Spicy Snack Roundup: Pringles Mingles Jalapeno Queso, Dot’s Buffalo Wing Pretzels, Hawaiian Brand BBQ Luau Chips

There are quite a number of new spicy snack flavors coming out these days, but I can’t always track down the latest releases because they aren’t getting shelf space at the stores near me. If anyone knows a reliable source for new options, let me know in the comments. Below is my latest roundup of spicy snacks, two of which are relatively new releases:

Pringles Mingles Jalapeño Queso: This is a new line from Pringles that is nothing like the uniform, saddle-shaped chips the company is known for. These are airy, bowtie-shaped, corn-based puff snacks that come in a bag instead of a can. They’re similar to Cheetos Puffs, though maybe a little denser, and they have a good crunch. The flavor delivers an intense cheesiness along with a bit of tang and a touch of sweetness. There’s also a notable peppery kick.

Heat-wise, these come in a little above Mild on my scale and leave a nice tingle after eating a few. They make for a decent snack, and I might pick them up again if I see them on sale, but I wouldn’t call them a must-have. Given the choice, I much prefer Pringles’ Hot Ones varieties, which bring a better kick and are regulars on store shelves now (more on those here). Still, Pringles Mingles make a satisfying snack at about 37 pieces per serving. I found them at Target, and Walmart and Kroger carry them as well.

Dot’s Homestyle Buffalo Pretzel Twists: Dot’s is one of the companies that helped popularize the pretzel twist style that now seems to be popping up everywhere. This flavor is relatively new, and a good addition to their lineup. It hits with a strong tang right away that really delivers that Buffalo wing flavor. There’s definitely some pucker, but a bit of sweetness and a hint of butter help balance things out. These pretzels also bring a peppery kick and leave your mouth tingling after a few bites. They are fairly salty, but not quite to the point of overkill, and they deliver the crunch you expect from these twists.

There’s real heat here, reaching about Medium on my scale, and it lingers for a while. My favorite flavor from Dot’s is still the Southwest Seasoned version (watch for an upcoming review), but the Buffalo flavor is a close second. I found these at Target, and I believe Walmart carries them as well.

Hawaiian Brand Luau BBQ Kettle-Style Potato Chips: This is an old favorite that I realized I’ve never mentioned on this site, so I decided to include it here. Hawaiian Brand got its start in the 1990s and was one of the first to put out kettle-style chips. They’ve since been acquired by Tim’s Cascade Snacks, which is in turn owned by Utz Brands (and at this rate, you and I will probably get bought up by one of these companies soon), but these are still high-quality chips.

They have the excellent crunch you look for in a kettle chip, and there are hardly any broken pieces in the bag. The barbecue flavor is quite intense, with good smokiness and a noticeable sweetness, followed by a nice kick that amps things up.

These aren’t especially hot—just a bit above Mild on my scale—but it’s a well-placed heat that enhances an already excellent chip. I’ve been buying these for years, and they rank among my all-time favorite snacks, even if they don’t bring a ton of burn. As a bonus, they’re relatively low in sodium for a snack item, at 120 mg per serving. I usually find them at World Market, and they may be available at other gourmet stores as well. (Target lists them on its website, but my local store doesn’t carry them.) They’re also available online, but prices tend to be high.

Nutrition Info:

Pringles Mingles Jalapeno Queso:

Ingredients: Degerminated Yellow Corn Meal, Vegetable Oil (Soybean, High Oleic Soybean, Canola and/or Corn with TBHQ for Freshness), Whey. Contains 2% or Less of Salt, Reduced Lactose Whey, Monosodium Glutamate, Maltodextrin, Sodium Diacetate, Natural and Artificial Flavor, Cornstarch, Cheddar Cheese (Cultured Milk, Salt, Enzymes), Calcium Carbonate, Yeast Extract, Paprika Extract Color, Citric Acid, Potassium Salt, Disodium Inosinate, Disodium Guanylate, Jalapeno Pepper, Lactic Acid, Yellow 6, Yellow 5, Turmeric Extract Color, Blue 1, Red 40.

Serving Size: 1oz/28g (About 37 Pieces)
Calories: 150
Fat: 9g (1.5g Sat/0 Trans)
Protein: 2g
Carbs: 16g
Sodium: 220mg

Dot’s Homestyle Buffalo Pretzel Twists:

Ingredients: Enriched Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Vegetable Oil (Canola Oil, Corn Oil, &/or Soybean Oil), Salt, Contains 2% or Less of: Buffalo Hot Sauce (Aged Cayenne Red Peppers, Canola Oil, Garlic Powder, Natural Flavor, Paprika, Salt, Vinegar Solids, Xanthan Gum), Corn Maltodextrin, Natural & Artificial Flavor, Corn Syrup, Modified Cornstarch, Monosodium Glutamate, Citric Acid, Yeast Extract, Spices, Vinegar Solids, Extractives of Paprika, Whey (Milk), Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Disodium Inosinate, Disodium Gualynate, Yeast.

Serving Size: 1oz/28g (About 16 Pieces)
Calories: 140
Fat: 6g (0.5g Sat/0 Trans)
Protein: 2g
Carbs: 19g
Sodium: 340mg

Hawaiian Brand Luau BBQ Kettle Style Potato Chips:

Ingredients: Potatoes, vegetable oil (contains one or more of the following: corn oil, sunflower oil, cottonseed oil, canola oil and/or safflower oil), sugar, salt, torula yeast, spice, paprika (for spice and color), onion powder, garlic powder, natural flavors, citric acid, extractives of paprika (for color).

Serving Size: 1oz/28g (About 17 Chips)
Calories: 150
Fat: 8g (1g Sat/0 Trans)
Protein: 2g
Carbs: 17g
Sodium: 120mg