Uglies Kettle Chips debuts sweet potato chip flavours
Image: Uglies Kettle Chips
Uglies Kettle Chips is taking something ugly and turning it into something sweet just in time for the upcoming holidays in the US, with the launch of two new sweet potato chip flavours: Hot Honey and Spicy BBQ. The new flavours, available from November 2024, build on the success of the brand’s original ‘Sweets’ sweet potato chips, introduced in 2022.
Uglies, a division of Dieffenbach’s Potato Chips Inc, is on a mission to reduce waste, support farmers, and fight hunger by using imperfect potatoes, which would otherwise be food waste, to craft delicious kettle-cooked potato chips. 26% of US produce gets discarded for cosmetic reasons, and Uglies is part of the solution to reduce this waste. Uglies also gives back by donating a portion of profits to charity.
According to category research, sweet potatoes are not just a hit on Thanksgiving dinner tables: more than 50% of American consumers have tried snacks with sweet potatoes and liked it, and an additional 16% are interested in trying. In fact, sales of sweet potato chips are up 130% in the last four years.
Americans also have a growing love affair with hot honey, which has now become a mainstream flavor. More than a third of consumers have tried it and liked it, and another almost one-quarter are interested in giving it a try. “Swicy” – sweet and spicy – has been cited as one of the hottest trends in food right now.
“It’s an amazing thing to be able to turn something ugly into something so sweet, and bring people new varieties in delicious kettle chips, to meet their evolving tastes,” said Jim Biondolillo, senior vice president of sales and marketing.
The new flavours are currently making their debut at Giant Food Stores, and rolling out to additional retailers nationwide, and are available for purchase online at the brand’s website at www.ugliessnacks.com
Uglies Kettle Chips are the only kettle chips that are Upcycled Certified by the Upcycled Food Association. The brand recently celebrated a significant milestone, reaching 30 million pounds of “ugly potatoes” that have been rescued from food waste to make ‘Naturally Imperfect. Honestly Delicious.’ kettle chips, since its inception in 2017.