While it seems like we have an endless selection of chip flavors to choose from here in the States, the fact is that across the world there are even more varieties. The Lay’s MAXX chips are an offshoot of the brand’s regular snacks, but not something you will find at your average, everyday market down the road. They are targeted at the Indian market and promise the bold flavors that consumers in that country prefer. I first discovered these at the international market that I frequent, and usually pick up several bags while I am there.
According to the Lay’s press release, the MAXX chips have “deep ridges, loud crunch and intense flavors” that offer “a powerful and intense taste experience”. They come in two flavors that I am aware of, Sizzling Barbeque and the Macho Chilli version that I am reviewing here.
The first bite of these delivers a strong and tangy tomato taste, very similar to ketchup flavored chips I have had in the past (and as weird as they sound, ketchup chips are quite good). Most of the other flavorings are typical for spicy chips like chili powder, onion powder, and garlic powder. But they also have ginger powder which delivers that little something different in the background. It doesn’t overpower, but it is definitely there. They are thicker than normal Lay’s and the ridges are more triangular and less wavy. That delivers a good crunch which is something I like in a chip.
These do not have much in the way of the flavors you get from Indian food beyond that little kick of ginger. Nor do they deliver the level of spice that cuisine is well known for. But they do deliver a mild heat that brings just a bit of a kick with it. Even after you have finished chomping on these, there is still a tingling in your mouth that lingers. I would definitely like it if they would amp up the heat more, but I am still fine with them as they are, and always grab a few bags when I see them. (And I have noticed that the heat level seems to vary from bag to bag.)
I have tried the Sizzling Barbeque as well, and it is also a good one. Those have even less heat, despite the “Sizzling” moniker, but they are enjoyable enough. Typically I grab more of the Macho Chilli chips when I see them, though. One bag is 310 calories which is about standard for a package of chips. Interestingly, the front of the bag suggests that 30g is a single serving which comes in at 164 calories. But the label on the back knows you’re just going to eat the whole bag, so it lists that as the true serving size.
The Macho Chilli chips are one of the many varieties that Lay’s manufacturers for the international market which includes some very interesting choices. Some like Tawain’s Spicy Chili and the Netherlands’ Bacon & Cheese are simple enough. But others like China’s Grilled Squid and Thailand’s Salted Egg may challenge the palette of the average American. You can have some fun reading about different varieties from across the globe at the Lay’s Around the World site.
You can search online to try and find the Lay’s MAXX (and other international varieties) for sale, but from what I have seen they usually fetch a high price. Better bet is to check out the international markets in your town to see if they have these and/or other interesting flavors enjoyed by people in different countries.
Tale of the Tape:
Ingredients: Potato, Edible Vegetable Oil (Palmoleine Oil, Rice Bran Oil), Sugar, Spices & Condiments (Chilli Powder, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Ginger Powder, Spice Extract), Salt, Citric Acid (330), Tomato Powder
Serving Size: 57g (2.01 oz)
Calories: 310
Fat: 19g (0g Sat/0 Trans
Protein: 4g
Carbs: 30g
Sodium: 370mg