Why Do Canadians Love Ketchup Chips?

Regardless of whether you spell it ketchup or catsup, one thing is certain: Canadians adore ketchup chips! Although ketchup is a beloved condiment in America, Canada has embraced it in the form of tangy, tomato-flavoured potato chips.

Are Ketchup Chips Canadian?

Did you know that ketchup chips might not have originated in Canada? While their popularity is undeniably Canadian, this iconic chip flavour may have American roots. Interestingly, if you head south of the border, you'll struggle to find anyone who's even heard of them. You either adore ketchup chips or you don't, some people argue they don't even taste like ketchup! Regardless of your opinion, eating a bag guarantees fingers coated with tomato flavouring, garlic, and onion powders, along with a strong, smoky aroma. Flavour preferences aside, there's no catching up when it comes to Canada's passion for ketchup chips!

The Canadian Story: Hostess Ketchup Chips

Hostess is widely recognized as the originator of ketchup chips in the late 1970s. This Canadian snack company was established near Cambridge, Ontario, in 1935 by Edward Snyder, a potato farmer who started making chips on his mother’s stove. In 1955, Snyder sold his potatoes to E.W. Vanstone, who expanded the business into what became Hostess, later known as Frito Lay. Today, the chips are marketed under the Lays brand.

However, although Lays has been selling the chips under the red branding since their acquisition in 1996, many Canadians would be shocked to learn that a company from Pennsylvania is quietly claiming the credit for ketchup chips. In reality, Herr's chips from Pennsylvania might actually be the original creators of the chip.

The Herr’s Snacks company from Nottingham, Pennsylvania altered their recipe three times before launching their ketchup chips in the early 1980s. Later, in the 1990s, Herr’s collaborated with ketchup giant Heinz to create the best possible flavouring for their chips. There's no definitive evidence of who invented the chips first, leaving their origin a mystery, much like the reason Canadians enjoy the flavour.

Ketchup Chip Variations Around the World

Although the origin of ketchup chips is somewhat unclear, they remain a beloved flavour nationwide, with versions offered by chip companies like Covered Bridge Potato Chips in New Brunswick, Hard Bite in BC, and President’s Choice. American companies also acknowledge this passion: Old Dutch produces ketchup chips for their Canadian market from Winnipeg, and Utz creates small batches in Pennsylvania. Pringles eventually joined the trend in 2017 with their own ketchup-flavoured version. Even Walkers offers ketchup crisps in Britain. One thing is certain, regardless of how unusual Americans might find our love for ketchup chips, it's here to stay. Perhaps this Canadian snack craze will spread worldwide.