We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.

How Much do Americans Spend on Potato Chips?

Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 18,615
Share

Consumers in the United States spend more than $7 billion US Dollars (USD) a year on potato chips, which adds up to 2-4 billion pounds (1-2 billion kg) of potato chips a year. About 12 million pounds (5.5 million kg) of potato chips are eaten on Super Bowl Sunday alone.

More facts about potato chips:

  • Potato chips reportedly got their start in 1853 when a patron of a Sarasota Springs resort — some say Cornelius Vanderbilt — sent some potatoes back to the kitchen, complaining that they were too thick and soggy. The incensed chef sliced them extra-thin, salted them heavily and sent them back in defiance. To his surprise, the patron liked them, and they became a regular item on the menu.

  • The majority of chipping potatoes — special varieties of potatoes for making chips — in the U.S. come from North Dakota, Pennsylvania or Florida.

  • Potato chip flavors from around the world include paprika, roast chicken, meat pie, pickled onion, grill and sour cream and béarnaise.
Share
Discussion Comments
By anon1000782 — On Dec 28, 2018

I think that 19th Century resort was Saratoga Springs, NY, not Sarasota Springs, FL (where the first homestead was established in 1886).

By anon999773 — On Mar 13, 2018

The incensed chef who created these potato chips was named George Speck, who later changed his name to George Crum.

By anon971264 — On Sep 24, 2014

Americans spend 7 billion dollars on potato chips every year. Just imagine how much Americans spend on other junk food you find in grocery stores. Americans spend three times more on junk food than healthy food.

By anon194934 — On Jul 09, 2011

Michigan is the top US producer of potatoes for the chipping industry.

By anon169121 — On Apr 20, 2011

The "discovery" of potato chips in a Sarasota Springs kitchen occurred in 1853, which obviously was during the 19th century.

By anon168948 — On Apr 19, 2011

Culinary history cites sources and chefs from the 19th century "discovering" potato chips. I would be hesitant to believe the story that they came from a more contemporary kitchen in Sarasota Springs.

Share
https://www.smartcapitalmind.com/how-much-do-americans-spend-on-potato-chips.htm
Copy this link
SmartCapitalMind, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

SmartCapitalMind, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.