Standing in the snack aisle, have you ever paused in front of two bags of chips wondering what actually makes them different? One says "kettle cooked" in bold letters, the other just says "potato chips," and you're left guessing whether that distinction actually matters. It does, and once you understand the difference, you'll shop the chip aisle with a lot more confidence.
In this snack showdown, we're breaking down kettle chips vs. regular chips: how they're made, how they taste, and what to look for if crunch and flavor are what you're after.
How Kettle Chips Are Made
Kettle chips get their name from the traditional cooking method used to make them. Potatoes are sliced (usually a bit thicker than regular chips) and cooked in small batches in a kettle or vat of hot oil. Because each new batch of potatoes slightly lowers the oil temperature, the potatoes cook a little longer than they would in a continuous fryer.
That extra time allows the starch in the potato to absorb more moisture, which is part of why kettle chips end up with such a thick, sturdy crunch and a deeper, more pronounced flavor.
How Regular Chips Are Made
Regular chips are typically made using a continuous fry process. The potato slices move along a conveyor belt through oil that's kept at a steady temperature the entire time. This method cooks the chips faster, resulting in a lighter, crispier bite compared to the heartier crunch of a kettle chip.
Neither method is right or wrong. It really comes down to what kind of crunch and flavor experience you're craving in the moment.
Flavor and Crunch: What's the Real Difference?
If you love bold flavor, kettle chips tend to deliver more of it. The longer cooking process gives kettle chips a richer, more intense flavor profile, which is why so many craft and small-batch chip brands lean into the kettle-cooked style.
- Kettle chips: thicker, heartier crunch with a bold, pronounced flavor
- Regular chips: lighter, crispier texture with a milder bite
- Both styles can come in classic and inventive flavors
At Jackson's, our entire chip lineup, including Sea Salt Kettle Chips, Spicy Jalapeño Kettle Chips, and Dill Pickle Kettle Chips, is kettle-cooked for that satisfying, craveable crunch.
Are Kettle Chips Gluten-Free?
Potatoes themselves don't contain gluten, so kettle chips are naturally gluten-free by nature. That said, always check the label. Some flavorings, like malt vinegar or seasonings made with wheat starch, can introduce gluten, and cross-contamination is always possible depending on how and where a chip is produced.
All of Jackson's chip flavors are made to be gluten-free, so you can grab a bag without needing to double-check every ingredient.
What About the Oil?
Here's something worth paying attention to: the type of oil used to cook a chip plays a big role in flavor, texture, and how the chip is made. Many mass-produced chips are cooked in seed oils like corn, canola, sunflower, or safflower oil. These oils are inexpensive and have a neutral flavor, which is part of why they're common in large-scale chip production.
Seed oils are typically high in omega-6 fatty acids, and some research suggests that when omega-6 intake is out of balance with omega-3 intake, it may promote inflammation in the body (source). Seed oils, being higher in polyunsaturated fat, are also more prone to oxidation during high-heat cooking compared to oils higher in monounsaturated fat (source).
At Jackson's, we take a different approach: every chip and straw we make is cooked in avocado oil. Avocado oil is pressed from the flesh of the fruit rather than extracted from a seed, and it gives our chips a fresh, clean flavor that lets the seasoning shine through. It's part of why we say Avocado Oil Always.
Sweet Potato Chips vs. Classic Potato Chips
Another fun fork in the snack aisle road: sweet potato chips vs. classic potato chips. At Jackson's, both are sweet potato and regular potato chips are kettle-cooked. Our Sea Salt Sweet Potato Chips bring a naturally sweet, earthy flavor with a satisfying kettle-cooked crunch, while our Sea Salt Kettle Chips deliver that classic, savory chip experience made with real potatoes.
Both styles are kettle-cooked in avocado oil and seasoned simply, so the choice really comes down to your mood and what you're pairing with your snack. Curious to go deeper on sweet potato varieties? Check out our guide to the types of sweet potatoes.
What Fans and Experts Are Saying
Dietitian Julianka Bell shared with Business Insider, "My husband and I love crunchy and savory snacks. Jackson's chips are simple and made with lightly salted sweet potatoes with avocado oil."
And Jackson's fan Eric put it simply: "We have a standing order for these every month. This is absolutely one of our favorite snacks."
Want to dig further into cooking oils and crunch? Read our post on why avocado oil kettle chips are taking over or explore top frying oils for the perfect crisp.
The Final Crunch
When it comes to kettle chips vs. regular chips, there's no single winner, just different textures and flavor experiences to enjoy depending on your mood. Kettle chips bring a heartier crunch and bolder flavor thanks to their traditional small-batch cooking process, while regular chips offer a lighter, crispier bite. And when you add sweet potato chips into the mix, you get even more delicious ways to satisfy a craving.
Whatever you reach for, snacking should feel good, not complicated. That's why every Jackson's chip, from our classic kettle chips to our sweet potato varieties, is kettle-cooked in avocado oil and made with real food ingredients and seasoning. Here's to choosing your next bag with a little more knowledge and a lot more excitement about that first crunchy bite.
Shop Jackson's chips and find your favorite in the kettle chips vs. regular chips showdown, or find a store near you today.
