for its Kettle Cook’d style, try to get your hands on a favorite punchy flavor: Sea Salt and Balsamic Vinegar.

This local favorite started in 1921 in Hanover, PA, with William and Salie Utz — and it’s still family owned and operated today. Philadelphians can find Utz at just about any grocery or convenience store. Look for harder-to-find flavors like The Crab Chip, Hot Honey, and Carolina Style Barbeque.

In 1942, Bob Middleswarth started his company with a single kettle. Today, Middleswarth chips are made in Middleburg (in the — you guessed it — middle of Pennsylvania), and you can snag them online. Get classic Kettle Cooked chips or flavors like Sea Salt & Vinegar and Jalapeño.

This Lewistown brand has been around since 1935. You won't see them in Philly stores, but you can order them online in flavors like Jalapeño Cheddar and Sweet BBQ. (They have waffle-cut chips too!)

Is Cardi B selling chips now? Not quite. In 1994, Philadelphia’s James Lindsay noticed that products in local snack aisles didn’t represent Black culture or appeal to young people. He saw an opportunity to merge snacks with music at a time when hip-hop was on the rise. Rap Snacks was born, produced by a manufacturer in Chambersburg, PA. Lindsay’s since partnered with Universal Music Group, and the chips’ packaging features popular artists like Migos, Nicki Minaj, and Snoop Dogg.

You don’t have to go to Chambersburg for these — Gibble’s sells on shipmychips.com. The company started in the 1950s when the Gibble family wanted something to complement other goods they were selling at the farmers market, but everyone kept coming back for the chips! Order a variety pack with Bar-B-Q, Sour Cream & Onion, and Red Hot.

You’re probably thinking, “Don’t they make pretzels?” Turns out, that’s Snyder’s of Hanover! They were once the same company, but in 1950 the two split. Snyder of Berlin is the only Western PA potato chip company on the map. (Notice landmarks on its packaging like Ohiopyle Falls and the Great Allegheny Passage Bike Trail.) They have all the hits, plus Cheddar and Sour Cream, Hawaiian Sweet Onion, and … Sweet and Sassy?